When you think of sport compact performance, no name rings truer to their racing roots than DC Sports. DC Sports has been at the forefront of all performance related parts for many years, and look to stay on top of the market throughout the new decade and beyond! These DC Sports Ceramic Headers are in a class of their own. Their race-inspired design maximizes top end power without sacrificing low to mid range power. The coating of these headers are meant to expedite the exit of exhaust gases, while lowering overall temperatures in the engine bay, therefore eliminating any annoying heat soak issues. These DC Sports ceramic headers are offered in a true 4-1 trapezoidal merge collector which allows exhaust gases to flow into the collector without turbulence, or a 4-2-1 design that allows maximum performance with the ease of maintenance. Another benefit of this merge is that it provides superior ground clearance by offsetting the top and bottom tubes. With the exception of the DC Sports JDM Race Header, all of DC Sports headers are CARB exempt and 50 state legal.
DC Ceramic Header Features: Mandrel Bent Tubing CNC Machined Flanges 10-12 HP gain !! Near Equal length primaries 2 year warranty
In 1987, American Honda commissioned DC Sports to develop a header for SCCA-prepped CRXs. What culminated was our first 4-into-1 header design, and it was so well received that Honda requested headers for other applications. That system (HHC5002) is the one that stared it all.
DC Sports 4-into-1 header systems are dyno tested to outperform all comparable header systems on the market. Extensive research and development goes into each system to ensure the best performance for your vehicle.
Our header systems are precision-bent on our CNC mandrel benders using data acquired from our non-contact digitizing scanner. Our flanges are CNC machined, we machine-grind the flange mating surface to ensure a leak-free seal and use a robotic welder to attach the flange to the header pipes. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing process ensures superior quality and a perfect fit with every header system we make.
DC Sports 4-into-1headers are available in T-304-stainless steel, and in mild steel with a proprietary temperature- and corrosion-resistant ceramic coating. Once our mild-steel systems are completed in manufacturing, they are subjected to a thermal degrease and a preliminary sandblast to prepare the header’s surface for coating adhesion. Every ceramic-coated system is hand-painted to ensure an even application of coating. After verifying the proper thickness of the coating, the header is cured for proper bonding of the ceramic coating and then fine-blasted for a high-luster finish.
Dyno tuned and tested against the competition for maximum performance
CAD-rendered, race-inspired 4-into-1 design emphasizes top-end power for road racing applications
50 state legal or pending legality
Available in 100% 304 brushed or polished stainless steel (including flanges), or mild steel with ceramic coating
CNC mandrel bends with robotically-welded fittings deliver perfect fit
Equal length primary piping ensures optimum tuning for more power across rpm range
Unique merge collector design ensures smooth exhaust gas flow
Comprehensive installation instructions, all necessary hardware and decals included
3-Into-1 V6 Headers
The increase of V6 applications in the sport compact market provided an opportunity to design V-engine headers, and we responded with our 3-into-1 header designs. You will not find a 3-into-1 header system that fits as perfectly or performs as well as DC Sports’ offerings. We dyno test them to ensure they outperform all comparable header systems on the market.
DC Sports 3-into-1 header systems are precision bent on our CNC mandrel benders using data acquired from our non-contact digitizing scanner. Our flanges are CNC machined, we machine-grind the flange mating surface to ensure a leak-free seal and use a robotic welder to attach the flange to the header pipes. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing process ensures superior quality and a perfect fit with every header system we make.
DC Sports 3-into-1headers are available in 304-stainless steel, and in mild steel with a proprietary temperature- and corrosion-resistant ceramic coating. Once our mild-steel systems are completed in manufacturing, they are subjected to a thermal degrease and a preliminary sandblast to prepare the header’s surface for coating adhesion. Every ceramic-coated system is hand-painted to ensure an even application of coating. After verifying the proper thickness of the coating, the header is cured for proper bonding of the ceramic coating and then fine-blasted for a high-luster finish.
Dyno tuned and tested against the competition for maximum performance
3-into-1 design emphasizes a broad increase in power across RPM range for street/track applications
CNC mandrel bends with robotically-welded fittings deliver perfect fit
Equal length primary piping ensures optimum tuning for more power across rpm range
Unique merge collector design ensures smooth exhaust gas flow
Comprehensive installation instructions, all necessary hardware and decals included
4-2-1 One-Piece Headers
DC Sports 4-2-1 one-piece header systems deliver incredible low- to mid-range power gains, while improving ground clearance and reducing weight by eliminating the middle flanges. Our 4-2-1 one-piece headers are much lighter than stock systems and are on average two-pounds lighter than our two-piece systems. We dyno test them against the competition, and spend the extra time in R&D to ensure the best fitment for your vehicle.
