When it comes to power, a typical Civic header is good for 4-5 hp. When we heard Landspeed's PowerCore offering pumped out better than average numbers, we took notice and made a date in "The Cell." Our test subject was a 1996 Honda Civic EX. The PowerCore header is a one-piece proposition featuring a tri-Y design that ensures unrestricted flow. This design accounts for the single runner that bends to the collector. Since the Honda's firing cycle is 1, 3, 4, 2, the best flow will be attained by joining the 1 and 4 cylinders and the 2 and 3 cylinders. The concept is to keep the exhaust gases flowing by not having two pulses enter the collector at the same time, which would cause a back-up or restriction. The weld quality of the Landspeed piece is excellent and durability has been addressed by its stainless-steel construction and beefy 1/2-inch flange that should eliminate the chances of warpage under normal driving conditions.
In "The Cell," the PowerCore delivered the goods--6.9 peak hp and a 2.7 lb-ft gain in peak torque. The power gains were evident throughout the curve and torque was bumped by as much as 5 lb-ft elsewhere in the graph. With a $359 MSRP, the Landspeed PowerCore header is hard-hitting proposition that goes easy on the wallet.