The truth about OBX Headers vs Comptech:

OK, I have some information below from a very reliable source which outlines the key differences between the Comptech and OBX Headers. It seems that a lot of the information that was floating around acl.com is incorrect, and that incorrect information floated over here. Since OBX has never replied to any specific questions, we were all left to assume (myself included) that the information we heard was true. Well, now we have some hard facts which are below. I think you'll understand the price difference after you read this!! Again, this is not from me so don't kill the messanger

Design: There have been posts about Comptech selling their design to OBX for distribution. This is NOT the case as OBX copied Comptech's design. Comptech, or any other manufacturer for that matter, is unable to patent a header design so it is out there with no protection and nothing can be done about it.

Quality: The parts are not anywhere close to being the same quality, and they are not even made of the same material. Comptech buys their stainless from ONE manufacturer in TX, who makes it to their specs. Can Comptech buy Stainless from overseas for a third of what they pay now? YES. Will they? NO. Why? Because they would have no control over the quality of the materials. OBX is NOT all stainless, it is made from a galvanized stainless -- i.e. very inexpensive to purchase. The welds on Comptech are done by hand, not machine. Comptech finishes the insides of the collectors--OBX doesn't. Why do OBX, DC Sports, Greddy and all the other companies make headers for different cars, lets say a Civic that are $150-300, when Comptech's is $525? Completely different materials and workmanship, and it's the same with the CL/TL headers. Also, Comptech is CARB exempt--OBX is not. There are a lot of things that are different from one part to the other. Many people wanted a less expensive alternative, now there is one, but there are differences.

So there you have it. That should clear up what the differences are. Now you have the information and you can make an informed decision whichever way you go.

On a personal note.. I'm still very excited about my purchase and feel that the gains will be very much worth it

 

yup, thats pretty much the info i've been hearing.

i'm still very happy with my choice as well, and hopefully i'll be getting my obx's delivered in a week or so.

my reasoning may be different though. i'm leasing my car, and given others tranny problems, have no plans whatsoever to buy it out at the end (plus, the buyout is like $22k, screw that). so, i've got exactly 45 months left on my lease, and I only need headers to last that long. if i was planning on keeping the car 6-8 years, the quality issues mentioned above would definitely come into play. also, im in NJ, so screw CARB.

for me, the cost savings was worth the lesser quality. to each his own though. good luck to everyone who bought headers, obx or comptech. see ya at the tracks and on the streets!

 

lol.. never though of the leasing perspective. That's interesting to say the least!! As long as I realize the advertised gains, I'm happy. At that price I was willing to take a gamble.. as were many others....

 

Thanks for clearing things up Juniorbean!

Now hopefully this issue will be lay to rest for good.

So I guess this saying is true: "you get what you pay for"

 

Well, it may be true... only time will tell. If these things hold up fine for years and years... then there's not much truth to that.

If they break 2-3 years down the road... then there will be a lot of told-ya-so's on the board

 

these are not the first headers ever made by OBX. they make and have made headers for most of the more likely cars that get mods. ie honda, eclipse, integra if they made such totally crappy products then they would probably be out of business. as far as getting there material oversea, well guess what the corporation that owns OBX is japanese. last i checked japan is overseas. that comes from a thread i got from a search on OBX headers from the guy that resells the OBX headers here in the states. granted in his thread on his site, he didnt at the time know the owning corporation was in japan, until all his OBX headers got back ordered and he had to make a zillion calls.