DC Sports header systems are precision bent on our CNC mandrel benders using data acquired from our non-contact digitizing scanner. Our flanges are CNC machined, we machine-grind the flange mating surface to ensure a leak-free seal and use a robotic welder to attach the flange to the header pipes. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing process ensures superior quality and a perfect fit with every header system we make.
DC Sports 4-2-1 one-piece headers are available in 304-stainless steel, and in mild steel with a proprietary temperature- and corrosion-resistant ceramic coating. Once our mild-steel systems are completed in manufacturing, they are subjected to a thermal degrease and a preliminary sandblast to prepare the header’s surface for coating adhesion. Every ceramic-coated system is hand-painted to ensure an even application of coating. After verifying the proper thickness of the coating, the header is cured for proper bonding of the ceramic coating and then fine-blasted for a high-luster finish.
Dyno tuned and tested against the competition for maximum performance
One-piece design reduces weight by eliminating middle flanges
In some cases there is simply not enough demand to warrant the R&D and manufacturing cost to develop a header for a specific application. In other cases (mostly newer vehicles) the vehicle manufacturer integrates the catalytic converter into the stock exhaust manifold, making it impossible for us to make a street legal header (the 1996 Honda Civic DX is one example). If we cannot design a street-legal header for an application that is in high demand, we will design and manufacture a Race Header design for off road use for racing applications.
Where can I find the part number on my DC Sports header?
A:
We stamp the part number either on the lower mounting bracket or on the head flange. Please do not confuse the part number with the E.O. number attached to the DC Sports tag on one of the primary pipes near the head flange. This number is the Exemption Order from the California Air Resources Board indicating emissions compliance for 50-state legality.
I have a lowered suspension system. Which DC Sports header should I use to achieve the best ground clearance?
A:
We recommend using a 4-2-1 design if it is available as the collector shape delivers the best overall ground clearance. Please note that header damage to the collector caused by lowered suspensions or aggressive driving that causes the vehicle to “bottom out” will void the manufacturer warranty.
I race on the weekends. Can I use header wrap to keep underhood temps down?
A:
The use of header wrap will void the manufacturer warranty on your DC Sports header because it does not allow the header to normalize and can soften the welds. Although header wrap is used with success on racing engines, most teams account for the deterioration it will cause to the header, and in most cases warranty is not a concern for racing teams. On street cars or vehicles that are street driven and see occasional track duty, we do not recommend its use.
Do DC Sports headers come with gaskets and hardware?
A:
DC Sports one-piece headers typically do not come with exhaust gaskets or hardware because the factory gaskets are retained. Please use care when removing the factory gaskets not to damage them in the event they are reused with your DC Sports header.
Two-piece headers come with factory style o-rings and hardware to connect the two sections of the header. The factory head and donut gasket (if applicable) are durable enough to be reused with our product. If for some reason your stock components are damaged, you can pick up replacement parts at a dealership. We have elected to use factory parts because of their inherent quality and abundant supply, and so you do not need to contact us (or one of our distributors) for a proprietary part.
THE USE OF NITROUS OXIDE WILL VOID THE WARRANTY ON YOUR DC SPORTS HEADER, and is not recommended. This is because the consequent severe increase in exhaust gas temperatures from the use of nitrous will cause mild steel to become brittle and crack. If you currently use, or plan to use nitrous, we highly recommend the use of our Stainless Steel header system over our Ceramic Coated mild steel header system, as it is more resilient to extreme temperatures. Even with a Stainless Steel header the use of nitrous will void your warranty. If you use nitrous we recommend frequent inspection of the flanges for cracks or deterioration. Never operate your vehicle with a compromised exhaust system because of the potential of carbon monoxide poisoning.
When I install my header will I still be able to pass emissions testing?
A:
Most DC Sports headers are certified to comply with C.A.R.B. exemption standards and includes an Exemption Order (E.O.) on the welded metal DC Sports tag (excluding JDM headers). Keep in mind that this certification is not a guarantee that your car will pass emissions testing. A vehicle in good working condition equipped with our header system WILL pass emissions. Because there are many variables that can cause a vehicle to fail an emissions test, DC Sports is not liable for any costs incurred by a user to obtain a smog certificate.
A) To prevent and/or remove rust from the mild steel flanges, buff the flanges regularly with Scotch Brite. Later model DC Sports Stainless Steel headers have a stainless steel flange that should not require any maintenance.
B) Regularly coat all header flanges with a light oil solution using a clean cloth (Suggestion: WD-40) DO NOT APPLY TO HEADER TUBES!
C) To restore the polished finish of stainless-steel header tubes, use metal polish (Suggestions: Flitz or Mother’s Stainless steel polish).
D) Using a solution of mild detergent and water, wipe the header tubes free of all grease, oil, and/or fingerprints (Suggestion: Windex).
Regular maintenance depends on the weather conditions in your region. Moist or humid climates may require additional maintenance than regions that are arid. If there are any signs of rust and/or corrosion on any of the flanges, follow the instructed guidelines as soon as possible to prevent further weathering and to preserve the flange material.
