Just ordered an OBX header for my 2006 MCS. I am debating if I should have my OEM cat cut off and bolted on or if I should purchase an aftermarket high flow cat like Random Technology. Not sure which is the best way to go, also not sure which aftermarket cat I should buy if I decide to go that way. Does anyone know what model I should be looking for?

 

I would reuse the OEM...that is if it it still OK...heck have know of folks doing that with NICE RMW shorty headers with great numbers...
Not a lot to be gained vs the $$ and the issues some folks have with high flow units...
A few of the "aftermarket" units have melted, or cracked and failed pretty fast...or sets a check engine light randomly for low efficiency.... (Most only last about 2 years unless you get a $$$ CA approved version from talking to a few folks).
Sure some folks will disagree, but I always err on the trouble free side, especially if it is cheaper...and if you bought an OBX header...you are a penny pincher (not a slam, but obx is at the very low end, but still OK for some on a tight budget)...you can make a obx header work...usually..depends on how lucky you are with the particular unit they send you...some fit OK with a few minutes of work...some are MUCH worse.

 

Thanks for the reply. I think that's the way that I'm leaning. I"m pretty dubious about the OBX but I had several people push me that way so for $175 bucks I figure its worth a shot. Ive got a Supersprint catback and like the idea of having a header designed after the supersprint header. Hopefully I don't regret my decision.

 

I've had good luck with my obx header so far. Had the factory cat put in and it's been trouble free.

 

Miniblue, were you able to feel a difference in performance with the obx? Is it super loud? Do you think it would perform better with a high flow cat?

 

Random Tech is quality. Have one on my RMW header and I had one on my first MINI which had an OBX header

 

+1 for me too, I run the OBX with the Random Tech Cat no CEL's. I did melt a MagnaFlow on the OBX initially before making the switch to Random Tech.

 

Are you running the 8100 series 2.5 inch?

 

I am not sure, wasn't aware of more than one option.

 

I'm running a stock cat with RMW race header with no problem. I live in Calif. and with the high flow cat I couldn't pass smog so I replaced it with the stock cat and no problems.

 

Provided you have no check engine lights, it will pass now with the new OBD-only tests that CA has switched to

 

I have a OBX header and i use a generic Magnaflow 2.5 in/out hiflow was $70 on amazon. i had the obx flange welded to the cat and bought a 2.5inch 2bolt flange and had the welded to the other side. i Passed CT emissions with no CEL, so others should be good. CT is a tough emissions state but not as bad as cali. sry

so from the collector of the header out to the tail pipe is 2.5"s

from front to back i have,

OBX header
Maganflow Cat,
ALTA catback.

yea its a bit loud but sounds pretty darn good.

 

Tslatt,

Which vendor did you buy the OBX header from?