DC Sports FAQ
Are DC Headers CARB legal?
Majority of our street headers are CARB legal or CARB pending. Please check with your local authorized DC Sports dealer or contact us directly to verify the status of your application.
What is DC Sports Products made of?
DC Sports headers are available in T304 Stainless Steel that is hand finished in a high polish or T409 stainless steel alloy with a proprietary ceramic coating that is resistant to temperatures and corrosion. DC Sports Exhaust Components (including Turbo Manifold and Competition Pipes) are made of T304 Stainless Steel and hand finished in a high polish.
What is the difference between the ceramic coated and polished?
Ceramic coating is a finish we use on our T409 stainless steel alloy headers. This proprietary coating makes it resistant to corrosion and rust. It is thermally degreased and sandblasted to properly prep the header. Ceramic coating is applied by hand to ensure an even and proper application. The header is then cured so that it properly bonds the metal to the coating and then fine blasted to a high luster finish. The stainless-steel headers are constructed of T304 stainless steel (automotive industry standard) and hand polished to a high gloss show quality mirror finish. Because T304 is a higher quality alloy that is more durable it does not require any type of coating.
What is the difference between T409 and T304?
T304 stainless steel alloy is the industry standard for automotive performance components. It is more durable and is a higher quality alloy. This is due to high chromium content in the T304 alloy. The chromium in the alloy produces a film that acts as a barrier against corrosion. Adding nickel to the alloy also enhances its resistance to corrosion and rust. All DC Sports exhaust system components (including competition pipes, turbo manifolds, cat back and axle back exhaust systems) are made of T304 stainless steel alloy. Select headers are also available in T304 stainless steel. Please check your individual application to be sure. T409 is regular mild steel with a high ferrous content that becomes stainless as chromium is added to it. T409 has a low percentage of chromium and nickel compared to T304. Due to this fact it has the ability to gather surface rust. (Rust that sits on the surface of the metal) Its resistance to corrosion is 10X better than mild steel. Basically, T409 is in between mild steel and full stainless steel. Our ceramic coating protects the metal and prevents surface rust on the header. Since 1989 all DC Sports ceramic coated headers were constructed of mild steel. As of late 2009 we have started implementing T409 as a better, more value-added alternative to mild steel on all of our ceramic coated headers. By doing this we have effectively eliminated any rust or corrosion issues with your ceramic coated headers at the same time providing extra value to our product line by not increasing the MSRP and absorbing the increase in materials on the manufacturing level. Just one of the many ways here at DC Sports is trying to give more value at the same price to our products.
My stainless-steel header is discoloring is that normal?
It is normal for stainless steel to change color after heat from the engine and exhaust gases are applied to it. It should normally change to a golden brown color, but there are sometimes instances where the header may turn other colors like dark blue or purple. This is due to the current state of tune the engine is in. Usually when a runner on the headers turns a darker color it means that it is running a more rich air fuel ratio. A hint would be to wipe down the header with brake cleaner or an ammonia based window cleaner like Windex before you start the car with the headers installed the very first time. The reason for this is because the header will stain if any contaminants are left on it prior to startup.
I lost, misplaced, never got a CARB decal and my header is street legal. How do I get a new one?
Please contact your place of purchase or us directly to verify if an application is CARB legal. After you have verified that it is CARB legal please use a digital camera and take several pictures of the header installed on your vehicle. We would need to identify that it is a DC Sports header, the part # on the header, the type of motor it is and the vehicle that it is installed on. Email the pictures to info@dcsports.com under the subject line of: "Replacement CARB decal request". We would need to verify that the part # and application is properly installed and everything corresponds before we can get you a new replacement decal, so please be sure that the pictures are clear and provide all the necessary information on your email. We suggest: year, make model, DC Sports part# of the header, your name and phone # incase we need to contact you. You can expect a response within 24-48 hours depending on how busy we are at the time and how many requests we get. We will try to get to everyone's email as quickly and as soon as possible. By using the guideline we have provided above it helps us service you in a quicker manner. Once we have verified that it is correct and a CARB decal is available for that application you will be contacted by email on the next step to get a replacement CARB decal. We do not charge for this service but we do need the owner's cooperation to make it as simple and easy as possible. If you have any other questions please contact us for more information.
Do you have CARB E.O. numbers for your products?
We have CARB numbers for our street legal version headers and have some applications CARB pending. CARB pending means that the application has been submitted to CARB for approval and is pending approval. It does not guarantee that it will be CARB legal and there have been parts that do end up not being approved. We also offer race headers that are NOT CARB approved and are for off road/race use only. If you are unsure of a particular application please contact us or your place of purchase to verify.
I just installed my DC Sports exhaust, is it smog legal?
All of our exhausts are smog legal; they all retain the factory catalytic convertor which makes it smog legal.
Where can I buy DC Sports parts? Can I buy directly from you?
Yes, You can order online on our web site. We have distributors, dealers and jobbers located all around the world. Please see our Distributor Locator section to find the closest location to purchase DC Sports products. If you are having a problem finding locations near you please feel free to give us a call so that we may assist you.
What is the difference between 4-1 and 4-2-1 (Tri-Y) headers?
Our 4-2-1 header systems deliver power gains across the power band but are mainly focused on the low-mid range area, as a plus-due to the design they have improved ground clearance. Our 4-1 units are design to emphasize top-end power for racing applications or when there is a need to stay in the upper RPM's and more power is needed there.