DC Sports manufactures hybrid header systems for Hondas with a K-series engine swap. These headers are a direct fit and fully warranted. For cars with other engine swaps, we do not recommend using our header because of potential connection problems at the exhaust piping and potential ground clearance issues. If you elect to purchase a DC Sports header for your engine swap application, we cannot guarantee proper fitment and any modifications to the header system will void the manufacturer warranty.
What size are the pipes and collector on DC Sports headers?
A:
We make every effort to extract the most power out of an engine, so pipe diameters will vary by application anywhere from 1.375” to 1.75.” Collector sizes will range anywhere from 2”-2.5” depending on what makes the most power for your vehicle.
Does my DC Sports header come with an O2 sensor extension?
A:
If required for installation, your DC Sports header includes an O2-sensor wire extension harness. This is because we have relocated the O2 sensor bung to the collector pipe. This allows the O2 sensor to read exhaust gas oxygen from all four cylinders. The DC Sports O2 wire extension harness is constructed from OEM components and includes a harness that allows you to connect the extension directly to the factory wire without any modifications.
What is the difference between a 4-into-1 header and a 4-2-1 header?
A:
In many cases 4-into-1 headers are designed for racing applications where the vehicle is being driven at or near redline during competition. The 4-into-1 design maximizes top end power, whereas the 4-2-1 evenly distributes power throughout the power band. There are cases where a 4-into-1 header works better than the 4-2-1, and in those cases we will only manufacture a 4-into-1 design.
How can I tell the difference between a ceramic coated and stainless steel header?
A:
Generally, the third character in our header part number indicates whether a DC Sports header system is ceramic coated or stainless. Using the 1999-00 Honda Civic Si as an example, the ceramic coated system part number is HHC5504 (the “C” indicating a ceramic finish). For the same application, the stainless steel header system part number is HHS5504 (the “S” indicating a stainless finish). Because we offer some stainless systems in a brushed or polished finish, some stainless systems also have a “B” suffix for brushed or “S” suffix for polished at the end of the part number. For example, the brushed 99-00 Si stainless header part number is HHS5504B, and the polished version is HHS5504S. If we do not list a stainless part number for an application, we do not make it in stainless steel. If a stainless steel application is only available in one type of finish, it is indicated by a “B” or and “S” at the end of the part number.
For our Race headers, we identify stainless steel systems with a “B” or an “S” at the end of the part number. Race headers without a “B” or “S” suffix at the end of the part number are ceramic coated.
All DC Sports turbo manifolds and competition pipes are available in 100% stainless steel only. A “B” or an “S” at the end of the part number indicates the finish for these items.
DC Sports headers carry or are pending approval for a California Air Resources Board Executive Order (CARB EO) number, exempting them from the prohibitions of California Vehicle Code (CVC) 27156, which states that you cannot modify your car in the area of the emission control system (excluding Racing Headers, Turbo Manifolds and Competition Pipes). The C.A.R.B. E.O. number allows you to install a DC Sports header on your car and drive legally on public highways.
Where is the O2 sensor bung located on DC Sports headers?
A:
To get a more accurate sampling of all cylinders, we relocate the O2 sensor to the collector area. We provide an OEM quality O2 extension if necessary. If your extension needs to be replaced, it can be purchased separately from an authorized DC Sports distributor. Please visit our dealer finder on the website for an authorized distributor in your area.
NO. The only time this can happen is from improper installation that causes damage to a vehicle system. If a service technician denies your warranty claim ONLY because the car is modified with a DC Sports header and the vehicle system failure was not a direct result of the installation and use of a DC Sports header, please refer him to the Magnusson Moss Warranty act. You can download the Magnusson Moss Warranty act from SEMA’s website at: http://www.enjoythedrive.com/san.
Can I or should I remove the Catalytic Converter from my car?
A:
NO. REMOVAL OF THE FACTORY CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL VOID THE WARRANTY ON YOUR DC SPORTS HEADER. This is because the spring-loaded bolts used to connect the catalytic converter to the header system are often replaced with un-sprung bolts that can stress the flanges and cause failure. If you insist on replacing your catalytic converter (for off highway use only) with a replacement pipe, we highly recommend using the factory spring-loaded bolts.
