Exhaust Headers for Honda Prelude (1997-2001) 2.2L Engine

High-Flow 4-1 Stainless Exhaust Headers for 1997-2001 Honda Prelude (H22A4 / BB6)

Designed for high-RPM H-series builds: Replaces the restrictive cast-iron factory exhaust manifold with a tubular 4-1 design to improve exhaust scavenging and lower cylinder head temperatures.

The Stock BB6 Exhaust Manifold Bottleneck

The factory cast-iron exhaust manifold on the 1997-2001 Honda Prelude was designed with mass-production efficiency and strict noise suppression in mind, not peak volumetric efficiency. The OEM cast design suffers from unequal runner lengths, rough internal casting flashes, and a restrictive collector that induces severe exhaust turbulence. At higher RPMs, particularly when VTEC engages on the H22A4 engine, this bottleneck creates excessive backpressure, trapping latent heat within the cylinder head. This heat soak not only pulls timing and restricts high-end horsepower, but it also stifles the natural, aggressive tone of the 2.2L powerplant.

The Engineering Solution

Upgrading to this 4-1 style tubular header eliminates the factory restriction through optimized exhaust gas routing. Manufactured from durable, corrosion-resistant T-304 stainless steel, the mandrel-bent runners feature a polished finish and smooth internal walls that drastically reduce fluid friction. The 1.5" x 1.9" inlet ports seamlessly transition exhaust pulses into a high-velocity 2" outlet collector, utilizing the 4-1 architecture to maximize top-end power and exhaust scavenging efficiency. Paired with a robust 3-bolt flange connection and a multi-layer metal gasket to prevent exhaust leaks, this unit ensures reliable, sustained flow dynamics during spirited driving.

Technical Specifications

Compatibility

• 1997 Honda Prelude 2.2L Base (Non-SH)
• 1998 Honda Prelude 2.2L Base (Non-SH)
• 1999 Honda Prelude 2.2L Base (Non-SH)
• 2000 Honda Prelude 2.2L Base (Non-SH)
• 2001 Honda Prelude 2.2L Base (Non-SH)

The Honda JDM Standard

Built for the true Honda enthusiast, this 4-1 stainless header unlocks the distinctive VTEC crossover sound while delivering the high-RPM breathing capacity essential for any naturally aspirated H22A4 build.