Hi-Flow Cat Section - Group Buy for Z4MC - Interested?

[Spreadsheet]

BIMMERPOST / Classifieds

Asking Price:

None

Item Interest

Like many of us, I was waiting to implement the installation of aftermarket parts at the end of my warranty period. One item I’ve picked up is a header from VAC by Fabspeed .

Header from VAC by Fabspeed, who are they?

VAC designs and builds engines and drivetrains components and also designs and manufactures their own line of VAC BMW Performance Parts that are used in High Performance and Racing applications around the world. http://vacmotorsports.com

Based on this information and other research, I decided to purchase their VAC by Fabspeed - S54 Performance Exhaust Header Z4M for $1,095.95. While they will sell you a header priced from a Budget model at $700 to a Super Sprint price of $2,654, they commissioned Fabsteel http://fabspeed.com to make a header for them to sell at less than $1,100

http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-...z4m-p2637.aspx

Here’s my wrinkle and hoping for some interest from some folks. When I originally bought my yet uninstalled header, my states emissions law was to NOT check vehicles and it has been this way since the late 80s or early 90s. I now understand this may be changed in the near future and I’ve decided I need to keep my car emissions legal and am looking at options, which are few for the Z4MC.

So, I am looking at getting a catalytic converter solution to this issue.
Problem being, no one other than Super Sprint makes a catalytic converter section for the Z4MC, very expensive if you know what I mean. I opened discussions with VAC about a unit for the Z4MC and initial one-off development costs started at about $3-4K. But, we moved to discuss modifying the Fabspeed’s E46 M3 High Flow Cats (Section 1) [ 200 cell high flow converters such as used on Porsches turbo cars, I’m told] and they reviewed the changes needed for the Z4MC once they had a similar customer’s car in the shop last week. Sounds like the units are pretty close in nature (and remember, SS has two different part numbers for the M3 and Z4MC units, so they are different), and VAC ultimately decided they could do a one-off conversion for me OR look into a small batch run specific to the Z4MC.

Here’s where the Z4MC community can weigh in.

VAC is contemplating producing a small ‘series’ or ‘run’ of this high flow catalytic convertor section unit for the Z4MC at a competitive price. By them being within the BMW community, they understand the low production Z4MC volumes and proposed a ‘series’ run of just TEN (10) units. The price would be $1,750 each if we get at least TEN folks for this unit. If you wanted a replacable straight thru non cat pipe, just add $225 and you can swap back and forth as you wish.

http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-...n-1-p2788.aspx

http://www.fabspeed.com/BMW.html

Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-fTz3N2eAE

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=293589

Are there TEN Z4MC souls out there interested in this unit at this price? Please let me know if you would be interested in this group buy.

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[seank]

So these are the headers that you have? http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-...z4m-p2637.aspx
And this is the exhaust that you are referring to? http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-...n-1-p2788.aspx
Are they already making this unit or did I not understand your post?

[VinnieAces]

@seank, pics of your 3 M's in a group photo, NOW

[Gt4]

Even if you install the Fabspeed headers you will still have catalytic converter in the mid pipe section (S pipe or section 1). Just modify your OEM section and add 2 post cats o2 sensors bungs.

[kennyfrc]

Originally Posted by Gtfour

Even if you install the Fabspeed headers you will still have catalytic converter in the mid pipe section (S pipe or section 1). Just modify your OEM section and add 2 post cats o2 sensors bungs.

+1

[Beedub]

these are already being made in the uk :-)

http://www.haywardandscott.com/bmw/b...flow-cats.html

also has the bungs in their ready....

[onebluemcm]

Cool idea! Another configuration I would recommend considering is a section 1 pipe that includes cats and resonators. Something like this:

http://www.custom-performance.net/pr...idproduct=1146

This pipe from Custom Performance is so close to what we could use, there are just the minor differences between the M3 and Z4M that prevent it from working. I'd be all over an option like this because I think the resonators are the missing link to a really nice, controlled exhaust note. There are a ton of different resonator options, many slim ones that would help with fitment. And, at this price it's very appealing. Section 1's out there in the in $1500-$2000 range - really? I for one can't do that.

Ya can't throw resonators in front of the cats in the stock section 1 can you? Intuitively it doesn't seem like it should really hurt anything because most resonators are a simple straight-through design not too dissimilar to a straight pipe however I've been told that it may alter gas temps enough to not get the cats to normal temps, maybe could possibly thow off the post-cat O2 readings and that "it just isn't done". No concrete evidence that it couldn't work, but if it could that would be an easy way to add some resonators.

[Spreadsheet]

Originally Posted by seank

So these are the headers that you have? http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-...z4m-p2637.aspx
And this is the exhaust that you are referring to? http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-...n-1-p2788.aspx
Are they already making this unit or did I not understand your post?

seank,

They are NOT making this unit yet. I inquired about the fit of their existing M3 unit to a Z4MC and was informed it does not fit (SS similar situation). We discussed starting from scratch. Then at my bequest, why not start with the M3 unit as a base since the S54 flanges, cats, O2 bungs, etc were similar. That's where the idea for a small production run for a unique Z4MC unit came from. Group buy cost of +$75 to M3 unit is to cover deveolpmental and jig costs for a small production run. Or does someone believe these costs are really free?

[Spreadsheet]

Originally Posted by Gtfour

Even if you install the Fabspeed headers you will still have catalytic converter in the mid pipe section (S pipe or section 1). Just modify your OEM section and add 2 post cats o2 sensors bungs.

