DC Sports header vs Comptech Header

**npcan2** · 20-12-2009 02:43 PM

As per title, which one would offer better performance gains and reliability??

I am looking at Heeltoe automotive, and the DC Sports are roughly $300 cheaper than the Comptech ones.

http://www.heeltoeauto.com/home.php?cat=660

However, they also state for the DC Sports that "There have also been reports of the exhaust flex pipe breaking over time and needing replacement. Be aware that this header, which it makes power and fits well, may develop a repairable leak after some time requiring a trip to the muffler shop."

Has anyone has this issue, and how much does it cost to fix?

Thanks!

**tony1234** · 20-12-2009 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by npcan2

As per title, which one would offer better performance gains and reliability??

I am looking at Heeltoe automotive, and the DC Sports are roughly $300 cheaper than the Comptech ones.

http://www.heeltoeauto.com/home.php?cat=660

However, they also state for the DC Sports that "There have also been reports of the exhaust flex pipe breaking over time and needing replacement. Be aware that this header, which it makes power and fits well, may develop a repairable leak after some time requiring a trip to the muffler shop."

Has anyone has this issue, and how much does it cost to fix?

Thanks!

I have Comptech header.This i think has more gains over the DC sport and it's stainless steel whereas the DC is ceramic coated.I've had mine on the car for 2 yrs.and no problems.

**Type R Positive** · 20-12-2009 07:04 PM

Originally Posted by npcan2

However, they also state for the DC Sports that "There have also been reports of the exhaust flex pipe breaking over time and needing replacement. Be aware that this header, which it makes power and fits well, may develop a repairable leak after some time requiring a trip to the muffler shop."

I was going to bring this up for you mate, but you already have been warned.....

The yanks recon the comptech is the go, from what i've read.

**snYpz** · 20-12-2009 08:48 PM

The flex pipe is an easy fix. Didnt cost much at all. From what i recall, the gains are pretty similar. I have read that Comptech seems to rattle, mainly on auto. Thats why i decided to go the DC route. However, as stated by someone else, the DC are ceramic, thus not as durable. I went with Topspeed header from ebay, which is a stainless steel replica of DC but with added durability.
At the moment, im gonna save for a race header and maybe...just maybe manual conversion lol

**npcan2** · 20-12-2009 09:45 PM

I found a Topspeed one on ebay here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Acura...Q5fAccessories

Would this theoretically have the durability of the Comptech (as it is SS), and the price of the DC Sports? snYpz, how much was the fix for the flex pipe?

Its all so confusing... and I would def need a cat after this wouldn't I? (Sigh)

**snYpz** · 20-12-2009 10:13 PM

Originally Posted by npcan2

I found a Topspeed one on ebay here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Acura...Q5fAccessories

Would this theoretically have the durability of the Comptech (as it is SS), and the price of the DC Sports? snYpz, how much was the fix for the flex pipe?

Its all so confusing... and I would def need a cat after this wouldn't I? (Sigh)

Nah man. its not as confusing as it sounds. The header is easy, i have the topspeed and its still working a treat at the moment. I did have the flex-pipe replaced even before i installed it due to hissing issues notorious in the DC and the replica header (topspeed). Do a search in the thread, im sure i posted something regarding the flex pipe in one of the threads before. You will know exactly what size flex pipe to be asking for to replace. Its a really easy job the exhaust shop can do for you. Of the mods ive done to the car, this was one of the more simple (not that i have done extensive mods, all bolt-ons

)

The cat does not need to be replaced with the street headers. Although i did replace mine to increase airflow. The common cat ppl use are the RT and magnaflow from what i gather. Im using a 200-300 cell cat atm and i think the stock 03-05 is about 600-800 cell.

**felixd** · 20-12-2009 11:57 PM

top speed is good value for money. it does have the same gain as the DC sport headers. but yeah comptech / CT headers r good for thier quiality i guess

**tony1234** · 21-12-2009 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by npcan2

I found a Topspeed one on ebay here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Acura...Q5fAccessories

Would this theoretically have the durability of the Comptech (as it is SS), and the price of the DC Sports? snYpz, how much was the fix for the flex pipe?

Its all so confusing... and I would def need a cat after this wouldn't I? (Sigh)

Topspeed is stainless copy of DC so yes it would be as durable as the Comptech.AS snypz said just take to exhaust shop and they'll replace the flex pipe.Looks like good value at A$175.00 just watch the freight cost which will be approx.same $$$ as the headers.

Just worked out the shipped cost.AU$345.00 to your door.

**aaronng** · 21-12-2009 07:31 AM

In terms of the piping, the DC Sports itself if as durable as the Comptech. The part that is NOT as durable is the flexpipe. If you replace the flex pipe with a proper double-braided one, then you won't have the cracking issue. If you do scratch or crack the DC Sport's ceramic coating, then you will eventually get rusting. The Topspeed header has the same flex pipe issue as the DC Sports, plus another issue with the flange not being perfectly flat which then causes leaks. That will also depend on your luck if the guy on the production line was feeling happy on the day your header was made in China.

**D R U** · 21-12-2009 07:54 AM

I think dc sports made a second version of their header with a revised flex pipe?
Can anyone confirm this?

**felixd** · 21-12-2009 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by aaronng

In terms of the piping, the DC Sports itself if as durable as the Comptech. The part that is NOT as durable is the flexpipe. If you replace the flex pipe with a proper double-braided one, then you won't have the cracking issue. If you do scratch or crack the DC Sport's ceramic coating, then you will eventually get rusting. The Topspeed header has the same flex pipe issue as the DC Sports, plus another issue with the flange not being perfectly flat which then causes leaks. That will also depend on your luck if the guy on the production line was feeling happy on the day your header was made in China.

yeah but quality wise its pretty good for china made stuff

**aaronng** · 21-12-2009 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by felixd

yeah but quality wise its pretty good for china made stuff

On mine, the flange was not flat, so it burnt through the metal gasket and also the additional high temp liquid exhaust gasket that I put in. The 4-section to the exhaust port flange is poorly welded such that there is a 0.5mm gap between the pipe and the flange. Doesn't leak out in between the pipe and the flange, but it is not good for flow. All these are minor things that if it was your own product, you would take pride in making it look presentable. I guess that is what you get with the cheaper knockoffs.