Advanced Engine Management Inc. warrants to the consumer that all DC Sports High Performance products will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months from date of the original purchase. Products that fail within this 12 month warranty period will be repaired or replaced at AEM’s option, when determined by AEM that the product failed due to defects in material or workmanship. This warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of the DC Sports part. In no event shall this warranty exceed the original purchase price of the DC Sports part nor shall AEM be responsible for special, incidental or consequential damages or cost incurred due to the failure of this product. Warranty claims to AEM must be transportation prepaid and accompanied with dated proof of purchase. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of product and is non-transferable. All implied warranties shall be limited in duration to the said 12 month warranty period. Improper use or installation, use for racing, accident, abuse, unauthorized repairs or alterations voids this warranty. AEM disclaims any liability for consequential damages due to breach of any written or implied warranty on all products manufactured by AEM. Warranty returns will only be accepted by AEM when accompanied by a valid Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Credit for defective products will be issued pending inspection. Product must be received by AEM within 30 days of the date RMA is issued.
If you have a warranty issue, please call (310) 484-2322, extension 203 and our customer service department will assist you. A proof of purchase is required for all DC Sports warranty claims.
I had this header on my B16 powered civic till i went turbo. its a great header and well worth the money. very high quality, the only issue i had was the bracket that comes off the back of the engine didnt line up 100% perfectly with the bracket on the header and it would back bolts off (even with loctite!) till i finally removed the bracket off the engine. problem solved =)
i would definatley purchase it again in the future.
Kamin reviewed DC Sports Ceramic Headers part # hhc5504
Being NA again, this is the one bolt on that I felt clear gains from. Get this race header and you will definately notice your car is faster than what it was. The quality of the header is nice, the runners are quite thick.
You'll be pleased with the DCRH.
Gotamaspeed reviewed DC Sports Ceramic Headers part # ahc6514
This is a nice piece if you arent looking to gain much horsepower. I would not buy this header if you are seriously wanting to buy it for horsepower related reasons. This header shows gains of 4-6whp and to me it just isnt worth the money. I would rather have stock over this header.
98vtec reviewed DC Sports Ceramic Headers part # hhc5014
The 4-2-1 header made a positive change on my civic. Aside from the one negative of this header making a serious raspiness, in spite of efforts to fix it, they generate good mid-range response, and overall, are well constructed.
Ramkatral reviewed DC Sports Ceramic Headers part # hhc5013
I've had this header on my RSX-S for about 2 years.... Everything about it has been positive, from the performance to the finish... no cracks or leaks..
RSX reviewed DC Sports Ceramic Headers part # AHC6515
these headers are the best on the market for a reason you may not notice a huge sound deference even tho there is a slight sound change but who cares because your car will rev up so much quicker its no even funny. I love them so much and the amount of acceleration you get for what you pay is phenominal.
Tray reviewed DC Sports Ceramic Headers part # AHC6606
I have this in my Eclipse. Even though my car is a Non-turbo eclipse, the DC header gives your car more power at the top end and sounds aggressive. Not alot at low end, but looks great in the engine bay! i give this a 3 star!
blkclipse98 reviewed DC Sports Ceramic Headers part # MHC4001
Great header, great performance gains. The ceramic is good because it is really light weight, but also it tends to rust a little bit over 5-6 months, but it isnt that bad. I would get them again if I had too!
ubnpast reviewed DC Sports Ceramic Headers part # AHC6005
For the money, the DC 4-1 ceramic is the best bang for the buck. I'm not impressed with the finish, but I wasn't expecting it to be of the best quality taking the price into consideration. I would've been more satisfied with the stainless steel. In the end, it's all a matter of how nice you want it to look after a few months.
ALF reviewed DC Sports Ceramic Headers part # AHC6606
I have these headers on my car and besides the great looking coating on the headers they gave me some serious power and added a nice low roar to my exhaust which was great too
RonaldHam reviewed DC Sports Ceramic Headers part # AHC6005
What a great header this is. The fitment is perfect and it is made w/ good quality. I've had it for 4 years and it has only a little rust which is expected since its CC. The gains are nice and it just looks cool! Nice header from DC. Great part.
ebp2000si1 reviewed DC Sports Ceramic Headers part # HHC5604
LOOOVIN POWER! THE BEST BOLT ON PART OUT THERE!...WEL FOR N/A'S. BUT BE CAREFUL!...NOT 2 DRIVE TOO FAST OVER BUMPS N SHIZZ...UR HEADER WILL BE GONE. MINES SUM WAT FLATTED OUT...BUT NO HOLES! I HELLA RECOMMEND IT...MIGHT BE EXPENSIVE...WELL WORTH IT!
jSevil reviewed DC Sports Ceramic Headers part # AHC6003
Instant power gains realized. I can really feels more power in the lower RPM's now. And in the the D series civics, thats a place that they really need it. I combined this with a Megan racing downpipe to make even more power, if not noise....haha. Definately will enjoy this purchase.
BmoreEX reviewed DC Sports Ceramic Headers part # HHC5019
GREAT increase in power. I love DC, and their headers are amoung the best. Great airflow, great for the exaust, and sounds aggressive. I'm loving it with my Apex exaust. I would definately recommend this header to anyone who asks. A good price as well.
Sway_NV reviewed DC Sports Ceramic Headers part # HHC5015
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