Hey everyone,
Before I go any further, please do not flip out at me for this. I just joined and I can't see anything in the stickies to answer my questions. If I missed something, please direct me in the right direction.

I just bought my first car, 98 civic lx. It already has a cold air intake and headers(not installed). Not sure on what brand of either. The down pipe is going to need to be replaced within a month or so and I just assume get the entire exhaust system done at once. There's just a few questions I got.

What else do I need besides a header, muffler and cat-converter?

Is 2.5 inch pipe the best size to use?

What are the advantages of using a oval exaust over a round exaust. Performance and sound wise? I'm looking for a deeper, more bass like sound. I can't stand the sound of a fart can.

Is a cat-converter nessicary? and is there any cheaper alternatives to it? One of my buddies said to get a Magnaflow 40. Not exactly sure on what this means.

What are some other cost effective upgrades I could do to the car?

Thanks a million,
Zack

 

you need the header, EX catalytic converter, EX catback exhaust, O2 sensor extension wire harness (click me).

2.25" would probably be best for you. That also happens to be what most catbacks come with.

The oval exhausts sound nice. The round ones typically sound like fart cans, because that's what they are. There are not really any performance differences between the two shapes. I recommend the Apex-i WS2, the GReddy SP2, or an RS*R Exmag.

Catalytic converters are necessary. Without one you will throw a CEL (check engine light) and the car will run in limp mode. Not to mention the harm you are doing to the environment and to everyone's air (without a catalytic converter, instead of CO2, H2O, and NO2, your exhaust will spew fumes of poisonous carbon monoxide. I recommend a magnaflow direct-fit high flow catalytic converter (click me)

Another good modification would be to swap a D16Y8 head onto your D16Y7 block (also you'll need the D16Y8 ECU, run 2 wires to the ECU... another good thing would be to get the D16Y8 intake manifold if possible). Doing the head swap will give you VTEC (about 25 more HP), and it's fairly easy. It's referred to as a mini-me swap. Also, replace your timing belt and water pump while you're in there to knock some future maintenance off your to-do list for another 105,000 miles.

 

yes cat converter is very important. I think it might even give you problem passing emissions if you don't have one.

^+1 on the mini me swap. Always good to have a VTEC.

 

Could I get away with using the cat converter that's already in the car for now and replace it in a few months?

Trust: Is there any advantages to a cat back system over a uni muffler? Other than what appears to be a small performance difference for a big price jump?

EDIT: I just found out that I could get a Magnaflow Uni Muffler (#14325) for $80-$100 tax in new. Would this be a good buy?

 

you can use the current cat with a header, it'll require some cutting and welding so you can relocate it to directly after the header.

catback = bigger piping, better resonator, bolt on installation, hangers already on the muffler.

bigger piping = better HP (to a point... you don't want to go too big), better sound (to a point... you don't want to go too big).
better resonator = better sound

bigger piping and a better resonator both contribute largely to the deep, clear tone you are looking for.

you could get custom bent 2.25" piping done at an exhaust shop and bring them a good resonator and muffler to weld on. this could be the cheaper solution.

that muffler is probably good quality and sounds good. i wouldn't buy it myself, but that's because i like my muffler to have a nice tip and not just cut off piping.

 

Ok. Thanks for your help.

For the sake of a few hp, I'm thinking that I'll just go and get that exhaust. My only other question is would a regular mechanic know what to do to attach the cat converter to the header properly, or should I bring it to a exhaust specialist to do?

I guess you could get a picture of how it would be done properly and show him?

 

i'd bring it to an exhaust specialist

truthfully though, i'd just buy the magnaflow cat. it'll give you a couple more HP, it's bolt on, and you'll have a new cat (which should slightly increase your gas mileage, and reduce emissions).

 

Yeah, I just don't want to drop $600 for a cat back when I can get all this for around $300.

I'm not sure how many you are Canadian's there are here, but I work at a retail store called Canadian Tire, basicly a knock off of Wal-Mart, but more towards sports/auto work than household. I can get that exhaust that I listed earlier for $99.99+tax, Magnaflow universal cat. converter for 74.99+tax. All I'd need then is the intermediate pipe custom made which would most likely cost me around 100-150 depending on where I go. Consitering I'm still a student working part time, paying for half of my insurance($1200~ year) and gas. While just dropping $1200 for the car, and owing my parents Around $900 for the minor repairs, base cost of insurance and Motor Vehicle Regesteration. Maybe next year I'll look into the cat back but for now, I think this should be good.

Thanks for all your help guys, really really appreaciate it. My friends are starting to get pissed with all the questions I'm asking them. haha.
Zack

 

That's why I fluctuate between 3 buddies and these forums

 

Haha, Sexypants. I got 1 guy that'll defiantly respond to any question, one that will respond to most, as long as I don't annoy him too much and one that if I can catch will answer any.

The rest I will leave to posting up here. lol.