Thanks, but I explained in my original post.

[Spreadsheet]

Originally Posted by Beedub

these are already being made in the uk :-)

http://www.haywardandscott.com/bmw/b...flow-cats.html

also has the bungs in their ready....

Cool these are available, but in UK and have you checked the exchange rate lately?

[Spreadsheet]

Originally Posted by onebluemcm

Cool idea! Another configuration I would recommend considering is a section 1 pipe that includes cats and resonators. Something like this:

http://www.custom-performance.net/pr...idproduct=1146

This pipe from Custom Performance is so close to what we could use, there are just the minor differences between the M3 and Z4M that prevent it from working. I'd be all over an option like this because I think the resonators are the missing link to a really nice, controlled exhaust note. There are a ton of different resonator options, many slim ones that would help with fitment. And, at this price it's very appealing. Section 1's out there in the in $1500-$2000 range - really? I for one can't do that.

Ya can't throw resonators in front of the cats in the stock section 1 can you? Intuitively it doesn't seem like it should really hurt anything because most resonators are a simple straight-through design not too dissimilar to a straight pipe however I've been told that it may alter gas temps enough to not get the cats to normal temps, maybe could possibly thow off the post-cat O2 readings and that "it just isn't done". No concrete evidence that it couldn't work, but if it could that would be an easy way to add some resonators.

Thanks onebluemcm!

Nice concept. Interesting videos. Has anyone seen this installed (understand same for system I am recommending) or discussed with the manufacturer (which I have)? Cost seems similar once you consider the CAT, but add the VAT and shipping, I don't know.........

[johanness]

Originally Posted by Spreadsheet

Thanks, but I explained in my original post.

I don't get it. You want to replace our Sec 1 with what we already have? Our Sec 1's are already 200 count (or thereabouts). Just move your bungs and PRESTO. Why pay anyone to fab what's already there?

[seank]

@seank, pics of your 3 M's in a group photo, NOW

I don't own 3------------------yet. I won't be picking up the z4mc for another 34 days. I will definately take pics but the wife wants me to sell the e36m3 soon after. We also have a 4 runner not listed, but most of them are company cars, especially the track car that does all the marketing.

[seank]

Regarding the Fabspeed parts, I thought they were making them since they are on the z4m page? They caught my eye, beautiful, and the option to turn it into a straight pipe easily. And the price seems very fair. But I need to pick up the car first, before I buy anymore parts for a car that I don't have.

[Beedub]

Originally Posted by Spreadsheet

Cool these are available, but in UK and have you checked the exchange rate lately?

vt2 supercharger shipped from the overseas.... i know all about the exchange rate thankyou. i didnt say anybody needs to buy them, i was merely pointing out these are available over here, their are uk/euro members here as well spreadsheet

[ga41]

Originally Posted by Beedub

these are already being made in the uk :-)

http://www.haywardandscott.com/bmw/b...flow-cats.html

also has the bungs in their ready....

I believe flatout has them on his MC. Haven't had a chance to really grill him about them though.

[Spreadsheet]

Originally Posted by johanness

I don't get it. You want to replace our Sec 1 with what we already have? Our Sec 1's are already 200 count (or thereabouts). Just move your bungs and PRESTO. Why pay anyone to fab what's already there?

I disagree with your assessment that the system I've presented is the same as what's already there. While many people have modifed the section 1 with bungs and are happy with the results, this was done to eliminate the CEL. The original BMW system was with pre-cats and post-cats, when adding a header you are left with the post-cats, just part of the total system.

The VAC system is a fully designed unit from headers through intentionally designed hi-flow cat section (and replaceable flow-thru if wanted). There is much more to hi-flow cats than just cell counts, so stating the OEM cats have a 200 count (or thereabout) doesn't tell the whole story.

I'm not satisfied with a modded cat just to stop the CEL and also wasn't satified with the paying the huge sums the SuperSprint system costs. The VAC by Fabspeed units are a fully designed system, priced appropriately for the engineering put into the system.

Sorry you don't feel the same, hope some other might.

[marinb]

I just recently installed the Fabspeed headers on my Z4MC. You can see my post about it here:
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthre...=472542&page=2

I've been thinking about just doing the O2 relocate to my stock section 1, but this Fabspeed high flow section 1 is also tempting...

[Spreadsheet]

Originally Posted by marinb

I just recently installed the Fabspeed headers on my Z4MC. You can see my post about it here:
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthre...=472542&page=2

I've been thinking about just doing the O2 relocate to my stock section 1, but this Fabspeed high flow section 1 is also tempting...

marinb,

Nice post on the VAC by Fabspeed headers, I agree with your assessment of why you chose them, same reasons I did. I was thinking of coating them as well. I've used Jet-Hot before, back in the day they were originally High Performance Coating (HPC) based in OKC and they were bought by Jet-Hot, still make an execellent product at the facility in OKC, just down the turnpike for me.

While the black is cool, I still prefer their silver matrix color. And I can attest to their ability to keep the temerature down in the engine compartment. I had a set of headers coated for my Ford Ranger years ago and it definately made a big difference.

I hope you will get on the group buy for the Section 1 unit, I believe it will be a winner.

[Spreadsheet]

Bump

[zubydafa]

fabspeed headers ftw! love them on my M.

tempting, but i'll probably just get the 02 bungs welded into the oem section1.

[blender]

Interested!