Jan's header.

 

it's impressive in person, isn't it? one things for sure...it's nice to have choices from artisans, instead of the previous made in ROC/PRC stuff and the problematic Milltek.

 

Longboards was the first hand done unit, notice the collector before we used V-band like we do on all of ours

they are now all CNC bent so no welds to break. Each tube is equal length and the collectors are tuned to the head that you run for the best possible torque curve

 

You (Jan) use Burns collectors? Your header looks tip-top. What material is it made of?

 

so, you'll spec me the proper head when it comes time, right?

 

I started off using the Burns but ran into issues getting them made fast enough. My fabricator had used another well known exhaust manufacturer locally that does all kinds of racing applications. They have accommodated me in the fashion that was needed to be able to get these produced in a timely manner. Also the welding is unreal and getting custom done stuff in 2 days is unheard of with this type of collector.

I am very pleased with their work. I know they don't want me advertising on the net about them because they will not work with the general public on stuff like this. All the header material is stainless steel and extra bungs can be added for EGT, A/F gauge etc. We do full custom stuff.

I am having them fab up 2 more custom collectors for the stroker engine now as we ran the standard collector for our ported head on it to start with.

We also have a version of it for the JCW head/stock head that works great, and we have found it works well also with the ported head. It just moves the tq band down lower.

We are ready to start making them for the Coopers next. I hope to have one done by the end of January

 

Yes, Jan's header is a very nice piece of work. And it's great to see such headers becoming available. I think Jan/RMW offers "the complete package" like no other. I wish I lived closer to Irvine. I used to...

That said, I really enjoyed working with Juston on my header, and having decided to keep the engine essentially stock, it's a great option. My car is not at all stock, but most mods are for suspension and brakes. On my local track, power just gets you into trouble (2 Corvettes - a C06 and a Z06 recently fell off the track, with disastrous results, unfortunately.) And one of the fastest cars on the track is a 70s BMW 2002 with 90hp. My goal is to try to get close to his lap times--whp isn't going to help me.

 

Thanks for the very informative reply!

Wish I would have more money on me for toys when I head to MiniCorsa at the end of December.. I'd swing by your place during my vacation.

 

So could you purchase a header now and in the future have the collector replaced to suit your head?

 

yes, we made the system like this to tune to individual cars. even the one for the JCW/stock head performs well on the ported head

 

my pleasure

are you coming in for the coilovers? If so I have your set ready to go

 

Still looking for a good recommendation on an affordable header + CAT package in the $250-$500 range. Anyone had good luck and do they pass the emissions/CARB tests?

 

best you can do for that is the Megan or OBX and have your OEM cat welded in. Nobody out there is making a catted OEM replacement for anywhere near that cost.

 

Might be better to try searching or start your own thread instead of hijacking this one.

 

COOL S, look at the bottom of this page http://www.helix13.com/mini/products/exhaust for options in that price range. There is a NAM member jimZ? (someone help me with the username please) who might be able to answer the CARB question.

 

What are the best or preferred characteristics of a good performance catalytic converter?

 

Thanks, K-Huevo for the COOL tip on the headers!

 

Jan, Do you do financing? Want a test mule? More low end torque sounds delicious. I'd want my car tuned for loads of torque - low to mid range. (^_^)b

 

Back OnT: I have been driving with the new CMC header for nearly a week, and I could swear that under WOT it sounds different--(and don't hold this against me) but it sounds a little -- a little -- like a Subaru WRC. It's more of a boxer sound than an inline 4 (Yamaha M1 here) sound. Could it be the 1-3/2-4 cylinder pairing, or am I just imagining this?

 

a header does change the sound, no doubt about it. every car I've ever done a header in has changed it's tone

 

Haha I could use a finance option for the header, over 8 months haha...

You really have to start a thread explaining what the Japanese emoticons mean...

 

Right now my MCS sounds perfect to me thanks to the custom vortex exhaust sytem I had designed for the car. There are no mufflers/resonators from the CAT back to the tips other than the vortex pipes themselves. I was asked by the shop that did it for me what I wanted it to sound like and I said "a Ferrari" so they did that (within physical limits).
So if I add some performance headers and a free flow CAT, will the sound change noticably? Right now it is as loud as I want it.....totally cool sound! My shop assured me I will pass emission, but some of these headers say "CARB exempt" (Alta for example). What is that?

 

As I understand it, if the OEM cat is retained then it will meet CARB requirements. Here is a thread with some info & photos of an OBX and stock cat graphed https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=112122 . There are some cats by Magnaflow/CarSound that meet CARB http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/02converters.asp .

When the pre-cat is eliminated the sound level increases, so your exhaust will be louder guaranteed.

 

Haha I love it when people refer to them as HeaderS on cars that only have 1 manifold...

 

Dear Santa,
the same for me, please