{"product_id":"amvirtuo-exhaust-headers-for-honda-accord","title":"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","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFitment and Compliance Notice:\u003c\/strong\u003e Professional installation is recommended. Verify vehicle fitment, clearance, exhaust requirements, and local regulations before purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- Open Graph Tags --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- Schema.org Structured Data --\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- ==================== KEY FEATURES ==================== --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"key-features\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFit 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)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMaterial\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMirror-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWelding Process\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEasy Installation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupplied 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePerformance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ==================== DESCRIPTION ==================== --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"description-block\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSound 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ==================== VEHICLE FITMENT ==================== --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eVehicle Fitment\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"width: 40%;\"\u003eVehicle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"width: 22%;\"\u003eYears\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"width: 38%;\"\u003eEngine\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHonda Accord LX \/ EX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1998 – 2002\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJ30A1 3.0L V6 (CG1 \/ CG2 chassis)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcura CL Base\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2001 – 2003\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJ32A1 3.2L V6 (YA4 chassis)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcura TL Base\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1999 – 2003\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJ32A1 \/ J32A2 3.2L V6 (UA1 \/ UA2 chassis)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"warning\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImportant Fitment Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin-top: 8px; margin-bottom: 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFits models with 3.0L J30A1 or 3.2L J32A1\/J32A2 V6 engines ONLY. Will NOT fit 4-cylinder (F23A) Accord models.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes NOT fit Acura TL Type-S (2002–2003). Type-S has different head port spacing and requires a dedicated part number.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBolt-on direct replacement — no cutting, welding, or modification required for standard configurations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCovers both automatic and manual transmission variants within listed year ranges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ==================== TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ==================== --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary Tube Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.25 inch (32 mm) mandrel-bent\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCollector Outlet Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.5 inch (63 mm) with flexible pipe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e304 Stainless Steel (T304)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSurface Finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCustom polished \/ mirror polish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWelding Process\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTIG welded seams for deep penetration and minimal porosity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInstallation Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVehicle-specific design replacement — Minor adjustments may be needed depending on vehicle condition and setup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePart Number \/ SKU\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAM-33986\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c!-- ==================== HEADERS VS STOCK MANIFOLDS ==================== --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHeaders vs Stock Manifolds\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFeature\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStock Cast Iron Manifold\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAMVirtuo Shorty Headers\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCast iron — heavy, prone to cracking at high mileage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e304 stainless steel — lightweight, corrosion-resistant\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlow Design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLog-style with rough internal passages and unequal port lengths\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEqual-length primary tubes with smooth mandrel bends\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Output\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRestrictive above 4,500 RPM; engine feels flat at highway merge speeds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImproved scavenging; noticeable throttle response gain from 3,500–6,200 RPM\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDurability\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKnown failure point: cracks develop at cat-to-manifold junction around 100K+ miles\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTIG-welded stainless joints resist thermal fatigue and cracking\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~18–22 lb per side\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~12–14 lb per side (saves ~12 lb total)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAesthetics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRusted, rough cast surface visible through wheel well gaps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePolished mirror finish — looks intentional under the hood\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c!-- ==================== INSTALLATION NOTES ==================== --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eInstallation Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned as a vehicle-specific replacement. Basic tools suffice for experienced installers. Professional fitting is recommended to ensure proper torque and leak-free results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLet the car cool completely\u003c\/strong\u003e before starting. Exhaust manifold bolts seize under heat — work on a cold engine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScrape old gasket material\u003c\/strong\u003e from cylinder head surfaces before installing new gaskets. Use a plastic scraper on aluminum heads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTighten flange bolts center-outward\u003c\/strong\u003e in a star pattern, two passes: half-torque first, full spec second. Prevents warping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eO2 sensors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Check wire condition before removal. 20-year-old sensor wires get brittle — consider replacing during install.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- ==================== WHAT'S INCLUDED ==================== --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1x Driver side shorty header (left)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1x Passenger side shorty header (right)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1x Exhaust header gasket set\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1x Complete mounting hardware kit (nuts, bolts, washers)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AMVirtuo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48283642331236,"sku":"AM-33986","price":229.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0771\/1889\/8276\/files\/8.jpg?v=1776779866","url":"https:\/\/avomotor.com\/es\/products\/amvirtuo-exhaust-headers-for-honda-accord","provider":"AMVirtuo MOTOR","version":"1.0","type":"link"}