1 / 1

AMVirtuo Exhaust Headers Polished Stainless Steel Shorty Headers for 1998-2002 Honda Accord LX EX 2001-2003 Acura CL Base 1999-2003 Acura TL Base 3.0L 3.2L

Name: AMVirtuo Exhaust Headers Polished Stainless Steel Shorty Headers for 1998-2002 Honda Accord LX EX 2001-2003 Acura CL Base 1999-2003 Acura TL Base 3.0L 3.2L
Brand: AMVirtuo
SKU: AM-33986
Price: 229.99 USD
Availability: InStock

$229.99 USD

Shipping calculated at checkout.

SKU: AM-33986

Payment and security

FREE STANDARD SHIPPING TO THE CONTIGUOUS U.S.

30-DAY RETURNS

SECURE CHECKOUT

View details

Description

Shipping & Return

Fitment and Compliance Notice: Professional installation is recommended. Verify vehicle fitment, clearance, exhaust requirements, and local regulations before purchase.

Key Features

Compatibility

Fit for 1998-2002 Honda Accord LX EX 2001-2003 Acura CL Base 1999-2003 Acura TL Base 3.0L 3.2L (FOR Models with 3.0L 3.2L V6 Engines only)

Material

Mirror-polished 304 stainless steel construction resists corrosion from road salt exposure and thermal fatigue from repeated heat cycles. The polished surface maintains its appearance over extended service life where cast iron manifolds develop surface rust and degradation. T304 grade stainless is selected specifically for its corrosion resistance in under-hood environments.

Welding Process

All header joints use TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welded seams that provide deep penetration into the base metal with minimal porosity. This welding method produces robust joints that resist cracking under the thermal cycling conditions present near cylinder heads, where temperatures exceed 1,400°F during sustained high-load operation. The resulting seams maintain airtight integrity where cheaper MIG welds typically fail.

Easy Installation

Supplied with quality gaskets and mounting hardware for clean mating surfaces and reliable flange sealing. Basic tools suffice for experienced installers; professional fitting is recommended to ensure proper torque and leak-free results. The two things that slow most people down: the original manifold nuts seize from years of heat cycling so have penetrating oil ready, and the upstream O2 sensor connector on the passenger side sits in a tight spot near the firewall. Disconnect those before you start unbolting anything and the rest of the job goes smoothly.

Performance

The engineered primary tube geometry reduces exhaust flow restriction and decreases system backpressure compared to factory log-style cast iron manifolds. Equal-length mandrel-bent tubes with smooth internal surfaces maintain consistent exhaust gas velocity through the operating RPM range. The result is measurable improvement in throttle response between 3,500 and 6,200 RPM, with potential improvements in exhaust flow and throttle response depending on vehicle condition, downstream exhaust components, tuning, and installation quality.

Description

If you own a sixth-generation Accord V6 or a first-generation Acura TL/CL from the late '90s to early 2000s, your car shares the same weak point: that heavy, restrictive cast iron manifold bolted to each cylinder head. Every time you start the car, cold exhaust gas slams into a rough-cast passage never designed for flow efficiency. The gas tumbles over casting seams, loses velocity, and crowds into an undersized collector — while radiating heat back toward your starter and alternator wiring.

These shorty headers replace all of it. Four equal-length primary tubes per side give each cylinder its own unobstructed path to the collector. 304 stainless steel weighs less than the iron it replaces, resists corrosion, and still looks good after years under the hood. The merged collector maintains exhaust gas velocity better than the factory log-style manifold ever could.

Sound change is immediate too. Stock J-series Accords and TLs have a muted, appliance-like exhaust note. These headers add a deeper, more mechanical edge to idle. Not loud — just purposeful. Like the engine finally sounds the way Honda drew it up on paper.

Vehicle Fitment

Vehicle	Years	Engine
Honda Accord LX / EX	1998 – 2002	J30A1 3.0L V6 (CG1 / CG2 chassis)
Acura CL Base	2001 – 2003	J32A1 3.2L V6 (YA4 chassis)
Acura TL Base	1999 – 2003	J32A1 / J32A2 3.2L V6 (UA1 / UA2 chassis)

Important Fitment Notes:

Fits models with 3.0L J30A1 or 3.2L J32A1/J32A2 V6 engines ONLY. Will NOT fit 4-cylinder (F23A) Accord models.
Does NOT fit Acura TL Type-S (2002–2003). Type-S has different head port spacing and requires a dedicated part number.
Bolt-on direct replacement — no cutting, welding, or modification required for standard configurations.
Covers both automatic and manual transmission variants within listed year ranges.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Primary Tube Diameter	1.25 inch (32 mm) mandrel-bent
Collector Outlet Size	2.5 inch (63 mm) with flexible pipe
Material	304 Stainless Steel (T304)
Surface Finish	Custom polished / mirror polish
Welding Process	TIG welded seams for deep penetration and minimal porosity
Installation Type	Vehicle-specific design replacement — Minor adjustments may be needed depending on vehicle condition and setup
Part Number / SKU	AM-33986

