Anything that works better than the Sanderson headers ?

[TR8]

It's been a few years since Garret published his great swap manual and kit.
Since then has anyone used headers other than the Sanderson
that fit better or get a larger primary ?
I have seen the Sikky headers, they look great but at $1000.

Next question. If I do get the Sanderson header do they need any finessing to install ?
Just saying if they get coated first, any massaging would damage that coating.

[Pootis]

I have heard of people running generic f body ebay headers but I'm not sure which ones I'm sure someone will chime in

[garretvs]

No problems with the Sanderson headers. The driver side is a little easier if you use the E36 steering rack. Ours is "a tight fit" (!!) with the header collector flange down by the rack ......

[bmk]

In my opinion I would explore all options before going with sanderson. Ive been running them for a while and they are not worth the hassle at all. They are a serious restriction in power, if you want to stay near stock mod wise then maybe but still no. A possible option is the CX racing ls1 swap headers for the e36. They are dirt cheap long tubes with 3" vband. They are deigned for the e36 but I have a very good feeling they will work work in the e30 with minor modification. CX racing designed them to fit with the stock e36 steering rack which 90% of people doing this swap use. The e36 and e30 front subframes are nearly identical as well as the distance between the frame rails. I think the problem for fitment lies in the space between the trans and the lower frame rail. While I will say that I haven't done it its only a matter of time while I collect funds. I am so fed up with my current set up.

[bmk]

I think you can use those headers and build an exhaust for less than the price of just the Sikky headers.

[1991 e30 bmw 318is]

Id like to see how the cx fit. Would like to do heads and better headers next winter to replace my home made short tubes

[Pootis]

I just picked up some trailblazer ss ones and mocked them up they exit further back and hug the block well I think they are a good stock option but I have not run the exhaust yet so I will report back

[garretvs]

If you are somewhere (California) try the Chevrolet SSR headers -- they look close to the cast headers from Hooker. You can order the SSR headers from Walmart (!) and return them if they won't work. One of the E39-LS2 swappers used the Hooker headers with no problems.

[TR8]

Those hookers are priced within 10% what the Dorman parts cost.
Hmm. The Hookers look to be cast nicer. I wonder how they perform or what the ID of the ports and collector are ?

I just don't want anything that flows worse than the GTO manifolds I already threw away.
Yes I converted to a Z3 rack too but having issues with the Airbag collumn.
I'm thinking of cutting the column and machining it to a DD shaft spec. May be some forgery involved. Hammering and such.

[garretvs]

Those hookers are priced within 10% what the Dorman parts cost.
Hmm. The Hookers look to be cast nicer. I wonder how they perform or what the ID of the ports and collector are ?

I just don't want anything that flows worse than the GTO manifolds I already threw away.
Yes I converted to a Z3 rack too but having issues with the Airbag collumn.
I'm thinking of cutting the column and machining it to a DD shaft spec. May be some forgery involved. Hammering and such.

Flaming river has 17mm x 54 spline u-joints and DD shaft. No need to modify your steering column. Their u-joint also is nice and slim.

[Reyhan335]

My sanderson headers fit well with stock steering. I then had the exhaust built with the stock steering in place.

I then upgraded using an e46 rack. I did have to modify my pipe, but not the header itself....

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwdncTbOSBMIRmpraUFXTFNOMTQ/view?usp=sharing

If i had done my steering swap first i dont think i would have had to do anything, as the system could have been built to accommodate it.

I don't have to change my steering shaft going with the Sanderson headers?

2008 BMW E93 335i
1987 BMW E30 325es

[Pootis]

Just to update my original post. Test fit the TB SS manifolds and they are a no go so it's back to the drawing board for what exhaust I should go with

[E30LSX]

Im running the Sikky headers. No complaints here...

[Pootis]

Trying a new method and seeing if modified 97-00 C5 manifolds work they should based on the specs and will outflow Sanderson by a long shot

[Madhatter]

the problem always seems to be the position of the collectors too. You need one near vertical to exit near the firewall for it to stand a chance of fitting in an E30.