The MTH tune is optimized for their header, but MTH tuner can be optimized for any header, but you need some wideband data to do it.

The stock cat is more restrictive than others, but it has a good flow design, and I haven't actually measured the differences, so I can't really comment on if and how much the power level differences are. It sure is quieter though, and there's a hint right there.

In Europe the TUV approval is very important (think CARB certification) so that's worth a lot if you do your mods in the EU. But for the US? Haven't measured, so don't know.

Some OBX installs have had to use a stud, or a little filing to get clearence for one or two bolts. No big deal, but it's the price you pay for a much cheaper clone of the Supersprint (that never has these problems). Mine needed one stud, but many others haven't needed any.

If you go OBX, check to see if everthings in the kit, and if not, return it. It seems that waiting for parts hasn't worked for the few that have had missing parts, and it sure led to frustration.

The Pilo (or is it Alta?) header is out, both with and without cat. Don't know pricing or availability, but it's not a chinese knock off, and it will be more than the OBX. Search on the recent thread for details. I think it's Alta.

Stock manifold with cat back will be the lowest power/$ combo out there. The stock manifold has some pretty restrictive stuff (by the first 02 sensor and pre-cat) that really choke it good. But you do get nice sound from the cat backs, and nice tips. If that's what you're into, I'm sure you'll be happy, but I go for HP/$, and looks be damned! (I kind of like the stock look with much improved performance) but to each his or her own.....

I pretty much agree with ingsoc, the headers for our cars are much too much. The ones for my Mustang were like $450 for both sides, SS 4-2-1. I know the mustang is produced in larger numbers, but almost half the price for twice as many headers? I mean half the headers at almost twice the price for a Mini? I just can't swallow that...

The OBX with One-Ball won't do as good as the OBX with a cat back. Easiest way is to cut your cat and flange of the stock manifold, then the cat backs just bolt up.

Matt

 

Matt, thanks for the explainations. I'm sorry but I don't really understand what you mean above. Cut the cat and flange on the stock manifold and then?

 

What i understand from some feedbacks, it seems like the header should be the first choice if budget permits. Header + stock muffler give better flow and power than Stock muffler+ aftermarket catback.

I wanted to get the OBX header sometimes ago when it was out of stock but later I found there are quite a number of fitment issues. Plus, I need to get a suitable CAT for it, any suggestions? I don't want to modify the Original Header, might use it back when I want to sell the car.

 

Look at DrO's post on the previous page. He got a Magnaflow cat for like 60 dollars...

 

Best bang for the buck = OBX + One ball PERIOD.

 

Bahamabart,

How's your OBX Header+OBX Cat back? Better than Oneball+OBX headeR?

 

Is it better (assume performance wise) - yes, mostly noticeable at the top end.

The 1-ball gave you stealth (i.e. people did not hear you coming and going), the OBX exhaust is loud when your on the throttle (i.e. you know I'm coming). Normal driving and highway its a sport exhaust. So its loud during play and sporty when not at play. I plan on adding a resonator, I'd like to drop it a notch but my wife doesn't mind it (go figure).

Whats interesting is this I can only have one or the other. I got both for 520 (parts). Even if a resonator straight pipe costs me 100 bucks - i'm still at 620 in parts. Compare that number to any BRAND name catback like Borla or Magnaflow.

Is there some compromise, sure some fitment issues w/ header and exhaust but nothing monumental. Chinese knock-offs (an issue for some). Ebay vendors (an issue if you need any kind of service/missing parts).

BUT for what I have in it $$$$, I can't complain.

 

there are photos there that will make it all clear.....

Matt

sorry I didn't post the entire link, but I'm taking a break at work, and can't dig through the thread....

 

I just ordered the OBX header for 06 MCSa and not wanting to cut up my stock header I am thinking about buying the magnaflow 94166 or 94136(single 02 sensor).
You said something about the noise level with this cat.
Is it that much louder? Would it be quieter to get the mag with the 2.25" in/out?
BTW I am going to use stock cat back.
Has anyone posted using the OBX with an auto trans?

 

But no clue on the auto transmission issue. If the exhaust manifold is the same for both the auto and the manual, you'll probably be fine.

Matt

 

Good then I'll be the first to test it in the auto which has quite a lag on take off unless I use sport mode.
Why the dual 02 sensors on the magnaflow? Will the single sensor be sufficient?

 

I have a wideband as well. And I use it in parallel with the standard system.

Look here.

Matt