The Promise of the VTEC - Exh Header Swap

If/when you find a set on EBAY, they usually go for no less than $300.

They are in big demand with the 6th genners, that's why they go for a premium compared to say a GSXR 750 stock header of the same year. Prolly get the Gixxer unit for ~50 bucks I imagine.

 

OK folks to put some data against this, I priced out everything to replace the entire exhaust system with new components.

Here's the damage:
Honda - headers, gaskets, collector, etc. - 20 parts - $871.78
Staintune - cans - $899.00
Power Commander - PC and o2 sensor eliminators - $369.95

Some of this stuff can be gotten cheaper, but $2140 is a good approx. cost for parts if you go the new route.

I decided to do that. I just signed the work order, so I will have pre- and post-mod dyno charts in about 2-3 weeks. I'll share with the group when the time comes.

Sure hope its worth it for that kind of dough. We're getting into ducati ST price territory here .

-Karsten.

 

are you gonna do a before and after dyno run? hope its worth all the money.im really thinking about doing it so i hope it is. thanks for doing the dyno info in advance.

 

Ikavo
I'd like to say thanks in advance also. Should be real interesting to see the actual dyno results. I went and road an Ducati ST at the local dealer this summer, I wasn't impressed. Road a Triumph ST right after, liked it but it was a leg cooker (summer time). Anyway, good luck with the mod's and keep us posted with your progress.

 

service honda shows the headers at $379.00, plus @$49.00 each for the connectors for the rear heads.

 

Yup guys will do before and after dyno. Hey while you guys are reading, what's the vote on keeping the center stand or not.

I figure its just extra weight but what do you think?

K

 

There's no way I'd ever get rid of my centerstand. The weight is minimal and the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

 

I wonder what the effect would be with a set of aftermarket headers for the '98 & '99 bike?? Did you think of/try that Sepp?

 

think they would be hard to find as there no longer made. but if anyone knows were a set is let me know.

 

think the coating works like header wrap and reduces temps under the fairing. they also claim that it helps the headers last longer.if you had a used header it should stop any rust on them.

 

Spike;
I did not think about the aftermarket as I was able to get the '99 headers used/cheap and they were immediately available. I have not run across aftermarket headers for a '99, but I'm sure they would not be as cheap as what I paid for the stock ones. Based upon the snakey fashion of VFR exhaust systems generally, I can't imagine there would be that much of a difference between stock and aftermarket.

 

words out! This used set went for a pretty penny!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...RK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=280082136691&rd=1,1

 

I find it interesting that no company now makes headers for the VFR, yet those selling '98-'99 stock ones can't keep up with VTEC-owners' demand. I daresay there is not much horsepower difference between a stock '98-'99 on a VTEC and an aftermarket header special built for one.
But, if someone can find and/or make one, it appears there is money to be made.

 

Hopefully I am not too off here!
I would say you are right, the riding has more to do with it than anything. However, the lambda sensor that plugs in before the cat (think that is where it is located) messures how much fuel has not been spent and make the nessecary changes to the fuel systems on whether to cut back or allow more fuel.
With nothing but a powercommander and Staintunes, I have seen between 32and 46 mpg.
I just ordered a set of Motad pipe for my 02 VFR, with the lambda bung. I paid around $650.00 but they say the price will be going up soon. Reason for going with the Motad has to do with how the 98 headers come together. The 98’s seem to “T” off rather than “Y”, and the motad does not have the collection box where the piple come in to one. Not sure, what advantage this would have but, what the hell. As you, I plan to remove the flapper valve, take off the evap system and plug the lambda bung if need be.
Motad use to make the stock pipes for the tryumph a few years back, and does make pipes for various VFR’s. North American distributor is Annitori Dist.

 

opps! the link on ebay from the top does look like a "Y" and not the "T", i mentioned. will see what kind of dyno i end up with compared to the 98 pipes.

 

those 99 headers do look pretty sweet with the Jet-Hot coating. i just installed a set of Motad pipes on an 02 VFR. minus busting one of the center stand bolts off (why did Honda lock tight on the right bolt?). i am happy with the sound and and performance improvements, but still need to have a custom map done to the power commander. over all price came out to $1,695.00 after staintunes (paid less than price above), Motad pipes and power commander. did all the labor myself.

 

opps, gave some incorrect information... the Motad diameter is much larger than the stock pipe at the downpipes. however, they will fit any after market exchaust (cans), where they go into 1 pipe. the sound of the bike with staintunes is increadable, and much improved on power. still need to have a custom map done but the cost is justified.
Have video posted in my pictures page.

 

Any links to manufacturer information or to the US distributer?

 

Yeah, tell them Olisi (David) sent you. i had been working with a guy name Steve.
info@Annitori.com
Annitori Distributing
www.Annitori.com
Toll Free: 1-888-963-1212