Exhaust Manifold / Header question (1996 Accord EX)

My wife has a 1996 Honda Accord EX with the VTEC engine. The exhaust
manifold cracked on it. After looking at prices for stock manifolds I
thought it would probably just be cheaper to drop in a header. I am
having a hard time figuring out if there's a difference between the
exhaust system used on the VTEC and non-VTEC 4's used in this car.
Most listings / sites I've found don't differentiate. Is the manifold
(or header if I get one) any different between these 2 engines?

 

If you install aftermarket headers,make sure it will pass inspection during
smog test.

 

My 97 Wagon has the same problem - haven't looked at replacing it
yet as it's not that noisy. If I remember correctly, as long as the
header you buy replaces both the manifold and the front-pipe, then
it'll fit regardless. The EX is 4-2-1 and the LX is 4-1 I think. I assume
the VTEC is the 4-2-1 arrangement as well.

Only reason I haven't gone for a header is that you can't fit the factory
heat-shield over it. I'll probably just shell out for the factory manifold
when it starts getting too noisy.

Al

 

It can affect emission _inspections_.

 

Headers shouldn't affect emmission at all. Alongs you have the all the
emissions hook up ie. 02, etc.,

Chris

 

jjjsan,

Smog test? not here.

Al,

You might have a different opinion once you start pricing them both.
Unless I go to a scrap yard, a manifold is $300+. I can get a header /
pipe / gasket for ~$100 off of ebay. Sure, nothing great, but a pipe
none the less. It's actually not the noise that's the bother, it's
going to be getting cold here soon and the problem is that some of the
exhaust leaking into the engine compartment is making it into the car
when it's on inside air. I mentioned the heat shield to my wife and
she said "I never go in there anyway"... lol..

 

My wife has a 1996 Honda Accord EX with the VTEC engine. The exhaust
what's your vin number?? let me run it and see if it's covered
under an old emmissions campaign, they were covering these up to
150,000 miles on certain vehicles.
Chip