Installing Headers on the ZHP

[NickZHP]

Hey all, I bought used Active Autowerke headers quite a while ago and I'm finally getting around to installing them. This will be the most challenging thing I've done to my car so far but I'll have some friends to help me out with the process. I have a couple quick questions about the install though.

For the install, is the only new item I need the header gasket http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1710-head-gasket-e39-e46-e53-e60-z3-z4.aspx? Or do I need new everything like this http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-5899-head-gasket-set-e39-525i530i-e46-325330ixi-e53-x5-30-e60-525i530i-e83-x3-2530-z3-2530-z4-2530-2003-2005-models-with-m54-engine.aspx?

Also, I assume aftermarket headers must be either ceramic coated or painted correct? I can't tell if these were previously coated and just worn or not coated at all. Here's one of the headers, by the looks of it would I have to paint/ceramic coat these? What is the best and/or cheapest way to go about doing this?

http://i.imgur.com/ityNpcG.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/Cf03Udn.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/cI8AZKY.jpg?1

[Vas]

The two links you posted are wrong and those are not the correct parts.

You need the exhaust manifold gaskets and hardware to install the headers. These are the factory ones but I am not sure if they work with aftermarket headers. https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Exhaust/Performance/ES26135/

Honestly I would reach out to Active Autowerke and see if they sell an install kit. And inquire about their headers and if they need to be coated or if they can just be wrapped using Heat Wrap.

[ELCID86]

^good advice.


Tumbs, fone, TaT. ;-)

[Johnmadd]

I would say just unbolt and if they fit correctly bolt back up. My thought is they should produce less heat than stock if they flow exhaust quicker. :dunno install should be the reverse of removal again :dunno coating or wrapping does keep the heat isolated from the bay and heat resistant paint will prevent rust and will look better in the long run. It all depends on your preferences in my opinion.

[WOLFN8TR]

Those are SS headers. Don't heat wrap them as it will cause corrosion from moisture being trapped behind the wrap. You can get them ceramic coated. Swain Tech is one company that comes highly recommended. The cost will be between $200-$400.

It you need to remove those O2 sensors spray them with BP Blaster and let them soak over night.

[anandoc]

It you need to remove those O2 sensors spray them with BP Blaster and let them soak over night.

I know you meant PB Blaster but I chuckled when I read that. We could definitely use something to blast BP with :p

[WOLFN8TR]

Ha Ha... Oops.

[NickZHP]

Those are SS headers. Don't heat wrap them as it will cause corrosion from moisture being trapped behind the wrap. You can get them ceramic coated. Swain Tech is one company that comes highly recommended. The cost will be between $200-$400.

It you need to remove those O2 sensors spray them with BP Blaster and let them soak over night.

Ok thanks, how can you tell they are SS headers instead of AA headers?

[Johnmadd]

Ss= stainless steel

[NickZHP]

Ss= stainless steel

Wow, I was thinking he meant Supersprint for some reason and was confused :facepalm Yeah they are stainless steel.

[Johnmadd]

Cheap-Heat resistant paint
Pretty and bullet proof- ceramic coating

[NickZHP]

Cheap-Heat resistant paint
Pretty and bullet proof- ceramic coating

I don't really care about looks, my question is what is necessary. Will the engine bay be cool enough with heat-resistant paint on the headers or do I need ceramic coating to keep the engine bay from getting too hot? Will the paint last or will it ever need to be re-applied?

[WOLFN8TR]

If you are looking for reducing engine bay temps then the ceramic coating is the best route and it's way more durable than the Hi-Temp paint.

[NickZHP]

If you are looking for reducing engine bay temps then the ceramic coating is the best route and it's way more durable than the Hi-Temp paint.

Ok but do you think it would be bad to run the SS headers as is though? Or can my engine bay handle the heat?

[Vas]

You will be fine throwing them on the way they are.

[WOLFN8TR]

You will be fine throwing them on the way they are.

X2...

[NickZHP]

I emailed Active Autowerke at the beginning of the week asking about the hardware needed for the install and they never responded. I will call them Monday to see if I can get a hold of anyone there but assuming I can just buy OEM parts to install the headers how does this list look?

Exhaust Manifold Gaskets (2) #11621732969
Exhaust Manifold Studs (24) #11127506203
Exhaust Manifold Nuts (24) #11721437202
Manifold to Exhaust Bolts (4) 11621427586
Manifold to Exhaust Nuts (4) 18301737774
Manifold to Exhaust Gaskets (2) 18107502346

I believe these are all the parts needed for the install. Is it necessary that I buy new nuts, bolts, and studs or can I just use the ones already on the car? Or are they worth replacing?

[BADCLOWN]

ceramic coating is the only way to go................"do it right the first time"


and yes, im always a fan of using new stuff when possible. so if you can replace the install/mounting hardware involved with adding these to your car then you should absolutely do so.

[Pip]

ceramic coating is the only way to go................"do it right the first time"


and yes, im always a fan of using new stuff when possible. so if you can replace the install/mounting hardware involved with adding these to your car then you should absolutely do so.

+1 on hardware

[NickZHP]

On some M54's there are apparently only 16 holes in the head to install the headers on. I assume this is ok but does anyone think not drilling another 8 holes can lead to leaks?
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