i have a 98 dx civic i picked up for $2500 162K i had to replace the exhaust manifold because the stockers r known to crack by the O2 sensor hole and it did 3 inch crack. i went on ebay got a stainless header for like 60 because a oem was 600 from the honda dealershit. i have a injen C.I.A. i dont know about your emissions but i'd just keep your stock piece around when you take it in for testing get approved , then swap it for you header, yea its time consuming but you'll driving. my buddy blew his sohc v-tec threw a rod has a head sitting around might want to sell it?? i was going to use it and do a mini me mod. ebay has been good to me knock on wood look around for deals sounds like your on a budget like me..later