ok, so I'm not ready to put performance headers on this car (maybe my next -- trying to get my hands on a 97 accord). But I want to do something about its aesthetics. So here are some options I have come across.

a) grind/sand it down and then finish it off with some clear high-temp enamel.

PROBLEMS: I can't get it out of the car (I may try again but its not likely to result any different). So I can do a pretty decent job of sanding it down, but what am I supposed to do to seal it off/protect it? Is clear gloss high-temp paint enough (even if I do manage to tape and wrap neighboring parts) ?

b) remove it completely

PROBLEMS: I've heard some ppl have had complications with stop exhaust manifolds w/out a heat shield. And some stuff about how this will expose the cat converter to the elements which isn't good.


Could someone please clear me up on some of those questions?

 

haha.. thats good stuff

 

theres a pic of when i did mine, now i have a "header"
mine had a shield on the back side that was holding the front shield on sort of. see if yours has one on the front.

 

all 4 cylinders have "a header" not "headers". jus wanted to clear that up. now for the heat shield, it would look better if you jus changed the header, but if u decide to clean the heat shield good luck.

 

all aesthetics have been put on hold until I finish replacing the rocker-arm o-rings, upper spark seals, and valve cover gasket. If that goes well, I might go for the CV joints on my own.

...being in a fraternity at Georgia Tech has its advantages...like air tools that I can use for free.

 

Nah mang its Headers thurrs more then uno pipe! (Just kidding!, that really makes me mad when individuals call a header, "headers")

Some ametuers use headers like this:

Dude, just get some headers.

Man, those headers gave me 10 HP!

I like the shiny look of my headers.

LOL