I've been looking at some headers on ebay like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Stain...QQcmdZViewItem

I don't have much extra money at the moment but, I want a better sound from my MC. Are these worth it, does anybody know? I really don't understand paying 600-800 for a header from another website

 

No name headers from somebody off eBay with 29 negatives in the last year that fit both the MC and MCS engine?

 

How is the Megan racing header for the Cooper? How does it fit? Where can I get a aftermarket cat from?

 

Well, I was just asking.... I didn't know the MCS header was different...

 

The MC and MCS header is the same.... If anything cheap....go OBX.

 

Also, be sure that you couldn't spend that money somewhere else first- Many say the stock header is pretty efficient. Maybe just whack out the cat for a high flow (Magnaflow has a good one I hear). (Please do not run w/o a cat! ). That should increase flow and give a good sound.

For the money, tho, you could do MTH ECU tune, catback exhaust, megan coilovers, or any number of goodies.

IMO, the header should be one of the last things to do, IF you even take things that far.

Good luck!

 

I'm running an open header just for you at the moment...Sounds really good (deep throaty burrble) but LOUD!

 

Headers do provide a good performance improvement on a higher restriction motor. Because the MINI uses a tubular style manifold from the factory, it flows pretty well to begin with. And no cat/high flow/OEM cat, there is no power difference. At least that I've ever read. Many WRX tuners say use either a high flow or the OE cat because running catless provides no power increase. And if any car would be subject to it, it's a turbo car. (Less back pressure=more power and faster spool time.) All 3 flow the same in these cases.

 

Yipee. I know. . . We had that discussion.

Again, cats are on our cars for a reason, so please run a cat. Good luck to those who don't- watch out for that karma.

 

not to mention the $25,000 fine if they catch you with out a cat.

 

Yea, I've heard anywhere from $5k up to $25k, and it's on a Federal level, but I can't remember the last time a Fed was out checking cats. Some states, like Ohio, I've heard have very loose emissions, so they don't care either way. . . But this is what I hear:

"Hey, guys, I'm thinking about setting up my cooling system to leak about a quart of coolant everyday onto the street as I drive. I just like the way it sounds! Power gains, too. 1/3 hampster power added. What? What? No way, someone will have to pay to put the hose back into place, I don't have the money for that. . . I'll never get busted, not even if a random dog were to lap up my drip trail and die. . . It's my car anyway and I'll do what I want with it. Plus, there are a million other cars doing the same thing. That's right, a MILLION. Isn't that a huge, unfathomable number? When you have those kinds of odds it can't be even close to making a difference. I mean, chlorine gas can be fatal ONLY at .1% concentration in the atmosphere. That's, like, a lot, right? Wow, numbers and ratios make my head hurt. OOOoo. . . a popsicle!"

 

Ok, I bought a megan header for my '05 MC and here are my impressions:
First: To install it I had to remove the valve cover becuase there's no space to get it in.
Second I wrapped it (before installation duhhhh!!) with thermal wrap.
Third: The mini don't have any change in sound.
Fourth: My mini runs better going uphill and it don't feel so "congestioned"

For me, it works great, I had many experience with modifying cars and I can say that the header is a good choice

 

Don't make me trek to the other side of base and rev up next to your building......