Hey guys,

I've just ordered an OBX header. I will be using the stock cat.

I've heard that there's apparently some problems with bolts not sitting right or something on the head. Apart from welding the stock cat on to the headers, do i have to do anything else?

If anyone has used the OBX header and stock cat, can you please chime in and tell me how you went about it?

Thanks in advance,
Elie

 

Elie - I want to do the same mod. I thought about ordering the OBX but felt that the quality varied greatly to the point that it might cause some issues once it lands here. I have decided to go with the X-force and the local shop install it with a high-flow cat. If I order the OBX and install the same high-flow cat I was only saving about $100, but could be lumped with some fitment issues. In buying and installing locally, I am hoping I will be reducing any fitment and quality issues...hopefully

I'll let you know.

 

What do you mean by this statement?

 

Everyone i know that has the OBX has been satisfied...
I was also once told that the X-force is the same company as OBX.....
Also been told quite a few times that the stock cat is very good...apart from the fact that some hi-flo cats can cause CEL lights....

 

I'm running the OBX header and stock cat -

I think this the thread that covers any issues

OBX-Racing Header Dyno Results!

1) some have had problems bolting up to the manifold. Solutions have been studs, new bolts with smaller heads and in my case I shaved 1/16 off the bolt head flair on 1 bolt to get it too fit. Some have increased the header holes as well.

2) connection to the exhaust - the bolts with the springs should be tight but not to the point that you don't have some flexibility. If you have fully compressed the springs you have gone too far. MOST important use copper nuts or DOUBLE nut. IF you don't do this now - you WILL be under the car again.

 

I'm also very happy with the OBX and stock cat. Fitment wasnt perfect, but was doable with some time and effort. Quality other than fitment is very good, havent heard about it varying. I have only head good results. I've never heard of the X-force.

 

The install can be a pain. Just to give an idea...I've spent nearly $850 getting the header was installed properly. Still cheaper than buying a "real" supersprint header, but thats quite a bit of money.

Some tips that stand out in my mind:
1) When mounting the header to the head...make sure that it is PRESSED against the head when you put the bolts in. Otherwise, they WILL work their way out...at least 3 of mine did.
2) You'll probably have 1 bolt that will not go in. It will need to be modified or you will need to drill out the hole, or use a different sized bolt.
3)I have had no problems with the socket joint underneath. Used the provided bolts and everything, still going strong.
4) The more heat sheilding that you remove underneath, the easier it is to fish the header in. All heat shields can be re-attached, some bending may be required on the top one though.

Even though it has a been a little bit of a pain getting it set up, I absolutely love my OBX! You will LOVE the midrange torque and power that it provides, as well as the sound!

 

I gotta ask what did you spend this money on?

 

Haha here:

$200 - OBX Header
$200 - Paid to a friend to install it (way cheaper than all the installation quotes I got)
$180 - Paid to a MINI technician to get the header to correctly fit. (Header bolts were coming out, it was leaking, it was vibrating. Completely un-installed it, drilled out some of the holes, got it to correctly line up and fit, re-installed a heat shield that we could not get on.)
$170 - Random Technology High-Flow Cat (Originally just had a test pipe, but didn't like the sound and was afraid of the law, so I bought the high flow cat)
$50 - To weld the new cat on

$800 Total spent on the OBX Header

$60 - One-Ball Exhaust
$70 - Larger chrome exhaust tips

$930 Total spent on my complete "budget" exhaust system

I would do it all over again though in an instant. I LOVE my OBX+One-Ball setup...it cannot be beat.

 

Wow - you took the long way but I'm glad to hear the story had a happy ending. As to your friend - keep him as a friend but away from your Mini .

I ended up having my installed (@ $75 per hour) and the total was $200.00 for the install. I re-used my cat and SS welding was another 65 bucks so my all in was 465.00

Like you (and others) I am pleased with this MOD.

 

Don't worry about installing the header. I recently had my OBX installed too. I went to a local mechanic in my small town that had never even seen a new Mini before! I told him that I wanted to use my stock cat and have him weld it to my new header. I didn't watch him install it, but it took about 2.5 hours. He said it fit just fine and it was very nice in quality compared to some other aftermarket headers he has seen. He charged me $180 cash. I have had it on for about 2 weeks now and everything is running great with no SEL soon lights, etc.

 

i think you'd think that, until you hear my playmini+obx

 

Uh oh, is that a "my system is better than yours statement"?

MINITOR came with the SuperSprint exhaust, but if I was starting from scratch I would go with the one-ball to OBX next time around. To each his own.

 

Man sorry to hear that! I think it cost me under 4. (Stock cat) I was thinking about this last night. When I was 16 I installed my first set of headers on my truck. I got to the last bolt and it wasn't even close to lining up. I though I would have to drill it out right? Then I was tought that when installing headers always start from the middle bolts and work your way out. So I did and every bolt lined up. I'm not saying this is the case because I know that OBX somtimes all the bolts don't line up BUT I have never heard an issue of quality? IMO this is the best bang for your buck header. Why spend an exta $800 for what?? maybe a couple pounds of torque?? I had www.helix13.com install my header as I was passing through philly, I'm sure it was 1 1/2 or 2 hours worth of labor and that included welding the stock cat in.

 

Hey guys, thanks a bunch. I intend to install myself, but get the stock cat welded somewhere else.....