E30 Exhaust Options

[SamD02]

Just recently purchased a 325 that has been converted to a 2.7.
Drastically needs a new exhaust, looking for information on the best options for a full exhaust and whether headers are worth getting as well with a new exhaust.
I want it loud but a nice sound.
Thanks.

[BristolE30]

Would also love a fresh set of headers for my 325i also but it seems it’s a huge toss up between money vs actual gains

[SamD02]

Would also love a fresh set of headers for my 325i also but it seems it’s a huge toss up between money vs actual gains

Yeah it seems as though headers are expensive by themselves but substantial gains can only be seen when you spend even more money on other modifications to pair with them.

However headers sound awesome.

[flybynite]

fresh set of headers

What are these headers you talk about? I thought they only fitted them to engines in the USA? Do they make them go faster?

Are you in Bristol, Connecticut?

[BristolE30]

fresh set of headers

What are these headers you talk about? I thought they only fitted them to engines in the USA? Do they make them go faster?

Are you in Bristol, Connecticut?

Tomato, tomato
Exhaust manifold, headers

[tha881]

The only complete off the shelf solutions for the m20 is the fritz bitz, btb, scorpion or standard systems. I had a standard front system with scorpion back box and it sounded very nice. I now have a custom centre section and scorpion back box which also sounds very nice. I think whatever you do it is going to be louder and sound better than 90% of cars on the road.

Manifolds are a difficult one, there are budget ones about which i personally dont think are worth the headache/fitment issues unless you are desperate for the look in the engine bay. If you have a quicker rack you can run into clearance issues.

If money is no object go btb manifold and full system. Otherwise it might be worth adding an aftermarket backbox and seeing if you're happy with it, then decide whether you want to add downpipe and centre at a later date, all depends on budget really.

[Judas]

There is a guy in Australia that makes the hartge header seen in the wiki. It’s obviously a replica but I have one installed and it’s fantastic. Cost me I think $600aud which is much better than the $2000 other places charge for headers. He is on eBay if you want them



This is the exhaust running straight from headers. Had a 2in twin system connected but I had to film it raw

[SamD02]

The only complete off the shelf solutions for the m20 is the fritz bitz, btb, scorpion or standard systems. I had a standard front system with scorpion back box and it sounded very nice. I now have a custom centre section and scorpion back box which also sounds very nice. I think whatever you do it is going to be louder and sound better than 90% of cars on the road.

Manifolds are a difficult one, there are budget ones about which i personally dont think are worth the headache/fitment issues unless you are desperate for the look in the engine bay. If you have a quicker rack you can run into clearance issues.

If money is no object go btb manifold and full system. Otherwise it might be worth adding an aftermarket backbox and seeing if you're happy with it, then decide whether you want to add downpipe and centre at a later date, all depends on budget really.

Thanks this is exactly the info i was looking for. Think I’ll get a back box section first then see what i think and change the rest at a later date if need be, is your custom centre section straight through? And do you mind me asking the cost of the custom work? As for the manifold i think I’ll wait a bit, if I’m gonna change the manifold I’ll do it last after I’ve got the car to the standard i want it.
Cheers for the help.

[SamD02]

There is a guy in Australia that makes the hartge header seen in the wiki. It’s obviously a replica but I have one installed and it’s fantastic. Cost me I think $600aud which is much better than the $2000 other places charge for headers. He is on eBay if you want them



This is the exhaust running straight from headers. Had a 2in twin system connected but I had to film it raw

Thanks for the info, was struggling to find them for RHD. Sounds mad.

[tha881]

Thanks this is exactly the info i was looking for. Think I’ll get a back box section first then see what i think and change the rest at a later date if need be, is your custom centre section straight through? And do you mind me asking the cost of the custom work? As for the manifold i think I’ll wait a bit, if I’m gonna change the manifold I’ll do it last after I’ve got the car to the standard i want it.
Cheers for the help.

I didnt straight pipe it as the standard system has a centre box, this box helps to equalise the pressure differences between the twin pipe system, it also helps with scavenging. The custom centre section cost me 400. I would think if you're starting from scratch the fritz bitz wouldnt be a bad bet as it's all designed to work together.

[SamD02]

I didnt straight pipe it as the standard system has a centre box, this box helps to equalise the pressure differences between the twin pipe system, it also helps with scavenging. The custom centre section cost me 400. I would think if you're starting from scratch the fritz bitz wouldnt be a bad bet as it's all designed to work together.

Ok cheers mate
On the subject of modifications, is there anything you would suggest to do for just any E30 to improve them in anyway.
Such as LSD? Short shifter? Air filter? Anything, new to E30s so just wanna know what is commonly done to them.