I have a 99 Civic with a B-series swap. This may sound stupid but I thought I would ask anyway. Will an aftermarket header like Greddy or DC stick out the same amount as a Stock header? The reason I ask is that the other day I tried to take my heat shield out and could not, The a/c fan was in the way. I was just wondering if an aftermarket header will fit in there fine? I am worried it wont.
Is there anything I can do to get the heat shield/header out without messing with the A/C? And no I am not going to take away a/c.

Here are pics of how tight the spot is:

 

Yes, it should fit just fine if you buy a header that is designed to fit like the OEM manifold.

 

Are you 100% sure it will fit? I want to get last opinions b4 I order it.

 

bend those hard lines out of the way slightly. you won't hurt anything.
greddy/dc, in fact most mass produced brand-name aftermarket headers will work without major mods.

 

Is there anyway I can take the a/c fan off during the header installation? I had a header on my d16 and I didnt have to do anything. I was just worried that it would not fit becuase I couldnt even get the heat shield out, I was able to get the heat shield in and out with ease on the d16. I guess since this engine is DOHC there is less room.

 

you have probly never gotten your hands dirty before.
Take the upper core support, radiator and fans out, and push those ac lines out of the way.
this will give plenty of room to work and should fit perfect.

 

What is the upper core support? Why would I have to take the radiator out? The A/C fan/condensor is in the way.

 

because removing the radiator will give you extra space.
and that extra space might reveal how simple replacing your header really is.

 

Ok, I will do that but I dont think its going to help.