im about ready to purchase a header and exhuast for my mini. I have narrowed it down to two combinations, one is obx header, magnaflow cat, and invidia exhaust....the other combo is alta header, alta exhuast....my question is, that if i go with the first listed combo i save about $500 over the alta stuff....now for those that have experience with both is the extra five hundred really worth it? Ive heard great things about the invidia and obx header, honestly ive heard more good things about them than the alta counterparts...will my car behave that much differently with the alta stuff? How much of a horsepower difference if any will there be between the two combos? Any other advice is greatly appreciated...thanks

 

I have the Supersprint header, which is the same as the OBX from what I'm told, and the Alta 2.5 inch exhaust. I haven't had any other exhaust but why I bought the Alta was 2 reasons, it's one sided so should be the lightest (I autocross), also the two mufflers are straight through, they're actually glass packs, which means better flow, no restrictions. The header definitely helped out with low end torque. No exact figures, I just know I can use a higher gear on hills that I used to have to use a lower gear on. I also kept the stock cat on (required a little welding). The sound is awesome, just look at my signature!

 

The alta is just glass packs? hmmmm

Jack

 

first question = nope
second question = proabably 0

spend the 500 wisely and report back.

 

ok, thanks...looks like the cheaper one is the way to go...thanks for the help

 

I had the OBX with stock cat / Invidia combo, worked great up to 220WHP then it was restricting too much so I bumped up to the Gintani 3" header and exhaust for better flow to make higher HP.

The OBX/Invidia combo sounds really good too! Sorry but I don't have any experience with alta.

You are going to get the best bang for your buck with the obx for sure!

 

I 2nd that.

Also, for what its worth, we had a tunning session recently with 18 different Minis having all sorts of upgrades in which included the variety of exhausts and headers combination and After 2 days of tunning the major difference between mine and the rest was my Magnaflow exhaust and the obx header.

I run a stock cat, no need to change that. You can ask Jan at Revolution Mini works that Magnaflow has the best flow compared to others, but in OBX you definitely get the best bang for the buck.

 

I first purchased the alta exhaust for my car and had planned to save up and and purchase their headers as well, however i read so many great things about the obx and it's price was so much better that i ended up getting the obx. I'm happy with my decision, the alta exhaust sounds so good also

 

I have the megan header/catless and alta 2.5" Sportone and I really enjoy it alot.

 

My two cents is that the answer depends on what you want. The ALTA exhaust will out flow the Invidia (even switched one out for a client on Saturday here in the shop, out with the invidia and in with the ALTA Stealth)

On the header. ALTA = legal in all states not requiring CARB, includes an EPA certified catalyst. OBX+ not-legal in any state etc. So depending on what you need and want the price and decision can then be better explained.

Hope that makes sense, not bashing any other products.

 

Alta, are your mufflers really just glass pack?
I find this hard to believe...wouldn't your exhaust not last long with glass packs???

Thanks.

 

Just curious as to what this claim is based off of?

 

I think it is a terminology difference. Our mufflers are straight through, but use stainless steel packing, not "glass". Kits have been motoring along for more than 100K on some clients cars without issue. So durability isn't the issue.

Thanks for asking!

 

Feel free to correct me but I believe ALTA is the only one that uses an EPA approved catalyst replacement in our headers. Regardless of local laws the Federal Government requires that any catalyst that is deemed defective and out of the OEM warranty, must carry their approval when replacing it.

Thus the OBX not-legal. ALTA is legal (other than states requiring CARB approval as well as EPA) You can even see the EPA #'s stamped on the case of our catalysts.

hope that helps! Thanks for asking for the clarification!

 

Thanks for that...interesting to know actually.

BUT, I what I was actually asking bout was how the ALTA exhaust flows better than the Invidia. Just curious, thanks!

 

I have Alta, 3"Pipe one, I chose 3" only for the sound.
It gives deep and nice growl, but few months ago it cough up some stainless steel ball. still sounds badaz, it is loud.

 

+1 for obx and invidia

 

alta + whatever header..
i had numerous exhausts on my car and alta is the longest lasting one (so far!).. since the fitment issue is fixed too.. it is an awesome exhaust..

 

I'm also curious about this statement. Thanks

 

Ok that is funny! I love/hate e-mail/web stuff.

The size of the plumbing and the single sided design. Sorry!

 

Both honest and helpful! Thank you!