Headers vs Stock Manifolds

Feature	Stock Cast Iron Manifold	AMVirtuo Shorty Headers
Material	Cast iron — heavy, prone to cracking at high mileage	304 stainless steel — lightweight, corrosion-resistant
Flow Design	Log-style with rough internal passages and unequal port lengths	Equal-length primary tubes with smooth mandrel bends
Power Output	Restrictive above 4,500 RPM; engine feels flat at highway merge speeds	Improved scavenging; noticeable throttle response gain from 3,500–6,200 RPM
Durability	Known failure point: cracks develop at cat-to-manifold junction around 100K+ miles	TIG-welded stainless joints resist thermal fatigue and cracking
Weight	~18–22 lb per side	~12–14 lb per side (saves ~12 lb total)
Aesthetics	Rusted, rough cast surface visible through wheel well gaps	Polished mirror finish — looks intentional under the hood

Installation Notes

Designed as a vehicle-specific replacement. Basic tools suffice for experienced installers. Professional fitting is recommended to ensure proper torque and leak-free results.

Let the car cool completely before starting. Exhaust manifold bolts seize under heat — work on a cold engine.
Scrape old gasket material from cylinder head surfaces before installing new gaskets. Use a plastic scraper on aluminum heads.
Tighten flange bolts center-outward in a star pattern, two passes: half-torque first, full spec second. Prevents warping.
O2 sensors: Check wire condition before removal. 20-year-old sensor wires get brittle — consider replacing during install.

What's Included

1x Driver side shorty header (left)
1x Passenger side shorty header (right)
1x Exhaust header gasket set
1x Complete mounting hardware kit (nuts, bolts, washers)

At AMVirtuo, we want every customer to feel confident when purchasing from us. If something isn’t right, our team will always do our best to help resolve the issue quickly and fairly.

Please review the policy below for details on returns, cancellations, and refunds.

30-Day Return Window

We offer a 30-day return window from the date your order is delivered.

If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may request a return within this period, provided the product meets the return conditions listed below.

Order Cancellation

Orders may be canceled within 24 hours of purchase.

If your cancellation request is received within this timeframe, we will issue a full refund. Refunds are typically processed within 24 hours after confirmation.

If the order has already been processed or shipped after the 24-hour window, cancellation may no longer be possible. In this case, the order may be returned after delivery following our return policy.

Return Conditions

· To be eligible for a return, items must meet the following requirements:

· The return request must be made within 30 days of delivery

· The item must be unused and in new condition

· The product must be returned in its original packaging

· All included hardware, accessories, and components must be returned

Please ensure that returned items are securely packaged. Items damaged during return shipping due to improper packaging may not be eligible for a refund.

Please ensure that returned items are securely packaged. Items damaged during return shipping due to improper packaging may not be eligible for a refund.

Returns Due to Product Quality Issues

If a return is requested due to a product defect or quality issue, please get in touch with our support team and provide:

Your order number

Photos or videos showing the issue

Once our team confirms the issue, AMVirtuo will cover the return shipping cost.

After the returned item is received and inspected, a full refund will be issued. Refunds are typically processed within 48–72 hours after inspection.

Returns for Other Reasons

If a return is requested for reasons such as:

Ordered the wrong product

No longer needed

Changed your mind

Refused delivery

The customer will be responsible for the return shipping cost.

Once the returned item arrives at our warehouse and passes inspection, the refund will be issued. Please allow up to 2 weeks for the return to be processed and the refund to appear.

Installation and Fitment Responsibility

Automotive performance parts, including exhaust headers and engine components, may require professional installation and proper vehicle compatibility verification.

Customers are responsible for ensuring the product is compatible with their vehicle before purchasing.

Products that have been installed, used, or modified may not be eligible for return.

Non-Returnable Items

For safety and quality reasons, the following items may not be eligible for return:

Products that show signs of installation or use

Products that are damaged during installation

Items returned without original packaging or components

Refund Processing

All refunds will be issued to the original payment method used at checkout.

Processing time may vary depending on your payment provider, but refunds are typically completed within a few business days after approval.

How to Start a Return

To request a return, please contact our support team:

support@avomotor.com

Please include:

Your order number

The reason for the return

Photos or videos if applicable

Our support team will guide you through the return process and provide the necessary return instructions.

Our Commitment

At AMVirtuo, we are committed to providing reliable performance parts and excellent customer service.

If you ever have questions or concerns about your order, please reach out to us. Our team will always do our best to help and make things right.