Ebay Header vs F22a4 Manifold

[Junior Smurff]

So im just starting to make moves on my new cb, and after some research i found that the a4 manifold is superior and less restrictive than both a1 and a6. Now, how does the a4 manifold compare to ebay header?? Yes its oem and you'll be able to pass smog with it no problem but do ebay headers flow significantly better?? Anybody that has or has had one how do they change the sound of your car?? Thanks!

[Jarrett]

The eBay header is essentially a performance equal to an A4 header. It's advantages mainly lie in its appearance. While most would argue that the chrome finish won't last, it still also lacks the heat shield mounting tabs that the A4 header has. I would recommend doing a search on the matter though because there is a pretty negative sentiment toward the gaskets that come with generic headers.

[deevergote]

The pipes on the "ebay" header (ebay doesn't make anything, so this is actually referring to any number of cheap headers available there) will be larger than the pipes on the A4 piece. The aftermarket header will probably flow better, but the gains will be minimal... and the quality considerably less than stock (though many stock units are in poor condition after 20+ years.)

Also, the A6 manifold probably flows just as well as the A4 tubular header. The only one that is guaranteed to flow worse is the A1 manifold (mainly because the A4 header is the ONLY difference between the F22A1 and F22A4)

[Junior Smurff]

The eBay header is essentially a performance equal to an A4 header. It's advantages mainly lie in its appearance. While most would argue that the chrome finish won't last, it still also lacks the heat shield mounting tabs that the A4 header has. I would recommend doing a search on the matter though because there is a pretty negative sentiment toward the gaskets that come with generic headers.

Damn now you gots me worried... Any clue what that "pretty negative sentiment toward the gaskets that come with generic headers." is??

[deevergote]

It's big boy speak for "those gaskets are shit, and you'll have an exhaust leak if you use them."

[Jarrett]

They're cheap material that blows out. But if you searched for that like I suggested you'd have a better understanding of what I mean instead of asking me to re-explain it.

There's three.

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthre...hlight=gaskets

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthre...ghlight=header

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthre...ghlight=gasket

[Junior Smurff]

The pipes on the "ebay" header (ebay doesn't make anything, so this is actually referring to any number of cheap headers available there) will be larger than the pipes on the A4 piece. The aftermarket header will probably flow better, but the gains will be minimal... and the quality considerably less than stock (though many stock units are in poor condition after 20+ years.)

Also, the A6 manifold probably flows just as well as the A4 tubular header. The only one that is guaranteed to flow worse is the A1 manifold (mainly because the A4 header is the ONLY difference between the F22A1 and F22A4)

I see, well considering i can get a "ebay header" for almost what a a4 or a6 would cost at the jy(ecology is picey here) I think im going to go with the header. A little if any more preformance and more appealing to the eye as jarret said

[Junior Smurff]

It's big boy speak for "those gaskets are shit, and you'll have an exhaust leak if you use them."

They're cheap material that blows out. But if you searched for that like I suggested you'd have a better understanding of what I mean instead of asking me to re-explain it.

There's three.

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthre...hlight=gaskets

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthre...ghlight=header

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthre...ghlight=gasket

Nevermind...

[dj_ender]

Nevermind...

Just because the gaskets are questionable, doesn't mean not to get them. Rather, if you do buy them, get good gaskets. I used a Subaru 2.5L gasket, just requires a little trimming.

[Junior Smurff]

Just because the gaskets are questionable, doesn't mean not to get them. Rather, if you do buy them, great good gaskets. I used a Subaru 2.5L gasket, just requires a little trimming.

I was just reading that! Might as well dish out the few extra bucks for quality gaskets than have to replace them every other month. Thanks guys!

[dj_ender]

I was just reading that! Might as well dish out the few extra bucks for quality gaskets than have to replace them every other month. Thanks guys!

The Subaru gasket comes in a set for around $10, that way you'll have an extra of you mess up cutting it, or blow it out. You still need a good gasket for the head, there have been discussions about the OEM Honda gasket not doing a good enough job of sealing. I have yet to find a solid gasket that won't leak, I am currently using the OEM metal gasket add it can leak after a hard pull

[deevergote]

Another option is to buy a header that's higher quality than "ebay" garbage... one that will undoubtedly come with better gaskets.

[Jaysson_2012]

yea the ebay gaskets are crap, i got a complete ebay exhaust system for 180 total. Its been on for 3 days and is already leaking.

But i do feel quite a bit of difference. BUt i dont think it was the header, i got rid of the rusted cat.

And i also cut of the fake N1 and put a magnaflow on... just throwin that out there.

[Accrdwgnguy]

I reused the OEM Honda gasket to the head, its reusable. If you are really worried about it leaking throw on some high temp RTV.

I went with the generic header for my GF's car. A few issues I had:

All the welds are pretty damn good looking tig welds, except for the block bracket. It was barely tacked onto the pipes. First time it broke off I re-welded it back to the pipes. Second time it ripped two little holes in top of the pipes. After the second fix it has popped off again. I plan on making a reinforced bracket out of mild steel to repair this issue for good.

Speaking of material, these generic exhaust parts are typically made out of low grade 300-series stainless. Its cheap and the finish doesn't last. However it is stainless steel, so it at least won't rust out. You can always wirewheel the header and paint it with VHT header paint.

The flexpipes don't last in northern states where salt is used on the roads.



After 4 months of winter roads.

Otherwise its a good deal if you don't mind cutting up and modifying things. If you want a bolt on and forget it deal, buy a DC Sports header. I bought a used DC sports header, no idea how old it is, but its been on my car for 5 years and its still good to go.

Nice thing about the generic header is the downpipes right off the header are 2", perfect size to build a high flow header. I hacked mine at the collector and welded on a 2.5" flex. Check out the thread below for my adventure with an "eBay" header.

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=180127