I've been reading threads around the net and still don't know if a calmini header is going to do much for power or MPG.

It sounds like replacing everything in back of the cat with 2 to 2 1/2" pipe and a flowmaster muffler might help as much as a header and exhaust would.

I'm willing to spend some cash to get performance help. But I'm not too concerned about how it sounds and I don't like the angry Bee sound of the ricer Civics.

Also for intake... I threw a k&N air filter in the box and I've seen some cone rig ups for the 16V that I would consider.

It seems like there are many opinions out there and I'm left a bit
confused about how to proceed.

Any advise?

If you are considering the header and exhaust do them at the same time because I didn't and they had to "redo" where the header connects to the cat.  A bit extra that they could have saved me had they told me.  I think the exhaust is the best bet but maybe 2 to 2 and a quarter too much and you'll start dereasing your benefits Backpressure I think

Did the K&N do anything you noticed

The K & N, didn't seem to do much by itself.

rjkick, did you notice power and mpg gains with the exhaust alone? Exhaust and header? What header did you buy?

Thanks

I think the exhaust is the best bet but maybe 2 to 2 and a quarter too much and you'll start dereasing your benefits Backpressure I think

2" to 2.25" is fine and backpressure is what you are trying to get rid of  If you can source a cam for it or get a regrind it'll do wonders too.

  www.flickr.com/photos/bentparts       ..... for more power!

What did the turbo do to your MPG's? I'm trying for a decent, economical highway driver as well a a good trail runner. I have to drive 50- 80 miles to get out of Phoenix nowadays.

Is it the turbo.. power when you need it, but if you keep your foot off, you still get the economy of the 1.6 liter engine, or does it burn more gas all the time now?

  I average about 22mpg with the 31's and all the trail gear on it. Thats city, hwy, and some trail driving combined.

Impressive setup bentparts

Thanks Yoak, I'm Diggin' it!