Upgrading headers

[EthanolTurbo]

Just a quick question for those who have done it... I've currently got Euro headers and been running them for a couple years now. I've got a chance to upgrade to SSv1+ race cats (or catless section 1 I already have sitting in my garage.) Just wondering if it's worth it in terms of power/sound to switch the Euro setup for the SSv1? I found an old dyno from M3forum.net showing someone gaining 24ish whp in the top end of the rev range but has anyone else experienced this as well? It would cost me roughly $1-2k to upgrade after selling my setup.

[robgill]

I’ve run both in the same car. I’m not sure you’ll see that big of a jump but you will definitely see a performance improvement over the euro setup.

The SS cats are exceptional and flow extremely well. Ive done back to back dyno runs with and without SS cats and there was basically no power loss (also very little sound impact).

[usdmej]

everybody has a different tolerance for diminishing returns

i've got the supporting mods that would really benefit from a freer breathing SS setup (carbon airbox/cams) but running Euro Headers/Cats in california guarantees less grief every 2 years

[EthanolTurbo]

everybody has a different tolerance for diminishing returns

i've got the supporting mods that would really benefit from a freer breathing SS setup (carbon airbox/cams) but running Euro Headers/Cats in california guarantees less grief every 2 years

I was also thinking of upgrading my SS resonated section 2 to the bigger twin tube. Is it possible to plug rear cats into SS cats and have monitors go ready? As long as monitors go ready I can pass smog.

[Cubieman]

I was also thinking of upgrading my SS resonated section 2 to the bigger twin tube. Is it possible to plug rear cats into SS cats and have monitors go ready? As long as monitors go ready I can pass smog.

I assume you means O2's, most definitely possible.

I re-routed my post cat O2's & EGT down the driver's side to reach my euro sec. 1 because I didn't know how to use any coding software at the time and didn't want a CEL.

I currently have the post cat O2s off, but before I did so they did not trigger a CEL even after I switched over the Ssv1/Catted Sec. 1.Sec. So they should show as ready and not ping any dash lights, that was the case with mine anyhow.

[EthanolTurbo]

I assume you means O2's, most definitely possible.

I re-routed my post cat O2's & EGT down the driver's side to reach my euro sec. 1 because I didn't know how to use any coding software at the time and didn't want a CEL.

I currently have the post cat O2s off, but before I did so they did not trigger a CEL even after I switched over the Ssv1/Catted Sec. 1.Sec. So they should show as ready and not ping any dash lights, that was the case with mine anyhow.

Thank you very much for the firsthand info, really helps when deciding how to live with them long term. And yes I meant to write "rear o2 for cats."

[Syfon]

I installed supersprint stepped manifolds as a part of my s54 build last year (I think they're v1's).

Made a very noticeable difference in sound. Much deeper.

As for power - I'm sure it made a difference, however I wasn't able to do a before/after dyno run to compare the euro-to-ss setup.

Fyi, my exhaust setup; SS Stepped V1's, section 1 twin 2 1/4" (with twin bottle-style resonators; no cats), section 2 3" x-pipe, section 2 SS Race.

[digger]

Just a quick question for those who have done it... I've currently got Euro headers and been running them for a couple years now. I've got a chance to upgrade to SSv1+ race cats (or catless section 1 I already have sitting in my garage.) Just wondering if it's worth it in terms of power/sound to switch the Euro setup for the SSv1? I found an old dyno from M3forum.net showing someone gaining 24ish whp in the top end of the rev range but has anyone else experienced this as well? It would cost me roughly $1-2k to upgrade after selling my setup.

TOFTT

get your current setup tuned optimally, then install SSV1 and retune and post the delta. That will go a ways to end the conjecture. If you can log various things like IAT, delivered ignition timing, ECT etc to make sure there are no other influences.

[EthanolTurbo]

TOFTT

get your current setup tuned optimally, then install SSV1 and retune and post the delta. That will go a ways to end the conjecture. If you can log various things like IAT, delivered ignition timing, ECT etc to make sure there are no other influences.

Yep that is the plan. I will dyno at EAS with my current setup and tune dialed in. Then I'llgo backafter I install SSv1 and twin tube section 2. HTE will be tuning it.

[jet_dogg]

Yep that is the plan. I will dyno at EAS with my current setup and tune dialed in. Then I'llgo backafter I install SSv1 and twin tube section 2. HTE will be tuning it.

This is a good plan.

[Toby22]

Yep that is the plan. I will dyno at EAS with my current setup and tune dialed in. Then I'llgo backafter I install SSv1 and twin tube section 2. HTE will be tuning it.

Props to you for doing all that. Should be interesting to see the results between the two

[stash1]

I installed supersprint stepped manifolds as a part of my s54 build last year (I think they're v1's).

Made a very noticeable difference in sound. Much deeper.

As for power - I'm sure it made a difference, however I wasn't able to do a before/after dyno run to compare the euro-to-ss setup.

Fyi, my exhaust setup; SS Stepped V1's, section 1 twin 2 1/4" (with twin bottle-style resonators; no cats), section 2 3" x-pipe, section 2 SS Race.

I believe that you can only fit the V1 header specific (2 1/2" Section I) pipes if I'm not mistaken? If you somehow managed to fit 2 1/4' pipes, you're leaving a little power on the table. Also, I'd lose that single 3" Section II pipe as well.😉

[Tbonem3]

V2s, if they're stepped.

[Z3 Coupe]

I believe that you can only fit the V1 header specific (2 1/2" Section I) pipes if I'm not mistaken? If you somehow managed to fit 2 1/4' pipes, you're leaving a little power on the table. Also, I'd lose that single 3" Section II pipe as well.😉

Why lose the 3” section 2? I have the same section 2 with stock headers and section 1. I would like to understand the differences/ benefits as I intended to get V1s.


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[Tbonem3]

Keep the 3" sect 2 if you live from 5k to 8k on the track. Otherwise, you'll be giving up quite a lot of midrange to the factory piece or even moreso, the SS 2.5" dual piece.