Which headers? (DKF Section 1 needs a friend)

[philjw]

I'm very excited about the DKF group buy, and I'd really like to use it (with the 300 cell cats and relocated sensors) to facilitate new headers in my coupe. I'm not in a hurry, so maybe I can wait for a bargain to pop up, but what is the current thought on these? I've read a lot of threads, but a lot of the predated the current selection, and some manufacturers seem to have modified their offerings. So please, tell me what you think!

1) CSL/Euro headers - Prob just the euro ones, and this seems like my default option as they are relatively cheap and guaranteed fit, etc. CSL doesn't seem worth it just for the weight, or are they? Slightly better flow?

2) Supersprint - Seem overpriced (or at least more than I want to spend) and unclear whether I could use an ESS tune with these? (I'd like one of those.) Really that much better to justify $2500+? If so, which ones? Is stepped really better? I've heard most of the gains or on the top end?

3) Fabspeed - Several members here seem to have picked these up lately but I'm not seeing a lot of feedback. Apparently require a bit of modification to fit? Any good? Especially if not using for the extra O2 and EGT bungs?

4) Schnell - Similar price to Fabspeed and ceramic coated, but found some negative comments? Anyone like them?

5) AA - See these in a lot of sigs here, but again, how do they compare? Seem a bit pricier than the last two but not as much as the SS.

6) JVT - Are these even around anymore?

7) Other eBay headers - Again, where are these $200 headers everyone used to talk about? In any case, not likely to spring for some unknown brand without some reviews.

8) Others???

[beta]

Originally Posted by philjw

1) CSL/Euro headers - Prob just the euro ones, and this seems like my default option as they are relatively cheap and guaranteed fit, etc. CSL doesn't seem worth it just for the weight, or are they? Slightly better flow?

The euro headers for the Z4M are the CSL headers. CSL/euro is interchangeable if you mean Z4M. The only time there's a difference is if you're buying M3 euro headers.

Originally Posted by philjw

2) Supersprint - Seem overpriced (or at least more than I want to spend) and unclear whether I could use an ESS tune with these? (I'd like one of those.) Really that much better to justify $2500+? If so, which ones? Is stepped really better? I've heard most of the gains or on the top end?

For me it's between these two.

Either you get the Euro to get the lightest headers (flow formed, so they're really thin). Or you get the supersprint as those seem to produce the highest HP gains.

A few people on here have had great success with the ebay headers (sometimes having to do some minor modifications so the flanges line up correctly), so really it's up to you and how much you want to spend. Mfan is running JVT headers I think.

[mousitch]

As far as bang for buck and you can wait on the longer shipping times, the Euro is the way to go. Got mine from under $700 shipped on here from a forum member.

[Jroc]

Status Gruppe Tuning

[DRedman45]

I have fabspeed's...they fit fine, they just hit the under brace, so you can dent them a bit to get them off or bend the brace

[inTgr8r]

I have the Fabspeed and will be installing them when I do the test fit on the DKF section 1 in the next couple of weeks.
They were supposed to have tweaked the fitment a bit;
I'll give some fitment feedback soon.

There are two OE headers.
The CSLs (z4 OE) are still harder to find and more expensive than the M3 OE headers (best bang for $).
member Donavan (sp?) is the best source for these.

IMO Supersprint are just too expensive.
Yes, ...maybe the best performance, but not all that much better for the price.

Schnell - coated yes, but not the high end jethot type coating.
these are not stainless steel.

[itdnwiwbp]

I was about to post this same question after looking around quite a bit. Fitment and O2/EGT relocation are my biggest concerns. It sounds like with the DKF section 1 the O2s/EGT won't be an issue regardless of what headers we go with so fitment is it. I'll wait for Ian's review of his Fabspeed install.

[inTgr8r]

^ yeah... Bungs was originally one of the reasons I went with Fabspeed.
....not an issue anymore


JMO, but I was (am) totally against chopping up the OE section 1 to add bungs


I should have the DKF test pieces early next week.
I'll test the Fabspeeds at the same time.

[itdnwiwbp]

Awesome! Thanks!

[philjw]

Thanks for all the feedback!

Originally Posted by beta

The euro headers for the Z4M are the CSL headers. CSL/euro is interchangeable if you mean Z4M. The only time there's a difference is if you're buying M3 euro headers.

Can anyone confirm whether there is a performance difference between the CSL (euro Z4M) headers and the non-CSL M3 euro headers other than the lighter weight?

