I have a problem, I have a 99' Accord LX sedan w/ VTEC 4cyl and a 5spd. I have an APC Short Ram intake, Greddy Ground wire kit, Custom 2 1/4" Exhaust w/ Magnaflow muffler, and STi PHAT igntition wires. I love the car as it is but I WANT MORE SPEED!!! And i am on a budget, i make about 125$ a week, LOL!!! I was wondering if headers (4-2-1 or 4-1) would let me notice an increase in power, and what would be better, 4-2-1 or 4-1? I was also thinking about a test pipe or a high flow cat, would that free up some more ponies or would it be a waste of money. Then i want to do an MSD Modified ignition cap and rotor and maybe a Blaster SS coil. I want to know if with all these mods, will my car be faster than it all ready is. I want to be able to beat or be within 1/2 a car length of a 99' Civic Si. Does anyone think with these parts i can do it? Thanks

 

The 4-2-1 Header is going to give you more at the low-mid range and may take away a little at the top. The 4-1 will give you more top end and maybe a little less at the bottom. I think the 4-1 also is a little lower in terms of how far down the pipe goes (closer to the ground). I think a good header to get is the DC stainless steel, but their are plenty of others out there. As far as the test pipe or high flow cat goes, I'm not too certain on what the gains would be.

 

i actually like the ceramic coated ones better...buts thats just my opinion... what was said about the Difference between the 4-1 and the 4-2-1 was absolutely spot on. i dont think your going to take a b16a powered si with a good driver in it though

 

I have actually raced a B16 Si on the highway one night, we went from a 45mph (2nd gear for me) roll. It was before i had my Cat-back on my car so it was just my intake and plug wires and he beat me only by 1/2 - 3/4 of a car length. I will have to say though, the Accord is a pretty fast car on the highway, it doesnt really fall on its face either. I let my brother drive the car and beleive me, my brother car race, and he went down close to 0mph and brought it all the way up to 130 and he said it was rather consistent, it didnt just die at 80, it pulls pretty strong, but what do you guys think good competition would be for my accord?

 

i can tell you tomorrow how much a 4-2-1 header helps an accord.