Two Questions: 4-2-1 vs. 4-1 Headers and Which Exhaust To Use?

[amdsoldier]

Basically looking to get a high performance exhaust system, but I want to keep it pretty quiet if possible. I found this one HKS from the looks of things on ebay for a good price I think: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33630

LMK what you guys think of that one. Looking for a deep quiet sound basically, I hate loud mild-high pitch ricers.

Another thing is I won't be going Turbo, so I'll just get some nice headers to complete my catback. Does it matter which ones I get? I mean would any header basically fit into the catback without the need for extra cutting? I want to try and bolt everything on myself to save money, so that would be a plus for me.

Also I have no idea what the difference between 4-2-1 and a 4-1 header is. So if someone could explain that for me, I'd be very grateful. I see lots of 4-2-1 headers on ebay, but I think only one 4-2-1 there that I believe is going for about $200 shipped.

Lastly, I drive a 97 RS (in case the GS model makes a difference?).

[ashah000]

In 4-2-1 headers there are 4 pipes that start off then they merge into 2 then 1. And 4-1 headers there are 4 pipes that go directly into 1. Most headers should fit onto that exhaust system, they usually do, however some headers and exhaust systems dont match.

[amdsoldier]

Originally Posted by ashah000

In 4-2-1 headers there are 4 pipes that start off then they merge into 2 then 1. And 4-1 headers there are 4 pipes that go directly into 1. Most headers should fit onto that exhaust system, they usually do, however some headers and exhaust systems dont match.

Thanks for your time in reply, but however I pretty much knew that information. I was looking for a more detailed reply. Like for example what kind of performance difference is there going from 4-2-1 to a 4-1? Any benefits, drawbacks of each one?

And how can you be sure one header will fit with another cat? Isn't there like a code or something that would indicate if they are compatiable or not?

[kjewer1]

Ihavent looked into headers since I bought a turbo car 4 years ago. But it would seem the 4-2-1 would line up the exhaust pulses in such a way that it improves midrange power, while a 4 into 1 woud be desinged for maximum flow, and more top end power. On a 4-1 the longer the pipes are, the lower in the rev range its intended to make an improvement. But I reserve the right to be slightly off on all this.

[ashah000]

95 GSXracer is right with that, but the 4-1 sometimes sacrafice low end power. But the top end power is great. I think people like the 4-1 better. I am planning on getting the 4-1's.

[kjewer1]

Which way people go depends on basically one of two schools of thought. And I'll refer to honda-like, small displacement, high rpm import motors from here on. One is that the small high reving motors lack torque down low, so lets shift a little of the top end power down to the midrange to even it up a bit. This guy will get the 4-2-1s and other bottem end power enhancing mods. The second, and the one I agree with, is these motors are designed to make thier power up top, so why not compliment that instead of fight it. One example is the Jackson racing SC vs the Vortech SC. Every says that the vortech is crap because it doesnt build low end power like the JRSC does. But I say the b16a makes so much of its power above 6k, why not run a compressor that is well matched to such an application, like a centrifugal blower is (as opposed to the roots style JRSC which becomes a hindrance at high rpm). My ex tried it, and it worked very well! With just the SC and exhaust, it put down 250 whp and trapped 107. No other mods. Its well matched set IMO. Later on it did 300 whp, and was still increasing...

Just my way of looking at things