I was wondering this today. How come there is such a price discrepancy between headers?

OBX = $150
Megan = $160
Alta = $600
Supersprint = $700

I mean, is there really that significant of a difference in quality/technology/HP gains?

 

Minor vs. sub vs. major.

quality difference? maybe. maybe not
performance difference? i don't think so
technology? it is not rocket science.

therefore, go for the OBX and save up some bucks for some other mods

 

dont forget the miltek at $900. i think it is just preference, some people want the big names and so they pay the big bucks.

 

Well the difference between the OBX and Supersprint is that Supersprint paid to design and test it and make a high quality header, and then OBX copied it and had it made cheaper. It is said to be of lesser quality, but I have no complaints, does the same thing.

 

I just fitted OBX header on my car a couple of weeks ago. Great header for the price! I'd say go for it and save money for other mods

BTW my car now really makes a much better noise...really happy with it.Seems like it should be noise that JCW should have as standard!

 

can someone link me to the site where you can order an OBX header for 160 ? Can't find it

 

Beleive it or not, the best place to get the OBX is Ebay. Keep in mind, the OBX does not come with a test pipe, so you will either have to make one, weld on the factory cat (as I did), or use an aftermarket cat. Also, one thing I noticed is that most headers have the flex joint in them, where the OBX doesn't. Has that caused anyone any issues?

 

SIGNIFICANT? NO

EXACTLY but note that the Megan is a 4-1 design while the OBX is 4-2-1 design so you have a design choice here.

before OBX came out your only choice was big $ header.

DITTO, I have no complaints.

DITTO, Exactly!

EBAY AWAY! I re-used my stock cat and do not feel I compromised anything.
On the joint -

1) You MUST either DOUBLE NUT or COPPER NUT, if you do not you will be under the car gain.
2) Do not over tighten! The springs are there for a reason!

Lastly, headers only add a few HP and TQ so its a question of cost per each HP/TQ added. OBX gives you the cheapest HP/TQ when it comes to headers.

Others threads discussed the morality of buying a knock off. Realize that since the apperance of OBX virtually all other pre-existing header brands have come down in price!

What has it done for my car? I can't say I feel the added HP but I definetly fell the added TQ. Via my Gtech - it shows that my TQ peak is hit sooner than before (3,800-4,000) rpm and holds a flat line longer before tappering off.

Its not a question that I am an OBX fan but rather I am a fan of 200 headers!

 

Good comments Bahama. A couple of additions: I am amazed at the quality of the OBX for what you pay. I'm sure the folks at Supersprint are justifiably pissed that they were so rudely knocked off. It is fully TIGged and polished with quite good build quality for what you pay. I guess it's testament to how we benefit when some poor guy in China works for $6/month. I just hope he's (or she's) pubescent.

We've done some of these and here are a few comments on installation.

-Hog out the holes on the flange (that mates to the head), It will save you installation headaches later because some of the OBXs that we've done didn't align perfectly to the head bolt bores.

-If you are going to track the car *do* overtighten the flange bolts (in other words, bottom out the springs, so the coils are essentially smashing against each other). If you don't, the flex joint donut will start to blow by hot exhaust gasses, melt and fail.

-Use stainless wire when welding the stock cat in place, for obvious reasons.

I have a couple of cats banging around the shop and will be making some complete headers out of them when I get a free moment. I'll post when I have some available...

 

oh by the way, i have a question also. i have searched around for a bit and saw people saying header made their car sounds good.

Well obviously, i have never heard of a mini with header on. what doseit sound like? any clips?

 

I currently have the OBX with the stock exhaust until M7 can get my new pipes to me. It does sound different. and better! It has a deeper growl to it and just an overall better sound. Wish I had some way or recording a clip.. I'll look into it.

 

thanks