Advice on replacing headers on NA6

[DMc2014]

Hi all, I've owned my NA6 since 2014 and have been lurking here since for advice, news and entertainment.

On my most recent service I received a diagnosis of a leak in the headers (not at the manifold gasket). They are stock headers and assuming they have been there for the full 290,000 klms, it's time to replace.

I have a kind friend with knowhow and a hoist so I'd like to have a go at this myself. I would like to go for an aftermarket performance( I know the HP increase is minimal) rather than sourcing a stock set. My questions are:

1. Does anyone have any experience with A/M headers and if so, should I expect any issues with connecting with the rest of the stock exhaust? Any brand recommendations?

2. Is this also a good time to look at intake improvements?

Car is stock apart from 15 inch wheels, King springs and Koni shocks. Not looking to go forced induction.

cheers, David

[PaulF]

In my experience, pretty much any set of aftermarket headers will require modification to fit with an existing exhaust (stock or otherwise). This is a very simple job for an exhaust shop or someone with a bit of fabrication know-how, but not for a bloke like me with just sockets and spanners. The only way to get around this and have a "bolt-on" option is to buy a complete system. Maybe someone can prove me wrong and show me an aftermarket header that's totally compatible with a stock exhaust, but it'd be news to me.

2. Is this also a good time to look at intake improvements?

It's always a good time to look at intake improvements! You will be removing the intake to change the headers, but changing an intake is a very simple job at any time.

[ralt]

Hi.
Japanese made extractors usually bolt straight up to the cat. I have fitted several over the years very easy.

[DMc2014]

Hi.
Japanese made extractors usually bolt straight up to the cat. I have fitted several over the years very easy.

Thank you. I haven't had much luck with google and Japanese made extractors. I assume that Genie and X-force (Mx5 mania) are local products? Do you have any product recommendations?

[DMc2014]

In my experience, pretty much any set of aftermarket headers will require modification to fit with an existing exhaust (stock or otherwise). This is a very simple job for an exhaust shop or someone with a bit of fabrication know-how, but not for a bloke like me with just sockets and spanners. The only way to get around this and have a "bolt-on" option is to buy a complete system. Maybe someone can prove me wrong and show me an aftermarket header that's totally compatible with a stock exhaust, but it'd be news to me.

2. Is this also a good time to look at intake improvements?

It's always a good time to look at intake improvements! You will be removing the intake to change the headers, but changing an intake is a very simple job at any time.

Thanks Paul,
I am you but with less sockets and spanners. This information is helpful ...it may be a job for my regular service centre after all... cheers

[Tim_cyc03]

I would look at http://www.maruhamotors.co.jp/miata/ if you want japanese.

All the product I've got from them over the years have been amazing.

I haven't tried their headers, but if I were getting another set I would.

[DMc2014]

I would look at http://www.maruhamotors.co.jp/miata/ if you want japanese.

All the product I've got from them over the years have been amazing.

I haven't tried their headers, but if I were getting another set I would.

Thank you, I will enquire. Starting to see that there are no short cuts here. Making time to talk, email and visit workshops will be the way to go.
Cheers, David

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[ralt]

Hi.
If you look in ebay you will find mx5 mania have them in stock and yes they will bolt straight on . If you do not have the aptitude to put them on they may fit them for you.

[Eunos_Frogster]

I think still I have a set of headers from when my car was 1.6, you can have them for free if I can still find them. Not sure what brand they are but they fit on the car pretty well with no rubbing on the subframe. The o2 bung is cross threaded though


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[DMc2014]

Hi.
If you look in ebay you will find mx5 mania have them in stock and yes they will bolt straight on . If you do not have the aptitude to put them on they may fit them for you.

Thank you, I put in a query to MX5 mania a while back with no answer...will call them now that I know a bit more

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[DMc2014]

I think still I have a set of headers from when my car was 1.6, you can have them for free if I can still find them. Not sure what brand they are but they fit on the car pretty well with no rubbing on the subframe. The o2 bung is cross threaded though


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Thank you, that is very generous. If I move on the self fit direction I may be in touch

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[PaulF]

I put in a query to MX5 mania a while back with no answer...will call them now that I know a bit more

If it was around Xmas/New Year's, they have been off since Dec 20 and only due to open again today I think.

[bruce]

Yes, a lot of mechanic businesses would be coming back today. They would probably have a ton of emails to wade through too.