Driving with only headers

danieljames

Active member
Howsit fanatics.

bit of info first.
I picked up a set of m3 headers I want to fit to my m50tu(e36).I have an aftermarket exhaust fitted to the car. I intend fitting the the manifold myself and have the 'zorst shop match up the flanges and do all the cutting and welding needed to join everything up.

Now my question is:
Will I be doing damage to the engine(burnt valves etc) driving the car with the exhaust disconnected from the manifolds?(powerflow is about 5-7 kms from my house)
I'll be driving early so no traffic.

2nd option would be to tow the vehicle there.
Could I tow with the car idling as the brake pedal will be rock solid without the engine(towing with a rope).
Please advise.
Thanks ladies and gents
 

moranor@axis

///Member
Official Advertiser
it will be very loud lol just make sure they dont dump exhaust gas on anything because it will still be very hot just after the header
 

danieljames

Active member
Pho3niX90 said:
Why not let them just fit it? Will most probably cost the same and less hassles
Perhaps....but I enjoy the diy...and id like to replace all the studs and nuts if I can
 

Cape_Tonian

///Member
Perhaps....but I enjoy the diy...and id like to replace all the studs and nuts if I can


You've done it before bud?

That's a real crap job to do. :RedNo:
 

Pho3niX90

///Member
I see. Just be careful though. Don't want a fire to start under your car, and insurance won't cover you if anything happens.
 

danieljames

Active member
@Cape_Tonian.No I've never attempted yet. Looks like a PITA.
@Pho3niX90...ja that's the only worry. It'll be exiting right by the g box and i'm thinking that the foam lappie thing might be a prob.
 

ver328i

Well-known member
its a kak job...I removed my stock manifolds and thought it was gonna be the hardest part...lol i tried every angle to fit those ///M things in there but it was never going to happen without removing the steering column...scratched up my paint, damaged my ac pipes and also dyed my hair, face, arms and neck neon green in the process Dont ask :biglol: No laughing im dead serious...my girlfriend almost passed out from laughter.

As for driving without headers = something every man should do at least once before kicking out...neighbors will love you :rollsmile:
 

danieljames

Active member
ver328i said:
its a kak job...I removed my stock manifolds and thought it was gonna be the hardest part...lol i tried every angle to fit those ///M things in there but it was never going to happen without removing the steering column...scratched up my paint, damaged my ac pipes and also dyed my hair, face, arms and neck neon green in the process Dont ask :biglol: No laughing im dead serious...my girlfriend almost passed out from laughter.

As for driving without headers = something every man should do at least once before kicking out...neighbors will love you :rollsmile:
Best response so far....shot for the info
 

Tris

Honorary ///Member
danieljames said:
ver328i said:
its a kak job...I removed my stock manifolds and thought it was gonna be the hardest part...lol i tried every angle to fit those ///M things in there but it was never going to happen without removing the steering column...scratched up my paint, damaged my ac pipes and also dyed my hair, face, arms and neck neon green in the process Dont ask :biglol: No laughing im dead serious...my girlfriend almost passed out from laughter.

As for driving without headers = something every man should do at least once before kicking out...neighbors will love you :rollsmile:
Best response so far....shot for the info

Lol

It is a k@k job to do,if you stay in that position your body might end up in a very compromising position if you have a weak back(picture picking up the soap)...

It is fun to make some noise tho..
 

Andy1GP

///Member
Exhaust manifolds are usually always a PITA!

Accessibility and the need for extraordinary double jointedness is key.

Most BMW's I've worked on were all hard. Diesels and petrol alike. As much as I love DIY I try and avoid working on exhausts alltogether.

Take a video of the sound if you do end up driving xorst-less :)
 

danieljames

Active member
Andy1GP said:
Exhaust manifolds are usually always a PITA!

Accessibility and the need for extraordinary double jointedness is key.

Most BMW's I've worked on were all hard. Diesels and petrol alike. As much as I love DIY I try and avoid working on exhausts alltogether.

Take a video of the sound if you do end up driving xorst-less :)
As much as I know it's a crap job I don't see why they should charge me 3k up just to fit.
 

Maljan

Active member
You could also tow it. The car will still stop without power brakes. Just press hard on the pedal. Very hard. Tell the guy/girl in front pull away s-l-o-w-l-y and to keep it below 40 km/h. Get the biggest, fattest tow rope you can find. 10 ton is about right. You may ask me how I know all this.

OTOH, I have driven cars with only headers attached and nothing bad came of it. None of them were computer controlled, though. I'm really not sure about a modern car with more computing power than NASA used to send Neil Armstrong to moon.
 
Top