Megan Racing Headers

[AP3X_FTW]

Hey everyone. I have an E46 M3 race car and I'm looking to install a set of aftermarket headers to mate up against my Bimmerworld race exhaust. I should mention that I've owned many E46 M3 street/track cars in the past, and have typically gone with SS V1 stepped headers for maximum quality and power. With that being said, I'm going to need to detune this car to fit into the different classes I plan to run the car in, so max power is not really a concern. I'm looking for something that fits well that will simply improve flow and reduce heat/weight in the engine bay. I'd gladly grab a set of euro headers, but they seem difficult to find, and many that I have seen for sale seem to be pretty beat up.

Several people/shops have mentioned that Megan Racing headers are a decent option for my intended use, however, the only website that seems to carry them is Prestige Auto Lab - LINK

Curious to know if anyone here has purchased a set from this site, and if the headers fit well.

TIA

[Tbonem3]

Yes they're good euro reps just like AA's. There was a bad batch a few years ago, but other than that, they've been a solid choice for the price.

[AP3X_FTW]

Yes they're good euro reps just like AA's. There was a bad batch a few years ago, but other than that, they've been a solid choice for the price.

Appreciate the feedback. Unfortunately it looks like the product page on the site I linked above is outdated. They've got August 2024 backorder verbiage still listed.

[Tbonem3]

Try to find a part # or sku and google that. You might find other sources...

[samthejam]

I ordered them from Prestige on 10/25/24 and got them on 11/1/24. They are on my car right now. The fitment was okay, they bolted up. They are not OE, but they fit.

I have it paired to a stock section 1, and the Bimmerworld Street track exhaust. The exhaust does seem to rattle quite a bit with this combo. Sounds great at high rpm.

I have been using them for everyday usage and on track so we will see how they hold. I would recommend getting Genuine, Elring or HJS gaskets and not use the gaskets that come with them.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CcqBaVtJbOI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lFRjMRhvlI

[Ragincajun5220]

Yes they're good euro reps just like AA's. There was a bad batch a few years ago, but other than that, they've been a solid choice for the price.

Are they and the AA headers exactly the same? Same manufacturer etc? Or is AA a better quality rep?

[Slideways]

Hey everyone. I have an E46 M3 race car and I'm looking to install a set of aftermarket headers to mate up against my Bimmerworld race exhaust. I should mention that I've owned many E46 M3 street/track cars in the past, and have typically gone with SS V1 stepped headers for maximum quality and power. With that being said, I'm going to need to detune this car to fit into the different classes I plan to run the car in, so max power is not really a concern. I'm looking for something that fits well that will simply improve flow and reduce heat/weight in the engine bay. I'd gladly grab a set of euro headers, but they seem difficult to find, and many that I have seen for sale seem to be pretty beat up.

Several people/shops have mentioned that Megan Racing headers are a decent option for my intended use, however, the only website that seems to carry them is Prestige Auto Lab - LINK

Curious to know if anyone here has purchased a set from this site, and if the headers fit well.

TIA

If weight is a factor, you will want the euro headers or even better late model 2004+ euro/CSL headers. Aftermarket headers typically weigh 2kgs more than the non-CSL euro headers. Just look at those flanges on the aftermarket headers

Are they and the AA headers exactly the same? Same manufacturer etc? Or is AA a better quality rep?

Both are made by the same manufacturer, no difference.

[Jwolf77k]

I'm actually planning on doing the same setup, I just picked up a set of Megan Racing headers to pair with the bimmerworld exhaust, I'm still working on my rear subframe so I won't be installing them anytime soon but headers are built nice from what I've seen so far. I also recommend to get them coated

[samthejam]

Untitled by Kurvenkamph Motorsport, on Flickr

[AP3X_FTW]

I ordered them from Prestige on 10/25/24 and got them on 11/1/24. They are on my car right now. The fitment was okay, they bolted up. They are not OE, but they fit.

I have it paired to a stock section 1, and the Bimmerworld Street track exhaust. The exhaust does seem to rattle quite a bit with this combo. Sounds great at high rpm.

I have been using them for everyday usage and on track so we will see how they hold. I would recommend getting Genuine, Elring or HJS gaskets and not use the gaskets that come with them.

Thanks for the response. Was there the same "Pre-order" button on the site when you bought? I've also heard it's best to pick up OEM gaskets. Good note!

[AP3X_FTW]

If weight is a factor, you will want the euro headers or even better late model 2004+ euro/CSL headers. Aftermarket headers typically weigh 2kgs more than the non-CSL euro headers. Just look at those flanges on the aftermarket headers

100% agree, but euro headers in good condition are tough to source. If this site got as much traffic and engagement as the old M3F (RIP) I would just put up a WTB ad 🤪.

[Slideways]

100% agree, but euro headers in good condition are tough to source. If this site got as much traffic and engagement as the old M3F (RIP) I would just put up a WTB ad 🤪.

There is a forum member in the other thread offering up a few sets.

[Nate047]

One other thing about the weight, moving the weight of the cats towards the middle of the car and a little lower is a benefit, even if there’s not a ton of outright weight savings of the whole setup.

What’s the best overall way (emphasis on economical) to get a catted section 1 for a simple setup like AA/Megan/Euro headers, 60mm section 2 with a well paired section 3? Is the move to buy your own cats, and weld them into the stock section 1 piping? Or is there a better off the shelf choice?

[samthejam]

Thanks for the response. Was there the same "Pre-order" button on the site when you bought? I've also heard it's best to pick up OEM gaskets. Good note!

No it was not, it was just the regular add to cart. Which I thought I saw last night

[Tbonem3]

One other thing about the weight, moving the weight of the cats towards the middle of the car and a little lower is a benefit, even if there’s not a ton of outright weight savings of the whole setup.

What’s the best overall way (emphasis on economical) to get a catted section 1 for a simple setup like AA/Megan/Euro headers, 60mm section 2 with a well paired section 3? Is the move to buy your own cats, and weld them into the stock section 1 piping? Or is there a better off the shelf choice?

There are, and have been, some aftermarket pipes that are affordable, but they come with cheap cats ofc, and those seem to pass smog in CA maybe 1 time then 2 years later, they're already not scrubbing the exhaust well enough.

There's the expensive 60mm SS hjs pipe which is the best thing you could buy. Also euro cats, but price is pretty high.

So what's left is the DIY approach with good parts. Gesi 300 cell cats on ebay amazon for like $800 and put them into stock u.s. sect 1. Can also get hjs cats for a bit more $, but gotta find a vendor who will order.