Originally Posted by Jroc

Status Gruppe Tuning

More details...?

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

JMO, but I was (am) totally against chopping up the OE section 1 to add bungs

I should have the DKF test pieces early next week.
I'll test the Fabspeeds at the same time.

Awesome, I'll be looking out for your comments

Agree about hacking up the OEM section 1, especially because I may revert to stock when (and if) I sell the car.

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

I have the Fabspeed and will be installing them when I do the test fit on the DKF section 1 in the next couple of weeks.
They were supposed to have tweaked the fitment a bit;
I'll give some fitment feedback soon.

There are two OE headers.
The CSLs (z4 OE) are still harder to find and more expensive than the M3 OE headers (best bang for $).
member Donavan (sp?) is the best source for these.

Same questions about the CSL vs non-CSL. Seems like grabbing the non-CSL euro headers from Donovan is my best bet, unless the CSL or Fabspeed headers have a distinct performance advantage.

[marinb]

If you want the best fit and can find a good deal then go CSL/Euro. Otherwise, buying these new puts you into Supersprint price territory.

If you got money to burn go Supersprint. They seem to have slightly better performance.

If you want low cost then go Fabspeed. I personally went Fabspeed with JetHot coating just because I didn't want to deal with a used set of CSL headers and I didn't want to spend a lot. No fitment issues.

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by marinb

...........
If you want low cost then go Fabspeed. I personally went Fabspeed with JetHot coating just because I didn't want to deal with a used set of CSL headers and I didn't want to spend a lot. No fitment issues.

good to know

[philjw]

Originally Posted by marinb

If you want the best fit and can find a good deal then go CSL/Euro. Otherwise, buying these new puts you into Supersprint price territory.

If you got money to burn go Supersprint. They seem to have slightly better performance.

If you want low cost then go Fabspeed. I personally went Fabspeed with JetHot coating just because I didn't want to deal with a used set of CSL headers and I didn't want to spend a lot. No fitment issues.

Did you buy those from VAC, and are they the same as this? http://www.vacmotorsports.com/catalo...--z3m--z4m.htm

Anywhere cheaper? And how much for the JetHot coating?

[DRedman45]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

good to know

mine had the issue mentioned above, and they are a recent built set...it may not be everyone, but it isn't 100% true that there are no issues at all

Originally Posted by philjw

Did you buy those from VAC, and are they the same as this? http://www.vacmotorsports.com/catalo...--z3m--z4m.htm


Anywhere cheaper? And how much for the JetHot coating?

yes, those are the fabspeed headers. They are the same price no matter where you get them, but you could possibly save on shipping from a dealer on the west coast some where...iirc the coating is something like $300

[marinb]

I bought them from VAC. The JetHot was around $300. They had it as an add-on option when I purchased.

So, I lied a little about "No fitment issues"... I did make a minor mod to a transmission flange, see here:
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showpost...0&postcount=35

However, that modification was not required to get them to fit. They fit fine, but they were just barely touching the transmission and I didn't want there to be any possible NVH.

[itdnwiwbp]

Have you since been able to take care of the CEL light with a tune, marinb?

[Jroc]

The M3forums guys love the SGT headers, great fitment/customer service and one of the better prices out there.

[philjw]

Originally Posted by Jroc

The M3forums guys love the SGT headers, great fitment/customer service and one of the better prices out there.

That's two comments about the Status Gruppe headers (http://www.statusgruppe.com/products...t-less-headers) Anyone here try these on a Z4M? They specifically identify the set as compatible with our cars on their website, but would be curious to hear from someone who's actually installed on an E85/86...

[marinb]

Originally Posted by itdnwiwbp

Have you since been able to take care of the CEL light with a tune, marinb?

So the first thing I did was do the relocate (only O2, left EGT in the headers). That completely solved the CEL and all readiness sensors were passing.

I later reverted the relocate and installed (another) stock section 1, and then had Evolve tune for catless. The Evolve tune can easily turn off the CEL, but I have yet to satisfy all readiness sensors (2 are still failing). Still working with Evolve on this.

[itdnwiwbp]

Cool, thanks for the info.

[VinnieAces]

I got the AA, fitment was perfect plus they look REALLY well-made. The sound they produce tho i'm sure similar to all other headers available is intoxicating. Great mod choice. Just be wary of passing emissions.

[pokeybritches]

I'm about to install my Supersprint V1 stepped. I'd go Supersprint or Active if you can find them used. Go Euro if you're on a budget.