WHICH HEADER QUICK TIPS

[chaddy1984]

Hey guys i am finally about to purchase a header this week i am limited down to a few ricks, j's, mugen, and berks i like the ricks b/c it alows to use the factory heat sheild but i was told it has no gains...is this true? Also if you guys hae any tips to help me with my decision it would be greatly appreciated....

[s2k 4 me]

I recently installed a Berk ceramic coated header. Really, the only reasons I had for going with this one is because of the price and the weight savings. I really cant comment anymore on it because its winter here and havent gotten it out more than once or twice.

Installation is REALLY easy, just make sure you have you car up high enough to remove the header from the bottom.

[chaddy1984]

ok, and you cant use the heat plate with that right?

[s2k 4 me]

Nope, thats why I went with the ceramic coated........I think Ricks is the only one you can used the oem heatshield with........some peaple also wrap them with heat wrap before installing them.

[skatin_s2000]

i actually have the megan racing headers on my ap1 but my buddy who had a ap2 put the berk headers and there was a pretty good power gain (along with i,e)

[kgf3076]

The only one designed in conjunction with Honda is the Mugen which uses the stock heat shield. The Mugen gives you mid-range power which is sadly missing in the S2k. It costs more because it's the one that all the others attempt to duplicate.

[gomarlins3]

The Rick's is a replica of the Mugen an does have the same mid range increase.

[chaddy1984]

the ricks is intitially what i was going to go with untill i heard it had minimal ganes from a user on s2kATL.....I am pretty much stuck between the berks mugen and ricks its a hard decision to make with no real facts for improvement....

[gomarlins3]

Here is the infor from Rick's:
http://www.ricks2k.com/products/header.php

There was a dyno sheet on S2KI and I am trying to find it.

**EDIT**

Found it (who say's S2KI search sux?)
http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php...&#entry3813848

[s2k 4 me]

Heres some more help. Theres numerous headers out there that will show gains through out the powerband, just depends on how little or alot you want to pay. This is a great reference for them.

http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php...f=148&t=445570

[chaddy1984]

OK guys i was sold on the Ricks got one fer 375.00 shipped.... used... let ya know what i think it did with my invidia tp and exhaust...

[chaddy1984]

Oh and thanks for your help guys!!!

[gomarlins3]

When you install the header, here are three tips:

1. DO NOT loosen the battery heat shield's bolt closest to the firewall all the way. The shield is slotted on the final bolt and will slide up to be removed from the that bolt. If you take that last bolt all the way out, good luck getting it back in.

2. I actually went and bought a ratcheting box wrench set after I did this mod because it made it A LOT easier the next time I did it.

3. Have another person help you when you go to install the new header. It is somewhat difficult to line it up with all of the exhaust bolts on the block and still be holding it from below and lined up down there. An extra set of hands and eyes will come in handy here. Mrs. GM3 helps for about 5 minutes after I struggled by myself for 30. Made it much easier.

[chaddy1984]

Thanks Gomarlins3 youve been a great help did 375.00 shipped sound about right for a used ricks header or should i have tryed to low ball'em a lil more

[gomarlins3]

That is a good price in my opinion.

[chaddy1984]

OK cool get er done!!!