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Skunk2 Alpha or Invidia header with Full Race exhaust

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35K views 34 replies 23 participants last post by  Civicsi06#  
M
#1 ·
I know there are a ton of threads about our header. My question is would it be worth paying the little bit extra for the Invidia header that does not need an O2 extension, over the Skunk2 Alpha header. I have read a lot of threads bashing on the alpha header (not to mention having to extend the primary O2 sensor). And I have not really come across much negative feedback on the Invidia header. I know both have 3 inch collectors that will bolt right up to the Full Race exhaust. So as far as quality, ease of install, power, and sound go; what would you guys prefer?
Image

Skunk2
Image

Invidia
My car is a 2009 FA5
Thanks


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J
#2 ·
I did a lot of research on both of them and what I got out of it is that skunk2 is supposed to get you the most gains. And the reason people bash on skunk2 so much is because they did not get a rear motor mount with it. I read plenty of threads and the people who got the skunk2 also got the rear motor mount. Which they did not have any trouble with. I got the skunk2 and a hasport rear motor mount with it. I've yet to put it on but I'm excited! So which ever one you go with, get a motor mount with it or you will have issues. Hope it helped a little! Lol
 
#6 ·
I don't have much experience with ether header, but know skunk2 makes good quality parts. I have a 2011 si sedan. I put the k-tuned race header hasport rear motor mount and a k-tuned 3" exhaust. I can definitely feel a difference. I haven't taken it to the dyno yet. Have a few more parts to install.

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#8 ·
"2-3 horsepower doesnt matter to me. But 5-10 hp then yeah".

2-3 or 5hp, you won't feel the difference man. So you can see that difference on a chart you'd have to dyno the car and that's at least $100 so.... I say you should have that rear mount regardless and extending the wires, well that shouldn't be hard cause if it is then don't even attempt to install the header yourself sooooo, save some $ and get sk2
 
M
#9 ·
The thing that gets me is that there is a $100 difference. If i order the extension from honda its not the cheapest. If i went and bought the wires and got a soldering gun that would cost even more with the risk of it falling apart. And then there is build quality. People all over the forum saying the alpha cracks and sounds bad. I think Im just going to go with invidia.


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#10 ·
I'm in the same boat, trying to choose between these two headers. I just ordered my Full Race exhaust, and I'm waiting for it to come in. I'd rather pay a little more and get a few less horsepower to know that the header is higher quality.

Also, does anyone have any experience with coating headers? Like this Jet-Hot High Performance Coatings? Just for that added bit of corrosion resistance and maybe keeping the engine bay a little cooler.
 
S
#12 ·
i did the alpha, it came with the wire ext for the o2 sensor, install wasn't very fun but.... I did it a few months ago without replacing the rear mount, now I scared to crawl under there in look, regardless I am happy with the alpha header. going to order the hasport 62a unless someone says they have a better exp with something else
 
A
#19 ·
I know one of the people who run that business, he is the one who started superhonda . com back in the late 90's

I actually just ordered my rear engine mount from there last week. I was getting concerned 4 days later when I still hadn't got an email saying the part had shipped. I looked on their website and my order had a tracking number, and it was delivered that day.
 
Y
#23 ·
apparently there is a way to get you standard o2 to reach the skunk2 header , here is what ive gotten from a member on the 8th facebook page . " Unhook the o2, follow the harness up the firewall. There will be a few black zip tie clips that are holding it in place. Undo a couple of those starting from the bottom, and slowly pull the slack until it reaches. Mine reaches, and i have a few inches of slack still. " im planning on trying this before PV blasting the bolts the day before removal of everything
 
#30 · (Edited)
Based on experience and research through this forum I have found the following... (correct me if I am wrong someone)

HEADER

Invidia header > alpha in quality. Invidia would be much more comparable to the s2 Megapower here.

Invidia header > alpha in fitment. I own the invidia and had 0 issues installing, no o2 extension needed

invidia header < alpha in power ( not by very much )

Sound ? Not sure here, I think the alpha will sound a bit deeper? Regardless, Invidia sounds great w/ any decent catback which is the piece that determines most of your exhaust sound output.

IMO you get what you pay for. A lot of people have had great results with the alpha. I just wanted to make sure I had no problems so I bought the invidia. If you really want the best option though I would go with a Megapower. Its only about 150 more than the invidia.

EXHAUST

q300 is quieter than the FR ( only slightly at cruising speeds, WOT is another story but FR still very quiet compared to a sk2. Honestly, I cant even hear my FR over my HR intake during vtec. If you don't want attract attention, you wont with the FR under casual daily driving.

q300 < FR power department ( again, not by too much for a N/A application. maybe 2 or 3 hp)

q300 has more drone than the FR

As far as fitment goes the FR went in very easily, no problem. I have heard the q300 fitment is good as well.

If you have the money the FR is a fine piece. The q300 looked nice but the drone many people experienced pushed me away.

Additionally, I have a rear hasport 62a and have experienced no knocking or banging of my header. Vibrations are only below 1500-1600 rpm at take off (really the only audible vibrations from the mount). Cabin noise is louder. You can hear the roar of the engine quite a bit more. There are vibrations at idle when the a/c is on but this is more of a vibration you feel rather than hear. If your radio is on, even at a very low setting wont hear a thing. I was very surprised when I read that people were complaining about the 62a being unbearable for daily driving. It is honestly laughable, it is not bad at all.
 
#35 ·
no way gtfo outta here for real wow... so ur not gonna believe this ****... it took these guys 7 hours to do the install as he called me like at noon saying they got the new header on but the two outer pipes rub so these mf said they modified my firewall which meant they like banged on it so that it would make clearance. That kinda makes mad me but at the same time maybe that’s some they shouldn’t know or maybe they should idk but after reading this I’m like🤷🏽‍♂️
 
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