I have been offered a deal I can not pass up on a custom header and exhaust for my car..... this is a prototype for a line of headers that may or may not materialize but I'm going forward..... the plan is to offer 2-3 models based on your engine and mods and planned mods.... i have visited the shop and the builder is/has been working with track prepared BMWs and Porsches...... the workmanship is top knotch and I have put Dave in touch with him to discuss the +/- of my engine.....

I want to thank Don for being so generous with his time..... the Stahl was my first choice and I believe in the product... especially after Matt's (Dr. O) eval/opinion but this is a chance to stay on the bleeding edge and what can I say.. I am happiest when it is on the edge and in the unknown..... more later.... it will probably take weeks to get this done .... I will post dynos when we get to that point....

 

Booooo, I want some pics! That's awesome man.

-Cody

 

A 180? If your builder can do it, the port design of the Mini head lends itself well. A 180 would give you the primary length needed with a smallish diameter & still have the cat & exhaust in, lets say, close to stock. The downside would be relocation of the overflow tank & PS res. The upside could be realy great, not to mention the sound.......
On the other hand the Stahl works NOW.

 

the design is being kicked around but as you would think... a pretty good idea of direction has been established..... no knock on the Stahl.... the more I learn the more I respect Don's opinions....this is just too good of an opportunity not to pursue..... there are no pictures as there is no product yet... it will be weeks....

just a note.... i have been criticized for leaking stuff prematurely..... the webb exhaust comes to mind....... I am just posting because as hobbyist/enthusiasts I get excited about this kind of stuff... in my day job I represent manufactures and have for 25 years.... I know how to do it right, don't talk about vaporware etc... this is not my day job so I am just laying things out as they come....stream of conscience kind of stuff... those who don't want to ride on my train don't have to.... but it keeps me interested and enthused.....

 

Nice work Bob.

I'd like to hear about the specs once they're resolved.
I like the Stahl unit but there's a bit of baggage with that unit that I'm too cheap/lazy to jump in to.

 

Sounds pretty cool, Bob.
Please keep us posted.

 

You can bet Don & Stahl spent some time on the header, Don takes these things very seriously. His expectations are high & he expects results.
Post when you have something,something new & different is always cool

 

you lucky dog

Do they need a second vehicle? LOL

 

You bet..... as things heat up I will let you know...

Bart.... this stuff just finds me

 

ask for 2 next time and send my way !!!

 

the "plan" is to have maybe 3 different models depending on mods... head work or no head work.....

I had a conversation this morning that confirmed there is some umphh behind this.... info as it becomes available

 

Pictures and dyno numbers before and after are nice.

Also dyno numbers before and after on a less modded MCS would be helpful since the degree of modding will vary with owners. It's hard to sort out how good a mod might be given how it might work with the existing level of mods- or at least planned mods.

Anyway sounds great. Keep us up to date.

 

i really wanna be just like SpiderX when i grow up! you rock Bob, i look forward to your findings and always enjoy your posts whenever i see them pop up. as an auto, and especially as a MINI enthusiast i commend you on your efforts and thank you for being the MINI community's guinea pig.

 

Hmm if they need a barely modded MCS send one my way!! Be sure to post pics and all that...

 

Thanks,

this thread will probably die off for a while as there is a lot of work to be done.... but as it progreses I will let you know.....

Bob

 

Hey Bob, a little off topic but have you had a chance to hear the Stahl header/cat back?

 

Don't worry, Bob, all threads die off eventually. I'm always surprised which ones live, thrive, wither, die or resurrect. This would be a wonderful dataset of a grad student to study...I just need to think of a hypothesis to test.
Mmm
The exhaust thing sounds mighty interesting. I'd have gone Stahl if I didn't have so much invested in my existing system. Of course, as any economist will tell you, past expenses are sunk costs and should not be critical for the next, marginal decision. Yeh, right...

 

I am a big fan/user of "The Teaching Company" currently listening to "Contemporary Economic Issues" by Professor Timothy Taylor......

I like the Stahl system in theory but I have not heard it.... frankly, I was close to ordering it from Don when this opportunity came to me....

when I said it will die it is because nothing meaningful will probably come for at least a few weeks......

 

I've been close to ordering the Stahl header and cat back as well as the wegner head/cam I'm holding out for 2 reasons... I want to see what the M62 DDM/M7 kit can do on a slightly modified MCS (mine) versus the heavily modified SpiderX-mobile, a JCW and the Cosworth mule. Then see what the cylinder head contributes, followed by header.. Should be interesting to see how it progresses My wife even gave me her blessing as long as I find a suspension set up that is as comfortable as the FSD/stock spring setup (which I'm looking for feedback on! I was set on a more race tuned suspension but was told she would leave me With our 3 dogs and daughter if I didn't come up with something that was MUCH less abusive for her and she likes the ride of the FSDs so.... anyone?? )

 

Good thing you don't have a job that requires information security Just kidding!!

Don is a good guy and loves the mini community! He is always willing to chat about products to make our little mini become a beast...and he DOES return phone calls...Good luck with your header design...by the way can you say if your going to design a 4-1 or a 4-2-1 ???

 

I have signed several non-disclosures in my life...... but when it come to the Mini, I can't help but stir the pot.....

 

WOW great stuff bob... I am glad to see you doing so much.... it a sickness... and you caught it bad... welcome to my world... LOL :P

 

the really "sick" thing is .... I can think of a lot more I would like to do....

my goal is that one day my engine bay will resemble Sid's MSFITOY..... after I get through with all the shenanigans....

way OT but I think modding the hell out of a Cooper could be fun..., an 02 or 03 ......loose the drive by wire etc........ smallest wheels I could find.... lower it till it scrapes the ground....

The header should be very cool...... you are the man Tuls.... keep inspiring me.....

 

Spidey,

1) If they need another car - let me know .

2) you are also my hero this month . I always picture SpiderX driving late at night in bad parts of town pulling up to guys on the corner - "got any mods for me".

3) Sid's engine bay - I plan on being cremated and having my ashes installed in MSFITOY's engine bay. M7 is converting an OCC just for this purpose. This is going to be the truely ultimate MINI mod - M7 MINI URN for the TRUE die hard ! Sorry about giving it away Peter!!!

Why SID - My urn will always be nice and shinny and I get to go for rides even once gone. Like I said THE ULTIMATE MOD FOR THE TRUE MINI ENTHUSIAST.

 

Bart, you are too funny man.