Posted by Bill Bowes on January 01, 1999 at 10:23:27:
In Reply to: 530i headers needed (geting rid of thermal reactors) posted by Sam Schultz on December 31, 1998 at 20:08:49:
Headers tend to not last very long, are expensive, and are loud. If your intent is to make a track car, by all means go with headers.
If on the other hand, you just want a faster car, but you want to keep the car quiet, then you should consider the stock Bavaria or 528i exhaust manifolds.
The what you do is get out your dremel tool and do a good port job on them. Hog 'em out very well. Don't worry about the head. Adds considerable horsepower without the headache. I have them on my Bavaria and it screams. BTW, this is a Metric Mechanix idea, and they even sell them already ported (expensive), if you don't want to try your hand at it.
I also have all three options in my shed: Bavaria, 528i, and thermal reactors. Your choice.
I live in FL. Make me an offer.
Bill Bowes
bbowes@juno.com