Upgrade M50 headers with M52 or eBay?

[Richkid79]

Hey guys, I'm working on a "budget" M52 obd1 build in my M3 and currently have a stock m50 exhaust manifold on the M52. I was wondering if there's and difference in upgrading the m50 exh. manifold with a stock M52 exh. manifold or if the $99 eBay headers are just as good? I'm using the stock m50 cats/mid section with a stock S50 M3 rear section/muffler. I've heard that there's issues when using ebay headers on a 528, but I'm almost sure it's bc the e39 exhaust is routed different (and the oil pan is different, IIRC). I could get a friend over to weld up new flanges/pipes, but I'm lazy and bolt on is always easier and cheaper than fabrication. Anyone have experience with this? Thanks in advance.

Rich

edit: I can get a M52 exh Mani for $30 at junkyard, but will probably bloody a few knuckles in the 100 degree Florida weather while stripping/breaking studs and cursing non-stop, or spend $69-$99 and bolt on shiny new parts (but then might have to pay someone to fabricate)

[Turbohugh]

My M52 manifold cracked and i got some shorty racelands and never looked back . Someone can weld they can weld the collector pipe to your exhaust pre secondary cat . Block off the SAP .


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[Richkid79]

Good to know... I always change my mind or go in a different direction halfway through my builds so I now have another idea of changing the entire exhaust and adding a turbo. But first I need to get the car running. Thanks!

[Team Neverlift]

This is a job you only want to do once, get the eBay headers.