Header selection ? for M50 swap

[madjurgen]

I have the obd2 headers. To make them fit better, I cut the front header about 3 inches from the flange and clocked it so it wouldn't point straight at the subframe.

-Dan

I like this solution. What are the OBD2 headers made of, SS? I'd like to be able to do it myself but I only have a MIG welder. Any other modifications you had to do to get them to fit?

[bejbis]

I like this solution. What are the OBD2 headers made of, SS? I'd like to be able to do it myself but I only have a MIG welder. Any other modifications you had to do to get them to fit?

I apparently didn't have to clock them, as other forum members have used them without problems. I just didn't like the look of the bend that would have to be made to clear the sway bar and subframe.

They are made of stainless. I welded them with a TIG. And yes, all i did was cut and clock them, if i had to guess, about 30-40 degrees counterclockwise if you are looking at the flange.

[rThor432]

Those look like Genie headers to me.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=797696

I agree. They don't look like the Ebay specials. The 3-1 merge on the Ebay rep headers is much further down the line near the firewall if not right at it. Those look like they'd clear well in an E30, FWIW.

[FredK]

Genie headers do not clear the firewall in an E30, as I found out the hard way. One of the post-collector pipes interferes with the firewall. It clears the front subframe fine, though.

I'll be cutting and welding my set.

[7pilot]

Were they the same as the SS reps or did they have $1000 quality?

I'm also seriously considering the CARR shorty headers. The M54 is a strong low and mid range motor so these might suite me well..

I don't think the headers in your first pic are SS at all.


m

[z31maniac]

I'd get the Turner ones if they weren't $800. Is it worth getting really good collectors on shorty headers??

The TMS are A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

Except putting them on and taking them off. 11mm angled ratcheting wrench will be your best friend.

[Gnarles]

I apparently didn't have to clock them, as other forum members have used them without problems. I just didn't like the look of the bend that would have to be made to clear the sway bar and subframe.

They are made of stainless. I welded them with a TIG. And yes, all i did was cut and clock them, if i had to guess, about 30-40 degrees counterclockwise if you are looking at the flange.

I just started fitting up my exhaust this past weekend and the obd2 headers mate up with the obd1 mid-section with out any modifications. I just had to lift the engine slightly to mate them up. They cleared the subframe by about 0.25".

[FredK]

I have a 140A MIG and at the time I tried to plug the header flanges, I was very inexperienced at welding. I'm a little better now, so I know with plenty of preheat that I could lay down a bead that'd be good enough to plug the channel, using stainless wire.

[xwill112x]

why does everyone do headers with their swap? more power? or do the e34/e36 ones not fit?

[Voluted]

OBD2 manifolds have clearance issues...but for OBD1? Baller status?

[xwill112x]

hell yea, marked headers off the list. using e34 headers so i have more cash for fuhraze parts :)

[z31maniac]

why does everyone do headers with their swap? more power? or do the e34/e36 ones not fit?

Mo powa.

Well if you buy QUALITY headers. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the cheap eBay knock off stuff didn't do help at all.

[nando]

ebay headers tend to have crappy collectors and primaries that are too short (and probably too big), but they're cheap and shiney so everyone buys them.

[FredK]

Eh, the OBD-I downpipe has a terrible collector as well. It's a smooshed piece of pipe with probably the effective ID of a 2.0 to 2.25" OD 16ga pipe.

I think the Racelands are proven to add power.

[nando]

of course they do, all OE manifolds have junky collectors. But at least they're cheap/stock, and they fit. :p