12-28-2006, 02:13 PM
fwiw, i dont know much about e30's but on miatas from 99-00, a common upgrade is to get rid of the cast iron manifold (like you've got) for tubular headers (like you're looking to go to). you can find the 01+ miata oem tubular headers but for like half the price, you can buy a stainless steel one on ebay. i got mine on ebay for just over $120 shipped and also bought some of that DEI exhaust wrap to wrap the pipes, but it was a huge PITA to put in. now that you've got the engine out, you definitely need to buy those things because i'm sure it'll suck trying to do it after you put the engine back in.
a common issue with the ebay headers though is that the runner coming from cyl 3 is super close to the steering linkage. some people have dimpled the runner, some have put washers on the motor mount to shift it away. i'm probably gonna go that route because i already have mazda motorsports competition motor mounts on the way so i'll just throw some extra washers in there when i swap them out. if i could do it over again though, i probably would've found an 01+ oem header for the perfect fit.
a common issue with the ebay headers though is that the runner coming from cyl 3 is super close to the steering linkage. some people have dimpled the runner, some have put washers on the motor mount to shift it away. i'm probably gonna go that route because i already have mazda motorsports competition motor mounts on the way so i'll just throw some extra washers in there when i swap them out. if i could do it over again though, i probably would've found an 01+ oem header for the perfect fit.
1994 Ford Ranger
2004 Honda S2000
2007 BMW X3
2004 Honda S2000
2007 BMW X3