there aren't that many options for 7th gens i would probably go for DC sports since there actually dyno tested unlike most ebay crap. if your driving a lx dx and the header and cat are combined then you would want to swap to an ex exhaust with the cat downstream or install an aftermarket cat legal to your state.

 

I can't speak much for hearders...I've seen some decent deals on used DC race hearders around. Why not get a custom exhaust from an exhaust shop with an RSX muffler.

 

I'd say this is right up your alley, http://www.7thgenhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6495
go with a DC Sports shorty header, the size piping you want, and the cat-back exhaust that tickles your fancy or just go for a custom cat-back with an 05-06 RSX Type S muffler and match the piping. As for piping size the magic number seems to be 2.25" but maybe even 2" would be good.

 

Get yourself a 4-2-1 header welded with stock cat,increase the midpipe to 1.75 inch.at last..... get a straight through muffler with 2 inch piping.

 

dc header (not race header) seems to be the only one that is legal (but provides practically almost no gains since piping is the same as stock). Get a high flow cat, 2" piping and a vibrant exhaust.

 

I am looking into the suggestions provided, makes sense to me and looking into it. I want to ask owners who had Stage 1 Cam with I/H/E. What setup did you use and where did you notice the most power when driving normally?

 

if anything you wont really make gains, just really small gains lol


imo just get ebay header- down pipe- and a cheap cat back with a quality muffler and your set- shouldnt set you back more then 350$ anyhing bigger then 2 inches will suffice.

good luck

 

I got 2 stock mufflers, live in Amherst. Wanna pick one up?

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

I got 2 stock mufflers, live in Amherst. Wanna pick one up?

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

Interesting offer, is OEM LX muffler interchangeable on EX exhaust? I assume yours is from a sedan?

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/PartsSearch.jsp
EX Coupe Part# 18030-S5P-A01
LX Sedan Part# 18030-S5D-A11
LX Coupe Part# 18030-S5P-A11

 

Hey I think I should chime in and I apologize for not getting in until now. I had a ported head with stage 1 on an lx block/tranny and ran it with the stock lx header to a sportier muffler I was looking into exhausts a lot and I really didn't think gains would be that big. I ended up picking up a 2.25" catback and a megan racing lx header. That's the one where it's a 4-1 but it's a lot longer than the EX. If you use this header, you will get better gains than with an EX, prolly not as good as DC racing longtube header, but its a lot easier to get a cat for it than the DCRH. I was very impressed with this setup. I didn't run a cat with it, but there would be tonnes of room for one in the exhaust. I'd recommend buy an ebay LX/DX 2.25" exhaust and get a high flow cat welded in. You'll get awesome gains.

I'd also recommend stage 1 clutch and fidanza 7lb flywheel.

 

Thanks for the input, have an automatic so clutch is not an option.

 

What I did back in the day was the DC shorty and RT high flow cat.

http://www.dezod.com/pd_random_technology_hiflow.cfm
and
http://www.dezod.com/pd_dc_sports_41_1pc_headercivic_ex_01up.cfm

 

Getting a used DC Race header with hi-flow cat welded to it. Would the stock resonator fit without air restrictions or should I go aftermarket? Now hunting for muffler, keeping an eye out for 05-06 RSX-S muffler.

 

problem with stock resonator and the rsx muffler is, your piping in and out will be extremely restrictive and you won't see any gains from this setup. The rsx exhaust is 1.75" I think. The stock muffler will also be very restrictive. With the dc race header, you'll probably even want to step up to a 2.5". I think any decent looking exhaust from ebay with 2.5" would work great. 2.25 would also work well but with this setup, the cat will provide necessary backpressure after that, you'll want to get the exhaust out as quick as possible. I can't see anything else being worth while. I'm excited to see your build and progress. I think you've got potential to be the best automatic d17 NA out there. I wouldn't be surprised if you car was quicker than a stock ep3 after exhaust. After that have you considered doing an intake manifold swap? I've got some ideas for other stuff you could try.

 

Thanks for the info, I will be looking for a catback exhaust setup with 2.25 diameter pipe. Problem is finding a quiet one that doesn't have a 3"+ tip. As for mods I didn't consider taking further than this. Different intake manifold wont make much of a difference with stock ECU, if the part fails I would consider it. The car is definitely more responsive than stock and still usable as daily driver. Of course I would like more torque, but an NA D17 has its limitations. Gladly the F22B1 in my 97 Accord MT with 235k miles seems to do the job for now. Next mod will be new tires when the Michelin Primacy MXV4s wear out, wanted Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S but they seem to have been discontinued.

 

Do any performance catback exhaust kits come with a resonator? From what I am seeing the answer is no, can't find a performance muffler with tips smaller than 3 inches.

Any catback exhausts you know of come with resonator and tip <3"?

Thanks

 

You think that an automatic with those bolt ons to beat a ep3? I don't think it could and I've raced mp3's with my EX manual with bolt ons and light wheels. I've beat some so I'm not saying it can't be done I just find it hard to believe that the automatic LX could do that with those mods

 

never actually seen an automatic with stage 1 cam, but yeah. I mean the ep3 is 160 crank hp so at the wheels its lucky to break 140whp. Factor in the mods on the automatic, I think it could be close. The d17 isn't a half bad engine. People are just too cheap and lazy to mod them properly. The k20a3 isn't all that great. I mean I completely believe that my d17a1 with a2 head and stage 1 cam, i/h/e/clutch/fw and a few other little things was faster and better than a 6th gen b16 sir and the k20a3 ep3.

 

I don't think my Civic with mods will outpace my 97 Honda Accord EX Sedan MT with 235k miles. The car is still waiting for parts and needs a new inspection sticker.

 

Ended up patching the exhaust at a muffler shop for $70, now I have a used (not used personally) DC Race header with universal cat welded up for grabs.