Finally.... RPW race headers, magnaflow HFC, and resonater/muffler (greddy) from RRM were installed. So I guess it's actually a RPW/Greddy/Magnaflow review.
The job was supposed to cost 200 and take "a couple hours". My guy didn't have a bender, so a portion of exhaust is still stock. His welder didn't show up in the am (supposed to start job at nine, he started on headers at 10). . Understand I had to do some searching to get someone to install those headers. I could have done it myself, I know, but I'm really afraid of screwing up this daily driver. Anyhow - dude got another welder in. Unfortunately, his welder was acting up. So I had arrived a little before 9, the job got started at 10, and I drove off at 4:45!!! I almost slept on his shop floor (I usually don't get up till 10 cause I start work at noon).

Anyhow. Old gaskets worked fine (it was 9k, not 5-6 on engine but still). He took all the extra bolts and I don't know for sure yet if he needed them for connecting the downpipe. I also had him drill hole and install pyrometer (just the sender - I didn't want exhaust flying out my engine bay) and weld a third o2 bung. He also had to go buy a reducer for that one portion of stock piping.

Let me say - I'm impressed with the parts! When I first left the shop (to get more money, everything ended up costing 342) . I accidentally chirped the tires just leaving the driveway. The RPW headers did give me a small gain on the low end, and, obviously mor to the mid and even more at the high end.

With the headers and HFC it sounds like most hondas out there (who only have a muffler). It's not too loud at all. I'm sure it's pretty loud on the freeway - but there's so much road and wind noise anyhow I can't hear it then - I can feel it. It feels like the idle is a little rough, I think it's just the headers though. Performance is awesome.

CEL - I did give they guy my CEL eliminator from RRM and told him where to put it. I drove about 60 miles home (hard and other driving) and had no CEL. Shut down the car, and got back in about 30 minutes later to take wifey to dinner and after about 3 miles the CEL popped on. She freaked. I explained why it happened. Car runs just the same. I have to crawl under there later today to see if A) he actually installed it, and B) it was installed in the right location. If it was installed correctly I may just have to get a code reader or something.

Next I will be installing my wideband, guages, oil pressure sender (where does it go?) Etc. Probably will do most or all of it myself (definitely not going back to this dude unless I can help it). I already have a SAFC 2 and I know they can't eliminate the CEL code. So what are some other options (besides bigger more expensive computer options) for code readers that will work on my Car and eliminate the cel? Thanks all! Have a great day. Hope you are as happy with your car as I am.

Next up after the aforementioned electronics will be P&P IM and bored TB. That will probably be several months though - other things have been neglected to direct money to the car.

Latez.

 

Walmart sells a code reader/clearer for like $60 - thats the one I have. I'm doing a install/write up tonight for the oil pressure sender. The stock sender is on the back passenger side of the block, just above the upper oil pan, to the left of the oil filter. I'll be removing the stock sender, installing a length of tubing to move the aftermarker sender up into the engine bay and on teh end of the tube, I'll add a T so I can add an oil temp sender later.

Sorry to hear about the $$ extra you had to spend. Why did you need a welder for the install of the header? Is it required to replace the stock downpipe? Those have long runners huh? SO I guess you would need a costum length made. Keep us posted.

 

Didn't need a welder for the headers... I needed a welder for the HFC, resonater, and muffler. I don't think you HAVE to replace the dp with most headers... these just came with as a set. Yes they have long runners. They look very different (I'm sure you've seen pics. RIPP now are selling what looks to be the exact same thing). But they don't look like most headers I've seen. The extra money was an acceptrable amount - I well understood where it came from. I did kind of feel like he should have knocked the price down a little since I was actually there from before 9 am to almost 5pm. Dude does definitely know his stuff - even if he does specialize in ((hondas)). hehe. I just feel like he didn't really go to any lengths to make me trust this guy too much - other than his abilites. Thanks for the input.

P.S. Will definitely be looking for your how-to. Thanks!

 

love those headers. have a setup similar to urs.. get a piggy and youll love it.