A very thorough review of a $46 Ebay header (D16A6)

[hsunchen]

OK . . . I said I'd drop science on everyone on this topic, so here it is.

The subject car is an '89 Honda Civic Si. You can refer to this post to see how I got here . . .

http://www.highaltitudeimports.com/showthread.php?t=39019

I bought the header from a Ebay seller called "bumimoto" - here's his info:

http://members.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=bumimoto

The header was $3.99 with $39.99 shipping and $2.00 optional insurance. The insurance is not really necessary, since it was shipped Fedex ground, and all Fedex ground shipments include $100 worth of insurance, but I didn't want to take the chance of the seller saying "well you didn't pay for insurance, you're screwed" if I never got anything.

The part came really fast. I have no complaints with the merchant at all.

This is what it looked like when I opened the box:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P3210700.jpg

No instructions, but who needs 'em.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P3210702.jpg

Notice that same effort has been made to grind out the welds inside the flange to the head, and also inside at the pipe divorcing area too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P3210705.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P3210711.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P3210707.jpg

[hsunchen]

Here are some closeups of the welding, not bad at all:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P3210714.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P3210715.jpg

The flanges are really thick, which makes it heavier than necessary, but I'd think they're no way they'd warp. Also, keep in mind this is supposed to be "T304 Stainless Steel" header. The tubing was non-magnetic, so it's either some sort of stainless or heavily aluminized. The flanges however were magnetic, so they are obviously mild steel, not S/S.

The gasket between the upper and lower section. doesn't like up perfectly with the openings in the header. Not bad enough for me to worry about.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P3210730.jpg

The hardware (notice they are studs, not cheesy bolt-and-nut combos that are really hard to work with, because with bolt-and-nut style of fastening the header halves, you need two wrenches and both hands to get them tightened. Total PITA.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P3210732.jpg

Like most Ebay headers, this one had two O2 bungs - one on the passenger side up top (note that not all Ebay headers have the bung on the correct side!) and one down by the collector.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P3210733.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P3210742.jpg

[hsunchen]

OK, here's what it weighs . . . 12.84 lb. I'll get to how much weight it saved over the OEM stuff in just a second.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P3210734.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P3210736.jpg

Here's the before pic . . .

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P4020853.jpg

Here's the OEM cast iron exhaust manifold, heatshields, B-pipe, and hardware on the scale (21.25 lb is accurate, I left off the bolts and a bracket in the first pic). So the Ebay "DC-S" header saves 8.41 lb. BTW, the O2 sensor takes a 22 mm wrench:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P4020855.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P4020863.jpg

When I put the two parts side by side, I noticed two differences. First of all, the Ebay header has ZERO mounting brackets down below. Not good - there's a probably good reason Honda decided to put TWO brackets on their OEM piece, even if it is held up/supported by the exhaust. Second, the angle of the lower section seems to be off a little. More on this later.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P4020856.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P4020857.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P4020858.jpg

There is a definite improvement in the ID of the collector though:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P4020861.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P4020860.jpg

[hsunchen]

Everything went together really easy, aside from getting the top half of the header in. There's not much clearance between the radiator/hoses and the header studs. Takes a little patience and creativity.

I chose to use the supplied soft gasket between the head and the header instead of reusing the OEM metal gasket because I figured the manufacturer must have supplied the new gasket for a reason. Why bother including the new gasket in the kit unless it was necessary?

Take a look underneath. You can see how the angle is indeed not quite right. Not enough to cause any sealing issues, but the result is that the header hangs down WAY low compared to the OEM part. In fact, it's about 1 3/4" lower than the oil pan. Not good for lowered Honduhs:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P4020865.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P4020867.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P4020869.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P4020872.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P4020876.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P4020878.jpg

Does look pretty up top though:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P4020870.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Hsun/Ebay%20DC-S%20D16A6%20header%20from%20bumimoto/P4020871.jpg

[ChewiSi]

sweet.

[ripperbone]

nice. looks good

[hsunchen]

Hey you fuckers, I'm not done yet!!! :)

So, here's the verdict (according to me):

1. Ridiculously good deal for $46 shipped and insured.

2. Good overall quality of materials, welding, and hardware. Piping appears to be stainless steel, flanges definitely are not.

3. Saves 8.41 lb over the OEM parts.

4. No dyno figures, so no idea how much power it makes (if any). But, with no other changes to the car, it felt a little perkier in the midrange, maybe a little more power above 5500 rpm too. Just assdyno guessing of course.

5. Problems: no support tabs for lower section of header, incorrect angle of lower section leads to a header hanging down by almost 1 3/4" below the oil pan.

6. Do I expect this header to be any more likely to crack than a $300 DC Sports header? No.

7. Am I going to be super careful to avoid all speed bumps? Hells yes.

[StreetRacer16g]

how about performance and so forth...sound etc??

[hsunchen]

how about performance and so forth...sound etc??

I said I assdynoed definite gains . . . around 5 lb ft and 7 whp. :)

Sound? Most headers are a little louder than OEM exhaust manifolds, but I can't hear it over the intake.

[Slow96GSR]

Hell for that price even if it cracks just get it rewelded.

[myshtern]

tits

[bigacuralvr]

Do I spy an MR2 next to it?? Looks great though!

[sauccarl]

So overall were you- happy? satisfied? mad? so-so?

[hsunchen]

So overall were you- happy? satisfied? mad? so-so?

Well, I thought I covered that . . .

I bought the header from a Ebay seller called "bumimoto" - here's his info:

http://members.ebay.com/ebaymotors/w...serid=bumimoto

The part came really fast. I have no complaints with the merchant at all.

