Comptech VS DC Headers
#1
Comptech VS DC Headers
Well folks, looks like the Comptech SS header produces better gains than the DC:
http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-ar...icle_id=434209
http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-ar...icle_id=434209
#3
I believe it had something to do with comptech's original dyno on a dyno dynamics machine. Its good to now be able to see two dyno's of the comptech and DC on the same car with the same mods(w/ the exception of the Hondata reflash).
#4
Wow...very interesting. Looks like Comptech is a good header too. Since I already have DC and they said the performance difference is negligible I'm not going to change, but I think anyone who is looking to get headers should go with the Comptech if they can afford it.
#5
if vtec can get 193 whp with only hondata, intake gasket, comptech header and aem short ram.....
i should be able to break 210whp with hondata, intake gasket, injen cai, comptech header, high flow cat, and single exhaust............
i should be able to break 210whp with hondata, intake gasket, injen cai, comptech header, high flow cat, and single exhaust............
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#8
Not having re-baselined the car for the Comptech dyno, it looks like it makes about 3.5 hp and 4 lb-ft more than the DC. That's probably within the margin of error for not re-baselining, though. Sounds like it comes down to the Comptech being superior quality and performance, but same seat-of-the-pants. DC Sports is about $225 cheaper but has some durability issues that may or may not be solved with a $10 weld job.
Tough call, the difference almost buys you a high-flow cat -- hard to beat the DC bang-for-buck but Comptech is clearly superior quality. I'm waiting and thinking, waiting and thinking.
Tough call, the difference almost buys you a high-flow cat -- hard to beat the DC bang-for-buck but Comptech is clearly superior quality. I'm waiting and thinking, waiting and thinking.
#9
^^ Well I have the DC header and got it welded up for 10 bucks before I installed it. I'm definitely not changing mine out. That install was kind of a b*tch and plus Temple of Vtec said "Little to no performance benefit vs less costly alternative".
If I were you guys though. I would get the Comptech if you can afford it. Even with my welds, I still worry about it a little bit. Headers are not something that I like to switch a lot and the extra money gives you a little extra peace of mind.
Peter does bring up a good point though. You could buy a lot of stuff for the extra money including an Injen intake. Just depends if you're willing to take a little risk.
If I were you guys though. I would get the Comptech if you can afford it. Even with my welds, I still worry about it a little bit. Headers are not something that I like to switch a lot and the extra money gives you a little extra peace of mind.
Peter does bring up a good point though. You could buy a lot of stuff for the extra money including an Injen intake. Just depends if you're willing to take a little risk.
#10
Keep in mind you can't judge performance base on "peak" numbers. If a product only provide gain at the upper 7000 rpm range, which means you have to rev it that high to realize the gain. Try look at the entire curve instead.
#11
That's true. At least we have fairly comparable analyses of the Comptech and DC products by TOV, now we can all make informed decisions about what's the best combination of costs & benefits to each.
I'm still leaning towards the DC product because, like I said, I can also buy the Random cat and together they're about the same as the Comptech header.
I'm still leaning towards the DC product because, like I said, I can also buy the Random cat and together they're about the same as the Comptech header.
#14
I have detailed info and pics from my header install here. Jtso also has a great thread:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...8&page=3&pp=25
You can ask the weld shop to smooth out the welds if you want, but I heard it is actually stronger if they are left as bigger points like mine.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...8&page=3&pp=25
You can ask the weld shop to smooth out the welds if you want, but I heard it is actually stronger if they are left as bigger points like mine.
#16
Originally Posted by mg7726
well the comptech headers won't break on you...
#17
I looked at the two curves (DC & Comptech on TOV) and, except for the fact that the Comptech curve also has the Hondata reflash, they're identical. They depart at 5k due to the reflash. Still hard to compare two dynos done that far apart in time, but it looks like the dynos actually bear out what Jeff wrote -- the two products produce practically identical gains and the choice is down to stainless steel vs. lower price.
I'm pretty sure I'm going to get the DC and get it welded, and get the Random Tech cat with the difference -- sounds like that's good for 8-10 hp.
I'm pretty sure I'm going to get the DC and get it welded, and get the Random Tech cat with the difference -- sounds like that's good for 8-10 hp.
#20
JTso, you have the DC Sports header, yes? Happy with it in terms of performance? I just ordered mine from Excelerate, hopefully here within a week -- I'll post another dyno after I install to compare pre- and post-header.
