I was looking online at nopi for headers for my 2000 s2k, and they have some ceramic 4-2-1 headers for $333, and then some stainless steel TIG welded comptech 4-1 headers for like $900. Is it worth the extra $600 for the comptech ones? I'm thinking its not, but I wanted to get everyone's opinion. Also, if there are some other headers that work better or anyone thinks are good, where can I get them and whats the make and model? Thanks

 

I just put on Mugen's 4-2-1 and like them, but they're pricey. I hear the gains from headers are not astounding and are even less on non-SC'd cars. But mine is SC'd and I also put on a cat-back. With these I noticed a modest difference just driving it (mostly throttle repsonse and in Vtec), but I don't have dyno comparisons.

I have no idea if the pricier ones put out more hp than cheaper models, but usually weigh less, which was important to me. The Mugen's are around 10lbs less; plus they include a heat shield.

 

How much are the Mugen ones? Also, what are the side affects as far as the engine reliability and maintenance goes of supercharging on the s2k? I'm looking into getting one, and I've heard great stuff about Vortech, but on websites i've mostly found comptech ones for sale.

 

Try doing a search for this material.

It's been covered more times than I can count.

 

Moving to "S2000 Talk".
When you're ready to install it and tell us how it went, post 'er back here.

 

What do you guys think about thermal wrapping the stock header. Since most headers for are car only add or lose between -5 to +5 horsepower. Do you think I might gain some since I would be keeping the engine compartment cooler. But also people seem to think thats all it does. Thermal wrap also keeps the heat in the pipes hotter so the gasses escape faster then when your header is not wrapped. Now I know many have said don't do it. It will crack but I have never seen nor heard from anyone other then a few on this board about this happing.

 

[QUOTE]What do you guys think about thermal wrapping the stock header. Since most headers for are car only add or lose between -5 to +5 horsepower. Do you think I might gain some since I would be keeping the engine compartment cooler. But also people seem to think thats all it does. Thermal wrap also keeps the heat in the pipes hotter so the gasses escape faster then when your header is not wrapped. Now I know many have said don't do it. It will crack but I have never seen nor heard from anyone other then a few on this board about this happing.


i was kind of curious about the same thing???

 

Do you have any decent trustworthy links/references about thermal wrapping your headers? I've heard people say that it helps, but the explanation just doesn't cut it for me. There's no reason why hotter gas escapes faster than cooler gas. In fact, since hotter gas takes up more volume, you will have higher exhaust velocites at the same mass flow rate. Higher velocity -> greater drag on the gas -> higher pressure drop (higher backpressure). The hotter gas may flow faster, but you are actually moving fewer gas molecules per second (lower density) through your pipes because of the greater drag at the increased flow velocity.

I'm not sure if any of this makes a noticeable difference (I'm guessing not), but that's the theory, anyway.

However, wrapping your exhaust will keep your engine bay cooler, which is always good.

 

If you want the best header which will make the biggest difference, you should consider J's Racing. J's made 10hp over Mugen which I have dynoed awhile back. If you run a search, you can probably find the dyno results.

Mugen claims their header weighs 6.2kg (13.64 lbs) and the J's Racing weighs 10 lbs.

 

The cheap ones you saw were DC sports headers which are crap. If you want to go cheap, get the Megan Racing header in the group buy section for like 350. It will actually make power and is the best header per dollar. The J's is probably the best overall but you'll spend 1200+ getting it.