So, here's the verdict (according to me):

1. Ridiculously good deal for $46 shipped and insured.

2. Good overall quality of materials, welding, and hardware. Piping appears to be stainless steel, flanges definitely are not.

5. Problems: no support tabs for lower section of header, incorrect angle of lower section leads to a header hanging down by almost 1 3/4" below the oil pan.


I gave the header a good shake after it was bolted up, it seemed pretty solid. After all, the top half is secured to the head by a lot of studs and nuts. I was feeling too lazy to rig up some sort of bullshit hoseclamp support bracket.

I'm not too concerned about the header being lower than the oil pan. This isn't going to be a daily driver, and I don't have any speed bumps in my neighborhood. Hopefully I'll remember to stay away from shopping centers that do.

Overall, it's a great part. I wonder what the actual cost to the wholesaler is in order to sell it so cheap - $20??? The Fedex ground shipping is gotta be at least $10-$12.

For $46 - it fits the car (not perfectly, but it works), it looks decent, and I would be willing to bet it makes within 15% of the same power increase as a name brand header. I'm totally satisfied with it right now (I'll let you know if it cracks).

[hsunchen]

Do I spy an MR2 next to it??

Yes, you do . . . and that particular 300+ whp, low 13-sec. '91 MR2T will be for sale in the next 30 days . . . details and pricing coming soon to a post near you.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v634/SW20MR2/serious%20MR2%20flossin%20pics/P1012192.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v634/SW20MR2/serious%20MR2%20flossin%20pics/P1012197.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v634/SW20MR2/P1012200.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v634/SW20MR2/MR2timeslipsNA2005best2cropped.jpg

[Skaterkid]

Yes, you do . . . and that particular 300+ whp, low 13-sec. '91 MR2T will be for sale in the next 30 days . . . details and pricing coming soon to a post near you.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v634/SW20MR2/serious%20MR2%20flossin%20pics/P1012192.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v634/SW20MR2/serious%20MR2%20flossin%20pics/P1012197.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v634/SW20MR2/P1012200.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v634/SW20MR2/MR2timeslipsNA2005best2cropped.jpg
Ah! Hsun! Why can't you wait six months and sell it when I graduate so I can afford it!

[floored4door]

Nice write up Hsun! Mr2 is looking CLeeeeaaannn...

[dsm king]

I know that MR2! We kinda raced on 36 towards Boulder a few weeks ago. Sweet ass car!!!! Fuckers quick I definitly would get my ass kicked if we really had a chance to get on it. Looked incredible with the fogs!

[hsunchen]

I know that MR2! We kinda raced on 36 towards Boulder a few weeks ago. Sweet ass car!!!! Fuckers quick I definitly would get my ass kicked if we really had a chance to get on it. Looked incredible with the fogs!

Thanks for the compliments. What were you driving? I've played with a few cars heading west on 36 lately . . .

Ah! Hsun! Why can't you wait six months and sell it when I graduate so I can afford it!

It might be still around in six months, who knows. And if it is, the price will certainly be lower than when I first start posting it up on all the usual websites . . . which would be good for you, bad for me.

Mr2 is looking CLeeeeaaannn...

Nah, it's hammered. I just photoshopped all the rust, dents, and the shattered windshield outta the pics. And I 'shopped the Racing Hart wheels on too . . . it's actually sitting on some 14" American Racing chromies with whitewall tires.

Seriously though, it's not perfect. Aesthetically, there are a bunch of minor defects if you're looking for them (no rust at all though, and the interior is pretty damn clean for a 106K car). And it has a few mechanical issues that need to be addressed (oil leak, turbo needs a rebuild - the seals are shot). It also needs a standalone to run better - driveability and the "area under the curve" is not great.

I'm just tired of putting money into the car and I'm ready for something else.

[Skaterkid]

I sure hope its around. I've always loved the way your car looked and it is pretty much what I'd build an MR-2 to be anyways. Why don't you just hold on to it and I'll pay you what you're asking for ;)

[hsunchen]

I sure hope its around. I've always loved the way your car looked and it is pretty much what I'd build an MR-2 to be anyways. Why don't you just hold on to it and I'll pay you what you're asking for ;)

Cool, I'll hold it for you undriven in my garage until Dec. 31 2006 with a $10K deposit, and the total price is $20K. :)

[dsm king]

I was in my Black Mustang with black wheels

[bigacuralvr]

Tear, sniffle, sniffle. Sucks to see it go man....what are you going to ask for it? I really want a ride before you sell it though!!

[saN]

I was thinking about getting some eBay headers, but many say "you get what you pay". Thanks for the write up!

[DelSol93Si]

Is this header still working out for you? Ill probably buy one, not a bad deal

[hsunchen]

Is this header still working out for you? Ill probably buy one, not a bad deal

Well, it's only been on the car about a week. But sure, it hasn't crumbled into dust yet.

[Hemix]

hmmmm...89 Civic Si...STS this year eh? Right when I thought i'd move up a spot in STS because Jesse left!

:fu:

[hsunchen]

hmmmm...89 Civic Si...STS this year eh? Right when I thought i'd move up a spot in STS because Jesse left!

:fu:

Mr. Smith . . . how nice of you to join us. Be forewarned - HAI is not for the weak. Only the strong survive . . .

Now, regarding STS this season. Don't be an idiot. That's my job - just watch me fail to fulfill the asskicking potential of the mighty D16A6-powered EF platform.

And thanks for preventing me from running the class number I would have preferred.

[oldskoolracer]

HOLY SHIT WHAT A WASTE OF TIME, LOL.

[Hemix]

And thanks for preventing me from running the class number I would have preferred.

Hahahaha...sorry. I chose 45 randomly when I started, but it's kind of grown on me since then. Anyways, see you Sunday!