Several months ago, I entertained the possibility of installing a header with my custom cat-back exhaust system. While sourcing the other components for my exhaust, I noticed that DC Sports was rereleasing their polished stainless steel exhaust header for 7th gen 2.4ltr Accords. These headers hadn't been available for a while but the reality was that I just couldn't swing the $500 price tag at the time. Well, thank goodness for ad tracking apps (I never thought I'd say that!), I received a flash sale notification from a vendor with the DC Sports header @ less than half price!! Needless to say, I couldn't log into Paypal fast enough.

So, my shiny new header arrived after I had my custom exhaust installed. My original catalytic converter had basically 'welded' itself to my original downpipe and couldn't be separated without damaging it. So I found a "high flow" aftermarket cat for a reasonable price. Then there was the issue of heat...doing away with the original exhaust manifold also means doing away with the necessary heat shield that's bolted to it. I wrapped the new header with DEI black titanium exhaust wrap and sprayed it with Thermo-tec Hi-heat coating. This process was rather tedious...not something that I'm looking to do again anytime soon. But if it keeps my new header from cooking my heater hoses (amongst other things) then mission accomplished. I relied on a professional for the installation itself. My technician insisted on leaving my car in his shop overnight before the install so that he could work on it while its cold, which made a lot of sense. Everything went smoothly and he had the job completed in 2.5 hours. On first start up with the new header I was very impressed with the improved exhaust tone. The idle is deep and throaty but the real music begins in the upper RPM ranges. As for power, my mid-range is now a monster...the car has never accelerated as quickly as it does now and sounds damn good doing it. The fun factor has definitely increased...we'll see how well it lasts in the long term.