My Check engine light came on about a month ago and so I checked the engine codes and discovered the problem was with my 02 sensor.

I ordered the sensor and when I was going to replace it I noticed that my manifold has a 2 inch crack going right into the threads for the O2 sensor.

I have to replace the manifold but was thinking that since I am going to have to do the work, would getting headers put on it instead be worth it?

I have wanted to increase my HP for quite awhile and know it will give me some increase. I am not looking to spend much more than $300-$400. So would it be worth it to get headers and if so does anybody recommend a good type and source?

Thanks again,

anderj235

It won't hurt anything to put a header on there instead of a stock manifold, but you won't really notice a difference until you put a better flowing catback exhaust on as well. It's a start, though. And actually, if you're going to get a Honda manifold, there are plenty of good headers out there that actually cost less.

So the positives are that it's less money, looks better, and it starts you on your way to having a intake/header/exhaust setup. There aren't really any negative angles, as long as you don't pick up a cheap one on ebay for $50 or something.

Post more specific info about your car for recommendations on where to get what you need.

Specifics about my car hmmm....

Well it is a 5 spd Stock 1997 Honda Civic DX, I bought it brand new in 97. I believe the HP stock is 108 or right around there. It just rolled over to 77,000 miles.

Only thing that is in it that wasn't put there by honda, except for user replaceable items i.e. tires, sparkplugs, filters and such, is the Sony CD player which I put in.

What sort of details are you looking for and I can get them and post them.

Thanks,
anderj235

6th gen DX, they have the cat mated to the exhaust manifold don't they. You'd have to get a header and a new cat. Or, wait and turbo that biatch. Only 77,000 miles, for a Honda that's barely breaking it in. A boosted Y7 would be cool.

Yeah the Cat is mated to the Exhaust manifold, so I guess that is info that I didn't mention at first....

If I were to go the turbo route, anyone have a good place I can read up on info into it and also approx how much that would set me back in $$$?

Thanks,
anderj235

www.homemadeturbo.com and there is another one out there specifically for turboed d-series motors, but I don't remember what it is. The guys from homemadeturbo.com are somewhat local to me and I've met a few of them a couple of times. They are really helpful and definetely know their shit.

Oh and I forgot to mention that I called the dealership that I bought my car from and if I was able, I could get everything repaired under warranty.

My problem is that I am in the United States Air Force stationed in Germany and I am not sure if a honda dealership would repair it under warranty here.

I am going to check on that tomorrow, if they will fix it for free I may go that route, if not I may take this as an oppurtunity to finally take the route of doing aftermarket mods to increase my performance, which I had always wanted to do.

I am a complete newbie in aftermarket mods on cars, but I am very mechanically/electronically inclined.

I calibrate and repair medical equipment in the Air Force. Also my stepfather is a mechanic and made me spend many hours working on vehicles with him.

I have the ability to do aftermarket mods myself just not the experience to assure I am taking the right route in making the mods.

Any guidance/advice is greatly appreciated. Also I see these model names for motors and am wondering where I can find this info for my particular engine.

Thanks,
anderj235

Ok I went and got some info from under the hood if this helps any:

Catalyst TWC-HO2S (2) SFI

VHN1.6VJGKGK

Engine Family: VHN1077BYMAC

That mean anything to anyone that could help me?

Thanks,
anderj235

what exactly is it that you want to know?

Is it worth my while to buy and install a header (later a complete performance exhaust system) and if so what brands/types should I be looking at.

Or should I skip that all together and plan to install a turbo system, once again what brand/type?

Like I said I am an aftermarket mod newb, and therefore haven't a clue about what route I should take to increase my HP/engine performance.

Anderj235

depends on how fast you want to be. That motor isn't exactly a performance motor and the ideal thing would be to swap the motor out for something else, but if you're not looking to be really really fast, I'd turbo it. Best way to go about doing a turbo is to piece together the kit yourself.

My daughter has a 96 Civic dx and the same thing goes for her car. The ck eng light came on and the eng diagnostics showed O2 sensor. I looked and sure enough the mainfold is cracked. The cat is a part of the manifold. I heard through the grape vine that the car is under warranty due to the sucky emissions. Any help where I can find info on this warranty?

Just call any local Honda dealership and give them the VIN number. They can check it in their computer to see if it is covered under warranty or not.

Hope that helps.

Any honda engine/transmission, reguardless of what model, in the U.S. is under an unspoken warrenty until after the 100,000 mile marker... I'm not exactly sure if they count the manifold itself as part of the engine or if they count it as the 'exhaust system' but I'd be trying to get it repaired for free if it was me!

This is an extremely common problem... my brother's DX is suffering the same problem at this time also...

If you get a header to replace your manifold, you'll have to get a catalytic converter for an EX as well.... $250 for a header, $150 for a cat... add another $300 for an upgraded exhaust, or find a place to custom route you an exhaust for $100 for piping and bending the pipe, and maybe $50 for a generic muffler.... so 250 + 150 + 300 = 700 for complete name brand exhaust... or... 250 + 150 + 150 = 550 for complete custom/generic exhaust.

Or new manifold from honda = $489 + installation

What would you rather do? :P

www.first-1.com has Dc sports headers for around 230. This is where i went when i found my manifold had a y shaped crack. One peice of advice is to try and get them to sell you an extra o2 sensor extension harness because since you have a DX you will have to relocate 2 o2 sensors, Compared to the Ex which only requires you to extend one.

Hey killa Crx you said u put a ex cat on a dx civic with a header.... i got a header put on my car and i was wondering if u put a hi flow cat on it or a stock ex cat... if its a high flow cat where did u place it??? i had a crakced manifold also so i got a header and putting a muffler on it.... do you think running without a cat will hurt anything besides gas millage and emessions? Thnks Dicus