There are several header makes available for our 3.2's that I would like to get more info on. Comptech, OBX, Megan, Alphawerks. Here is what I know about these, any corrections and/or experience with any of these brands would be helpful.

I'm in California, so passing smog is important. Do any of these brands have fit problems with O2 sensors or any other pollution items?

Comptech - top of the line. No problems but expensive. Perfect fit
OBX - lower quality May have resenence and fit issues.
Alphawerks - No information - Do they have a website?
Megan - Very little information. Fit? Resenence? pass smog? The Megan Racing site doesn't show Acura 3.2 as an option, yet people are saying they have bought these.

 

Yes Comptech are the only ones that have 0 problems all around. Also being in California, you will pass the smog inspection with any of the headers, but some say they wont pass you w/o seeing the SMOG certification on the aftermarket part. If that really is the case, then Comptech are the only ones that have that certification - doesnt mean anything, but Im sure that is factored into the price.

Hard to say on the other brands. Megan hasnt been used for long at all, neither has Alphawerks. Obx does have problems with cracking and O2 sensor location,but for the price...and some have had them for over a year w/o any problems.

I have Stone Racing, they have been around for a while with fitment problems in the first few batches. I have the 3rd (newest) batch and they fit perfectly. I do have a resonance at like 2500 RPM, but you cant tell unless you are really listening for it.

O2 sensor location should be fine on all of them. Other than a few OBX issues, I think that was it. Really depends on how much money you are willing to spend up front and possibly later if you have to replace a set.

Also, any header that is made for the Accord V6 in our years will fit our engines (TL-P and Type S) just fine. That is the case for the Megan brand.

 

Another header brand that is available for us: Greddy makes one for the AV6. This should fit our TLs as well. As of today's date, I have not seen any TLs running with Greddy headers. It would be interesting to see someone install this one tho...

 

Do they still make Stone Racing headers?

 

I have the alphawerks header. Excellent fitment. No issue. Check out the CL board. They have a big thread over there. I think I saw a group buy for $600 shipped. I got mine for less than half that but that was intro price.

Here's their website

http://nexusindustry.com/alpha_interface_main.htm

They have a dyno page that suppose to increase 30hp and 16 lb/ft torque on a CL w/ header and intake.

 

so alphawerks hasn't had any problems yet? I am debating on this eventually and since I have money for comptechs then this may be the way to go.

 

I have had the comptech headers on my car for about 2 months now and I love them. I am sure that the other brands are just as good but I would rather spend a little more knowing that no one has reported a problem.. YET.......

 

ummm $500-$800 more isnt "a little" to the majority of us, but if I could I would have gotten the Comptechs also

 

yeh what he said

 

Thanks for the information. I have an 03 TLS. The Megan site has Honda headers but only through 02. I'm only 90 miles from comptech but $1200 IS a lot of money so I'm looking more at Alpha and Megan but was very concerned about fit.

Anyone else running headers they are or are not satisfied with?

 

The Alpha Werks headers have been installed by about 10 CL members and they have had no fitment issues. The dyno revealed a gain of about 30hp to the wheels. See this link: http://nexusindustry.com/alpha_interface_dyno.htm and click on the CL link. Also, they are stainless steel. If you are interested, see my signature for a link to my GB for the AW Headers.

Josh
Excelerate LLC

 

how much is it to install headers in a 1999 tl. also, any additional parts need to be purchased (ie pulley requires belts)

or how many hours labor is required. i have a great shop locally

b

 

depending on how tough it is to get your bolts out...anywhere from 1 - 3 hours of shop time. Mine took right under 2 hours, but they were busy with other stuff also. you can reuse your stock gaskets if they are fine (mine were) and your headers should come with all the necessary hardware. In other words, you dont need anything special.

 

If you have the cash go with the comptech's. In the long run it will pay off. I bought the obx's and i had no problems with fitments or o2 but both manifold's cracked on the damn middle pipe So i say go for the comptech's but that's just my

 

The dyno shows 226.89 WHP and 191.85 TQ with alphawerks headers and intake. Was this tested on a regular CL or CL-S? Standard tranny or auto tranny? And was the dyno done on a dynojet?

 

exactly, thats why these random dynos we see all the time kinda have to be taken as half the truth.

 

With stock base numbers of 197whp and 175 tq it would have to be a CL-S. However, just to confirm I spoke to Carlos at Alpha Werks. The dyno was done on a Dynojet with a CL-S Auto. They don't make the headers for a 6spd.

 

Yea I've got Alphawerks on my TL and I got them on no problem in about 2 hours. O2 fitment was fine and I'm loving them with all my other mods. I'd say AW is by far the best bang for your buck.

 

Comptech all the way!! They sound great and NO ISSUES at all...got mine off of eBay for a steal...if you look hard enough and be patient, you'll find them cheaper than retail GOOD LUCK

 

I have not seen Greddy hearders for the v6 accord.They make headers for the 94-97 accord.Are you sure?

 

You are correct - I double checked Greddy website, and they don't list headers for the 98-02 AV6. Hmm, I swear I saw it tho (but it wasn't Greddy's website, and I can't find that site again).

 

OBX SS here.

There's an exhaust leak that I can't find and it's pissing me off. But I'm not going to blame it on the headers yet, because I simply don't know where the leak is.

 

Oh that sucks! So how did you find out you have a leak?

 

It's very easy to find exhaust leaks. Where-ever you see black soot on the outside of the silver pipings, there are leaky cracks or holes.

 

Thanks for the info. With CA pollution testing, I may be forced to bite the bullet and get comptech's. If not for the need for that no carb requirement I may have gone with the AW

 

Actually AW is considering CARB certification. It is expensive to do so though and takes time.

Josh
Excelerate LLC

 

I have Comptech and over 45k miles on the headers...No leaks, no issues, performs flawlessly...