Exhaust Sys. Question(s)

So the next project for my Japanese hoo-ride is an exhaust system. I plan on headers (not sure what kind) and likely a GReddy muffler with probably 2 - 21/2 pipes (have to keep the cat to be legal.) Here's my question. I have a VX 92 civic. A P.O.S. I think it's something like a 1.4l (I could be wrong) but it's little and has about 226,000 miles on it (though runs suprisingly well). Now, should I goes ahead with the exhaust plans, and if so, will what I get for this engine fit a b18 which is what I plan to swap for in the future? Also, what is/are the best headers/exhaust (muffler) for my money?

I really appreciate all the help you all have given, I know Im postin' tons of newbie questions...but the only stupid questions are the ones not asked.

oooh oh yeah and this "back pressure" stuff I hear so much about...
Do I:
1. Need it for the car to run right
2.Don't need it at all -- its a farse
3.Only need it to increase low-end torque
4.Need it to run right and produce more low end torque

I've heard and read so much from so many sources claiming one of the above -- so what's the scoop?

i dont know how the vx exhaust system might vary between 92' models, but i just installed apexi n1 single catback on my 2000 an hour ago, and besides burning packing material smelling like paper, its great, if apexi makes one for your ride, get it, you get what you pay for with exhaust. another route i considered, if the aftermarket isnt providing your stuff, goto muffler shop, find a muffler you like (Style,brand,sound) and put 2" or 2 1/4" piping for it, i hear they can do that for under 100... yeah that engine swap should roll up soon... 220k miles is alot,even for a honda... thats just my two cents,

later,ryan

most cars only produce about 1-1.5 psi of backpressure. it's only needed to prevent this thing called reversion (where the exhaust gases go back into the cylinders).

i'm almost positive the header for the vx (D-series 1.5 i believe) will not fit a B series engine. the exhaust should fit no problem. cause after all your only changin the flange (maybe) at the front of the exhaust pipe, not really the length of the exhaust piping.


anyways. hope to help.

Becca

i'm with scooter. I don't think the header will interchange between your d15 and the b18 you want. Sorry to be a punk, but i say drop the ideas of header and exhaust and save up for the GS-R swap. your ride will RULE w/ that motor.......

Originally posted by tenzoracerevovii
i'm with scooter. I don't think the header will interchange between your d15 and the b18 you want. Sorry to be a punk, but i say drop the ideas of header and exhaust and save up for the GS-R swap. your ride will RULE w/ that motor.......

Not a punk at all. That was what I was wrestling with -- exhaust and better this engine, or wait for the swap. Now if the headers wont fit both exhaust ports -- me thinks you're right, get the swap first then all the right pipes.

Now on the topic of back pressure, I read in some Honda Hot Rod manual/research book that headers promote the "pulse" of the exhaust leaving the ports and therefore there is less risk of the exhaust backing up into the cylinders. I really don't know what to think...the two arguements stack almost evenly in good points.

thanks for helping everyone - much appreciated
-wheel

p.s -- The exhaust article in the FAQ supports this "pulse" theory also, with a nifty Mr. Wizard experiment to clarify what happens.

the article is right. the "pulse" is backpressure. hmmm...let me see if i can explain this. I've got V8's on the brain (damn this school!! :))

blah, I'll have to clear my head first. ;)

Becca

so what you're sayin' there Scooterbug is that the low pressure that is on the back end of an exhaust pulse is back pressure? n'est pas? Like saying the absence of pressure at the back of the pulse -- a near vaccum after the poof of exhaust that pulls the next poof of exhaust along with it. So really, you do need backpressure to run right, but most folks have been defining backpressure wrong or not clearly.

aaaahhhh i see said the blind man as he picked up his hammer and saw

... yeah that engine swap should roll up soon... 220k miles is alot,even for a honda... thats just my two cents,


220,000 alot for honda?!?! most of the older accords in this area have over 250,000 miles on them and all run fine ....one of my friends with a 88 accord lxi has over 440,000 miles on it with the orig. motor...only thing that went was the tranny