#21
Originally Posted by JTso
Since the condition has changed so much (Hondata reflash), the two dyno charts can't really be used for comparison. Unless the DC header is dyno again with the Hondata reflash.
http://www.vtec.net/articles/article...sx_hondata.gif
Comptech header is the official winner by 2 hps LOL
so the conclusion we draw from this thread is that:
dc sports = 8whp = 10hp at the crank
comptech = 10whp = 12hp at the crank
with hondata reflash
#22
Originally Posted by peter_bigblock
JTso, you have the DC Sports header, yes? Happy with it in terms of performance? I just ordered mine from Excelerate, hopefully here within a week -- I'll post another dyno after I install to compare pre- and post-header.
#23
Originally Posted by JTso
I believe I was the first member to have the DC header when it first came out. No problem so far but I did weld up the rear flange just in case. I'm satisfied with the performance, but I'm also open to something better if available.
Personally, I feel that both headers are very restricting and better gains can be found with custom headers but K pro is essential to realize the gains.
#25
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That's so odd that this whole time everyone has thought the Comptech header made less power but it actually makes more. It kind of went against the norm for Comptech b/c most of their products make more hp than everyone else's on the market. Either way, let me know if you guys want either of the headers b/c I sell both.
#27
Originally Posted by nikos
In my opinion even from a reputable website like TOV, I would consider that information with a grain of salt. There are many factors that affect these numbers.
Personally, I feel that both headers are very restricting and better gains can be found with custom headers but K pro is essential to realize the gains.
Personally, I feel that both headers are very restricting and better gains can be found with custom headers but K pro is essential to realize the gains.
You may be right, but I think we're talking two different levels of modification interest here. For my part, anyway, I'm interested in mild modification at fairly low cost without sacrificing the reliability that I bought the car for in the first place. Things like custom headers, and K-pro if it's ever available, are beyond my desires.
Is 8 hp going to make my life better or my car that much faster? No, but half the fun is doing the mods and going to the dyno and seeing the gains. The other half is having a TSX that's a little quicker, or faster, or just different, than the average. For $300 (for the DC header), it works for me.
#28
Originally Posted by RMATIC09
Im still confused as to where you weld, can anyone help a noob out and use some drawings....becuase i want to pick these up....
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...8&page=2&pp=25
#31
Originally Posted by RMATIC09
another quick question, i saw someones install of a heat gasket, i think it was JTSO's , it seemed complicated, is removing/installing the gasket part of the headerinstall....?
No, the Hondata heatshield gasket goes on the intake manifold (front of the engine block) while the headers go on the exhuast manifold (rear of the engine block).
#33
thanks alot kenny
handsomegeorge, the reason i ask is becuase i woudlent do any of the installs myself, but i woudlent want the shop i go to to open up my engine unless i knew for a fact they knew what they were doing, which i dont.
handsomegeorge, the reason i ask is becuase i woudlent do any of the installs myself, but i woudlent want the shop i go to to open up my engine unless i knew for a fact they knew what they were doing, which i dont.
#34
dc header
anyone have a sound clip of their tsx with the dc header? i just got my tsx and im looking to add an intake and a header. seems like dc is just as good as comptech for a lot less $$.
Also, what short ram would you guys suggest i use with the dc header?
thanks
-noob
Also, what short ram would you guys suggest i use with the dc header?
thanks
-noob
#35
Originally Posted by RMATIC09
thanks alot kenny
handsomegeorge, the reason i ask is becuase i woudlent do any of the installs myself, but i woudlent want the shop i go to to open up my engine unless i knew for a fact they knew what they were doing, which i dont.
handsomegeorge, the reason i ask is becuase i woudlent do any of the installs myself, but i woudlent want the shop i go to to open up my engine unless i knew for a fact they knew what they were doing, which i dont.
#36
Originally Posted by mesherm
Also, what short ram would you guys suggest i use with the dc header?
#37
That's interesting story about the stock header, DC sporsts and Comptech on Vtec. I am considering to purcahse DC sports or Comptech, but for the quality, I might go with Comptech but If DC sports came with good quality and repair some issue then I will go with DC sports. I have DC sports for my 94 accord in about 5 years and still run good.
#38
That's interesting story about the stock , DC sports and Comptech header from Vtec. I am considering to purchase DC sports or Comptech, but for the quality, I might go with Comptech but If DC sports came with good quality and repair some issue then I will go with DC sports. I have DC sports for my 94 accord in about 5 years and still run good. I want to purchase upgrade header and Tanabe exhaust system someday in 2006.
#40
Originally Posted by eg4
does both headers fit on the original catalytic converter?