WTB: Used SuperSprint Headers for M62TU...

[peter540]

I know this is like seeking out a unicorn, but I have the engine out of the car, and now would be the time to swap headers on my M62TU. It seems, from the various threads on this forum, that the SS headers are by far the most recommended.

Anyone have any other really good suggestions? I'm not looking to make the car loud, i.e. eliminating cats, etc.

Thanks, as always!

--Peter

[SW530]

I have a 2003 540i/6 and at least from the cat back is SuperSprint. I don't know if the headers are also SuperSprint, haven't thought to check. I know it would be obvious but my back won't allow me to go under the car without a lift.. something I need to ask my son about. But they do sound nice.. actually there is a perfect compromise of sound and sound quality. With the windows up there is no droning and you can hear them if you're listening.. for sure you can carry on a normal conversation without raising your voice and that's at full throttle. Or roll your window down and there's a very nice sound to enjoy and if you're standing outside and the car is coming up the street at a steady sedate speed you start to enjoy the music from 100-80 years away.

[JimLev]

Peter, you need to look up some of BMW540san’s posts, he installed Supersprint headers on his 540.
I’m not 100% sure you can put the engine in with the headers attached.
They were made with individual tubes so they could be installed with the engine in the car. All 4 tubes (each side) plug into the collectors.

What are you doing with the engine out? Curious minds want to know.

[peter540]

I have a 2003 540i/6 and at least from the cat back is SuperSprint. I don't know if the headers are also SuperSprint, haven't thought to check. I know it would be obvious but my back won't allow me to go under the car without a lift.. something I need to ask my son about. But they do sound nice.. actually there is a perfect compromise of sound and sound quality. With the windows up there is no droning and you can hear them if you're listening.. for sure you can carry on a normal conversation without raising your voice and that's at full throttle. Or roll your window down and there's a very nice sound to enjoy and if you're standing outside and the car is coming up the street at a steady sedate speed you start to enjoy the music from 100-80 years away.

Thanks, SW! Very encouraging. And if I was only doing the headers, combined with my Vibrant muffler, I imagine the sound would be even more muted than with your car.

--Peter

- - - Updated - - -


Peter, you need to look up some of BMW540san’s posts, he installed Superspring headers on his 540.
I’m not 100% sure you can put the engine in with the headers attached.
They were made with individual tubes so they could be installed with the engine in the car. All 4 tubes (each side) plug into the collectors.

What are you doing with the engine out? Curious minds want to know.

Thanks, Jim. That's helpful to know. Not like I'm likely to find such unicorn headers in the next few days.

Engine came out to just thoroughly reseal every last thing. Then I'm just about finished with the car's total overhaul. Then, it's onto fun projects like supercharging or something (that wouldn't happen for a year or so).

--P

[peter540]

Peter, you need to look up some of BMW540san’s posts, he installed Superspring headers on his 540.
I’m not 100% sure you can put the engine in with the headers attached.
They were made with individual tubes so they could be installed with the engine in the car. All 4 tubes (each side) plug into the collectors.

What are you doing with the engine out? Curious minds want to know.

I forgot to ask, Jim: How do you like your Schmiedmann headers? I don't imagine I'd have any better luck finding those used any time soon...

--P

[peter540]

I have access to a set of used M5 OEM headers. Is it worth swapping out my M62TU's original OEM headers for these? From all I've found in searching on this topic, it doesn't sound like there would be much, if any, benefit.

Thoughts?

--P

[philly98540]

The M5 OEM headers are the same as a stock non-TU 540. Maybe a tiny benefit since your deleting the Cats that exist in your TU headers. I'm not sure it would be worth the re-work needed though. Maybe some others would know and could add some info.

[peter540]

The M5 OEM headers are the same as a stock non-TU 540. Maybe a tiny benefit since your deleting the Cats that exist in your TU headers. I'm not sure it would be worth the re-work needed though. Maybe some others would know and could add some info.

Thanks, Philly! I didn't realize I'd have to do away with the cats. Sounds like there'd be some work to do with the O2 sensors, then. Perhaps not worth it, as you say...

[philly98540]

You will still have the main cats under the car, so it still will pass emissions is what I've heard. I think you will need to extend the upstream O2 wires to reach the new location, but I'm just working on memory of others talking about it. Nothing first hand. There is some re-work needed where the headers attach to your existing pipes underneath as well.

[TiesTorN]

does this mod increase hp ?

[peter540]

You will still have the main cats under the car, so it still will pass emissions is what I've heard. I think you will need to extend the upstream O2 wires to reach the new location, but I'm just working on memory of others talking about it. Nothing first hand. There is some re-work needed where the headers attach to your existing pipes underneath as well.

Thanks again, Philly! Yeah, given that this mod really doesn't improve power or performance, it seems to be WAY more trouble than it's worth.

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does this mod increase hp ?

From what I've found through my research, minimal, if any, power gains. Doesn't seem to be worth it...

--P

[philly98540]

I bet up in top rpm areas there is some gains to be had. Worth it? Not sure.

[JimLev]

Long tube headers should add anywhere between 15-20 HP to a V8. I haven't had mine on a dyno since I installed them. From 3K all the way to 7K it is noticeably better.
As Philly said the pre-cats will have to go which isn't going to cause you to fail emissions. Yes, the exhaust will have more of a smell to it for the first minute or 2 after you start the engine when cold, but after that is doesn't smell.
Don't bother with the non-tu exhaust, you'll need to adapt 2 manifold outlets to one pipe, on both sides.
Look at the difference in the design, the header will obviously flow a lot better than the OE design.
702106

I had mine ceramic coated inside and out, it retains the heat better and improves the flow.

702103

I had to have O2 bungs welded on and use extension cables. If you add headers use V-band clamps.
702104


702105

[BimmrMeUpSnotty]

Jim, you got rid of the secondary o2 sensors?

[JimLev]

No, the O2’s you see are the primary ones. The secondary O2’s are behind the big main CAT’s, they just aren’t visible in the pic or I hadn’t put them back in yet.

[BimmrMeUpSnotty]

Oh! I was thinking for some reason, you deleted the cats, didn’t realize that those weren’t resonators.

[DIRTe39]

Wish I could help OP but not in a position to act quickly. Have debated a part out and a new platform but nothing for certain and the possibility of keeping the e39 is on the table. Have SS headers with m62tu - extended the primary O2s with some Bosch universal sensors. No CEL and the added challenge of CA emissions.

Exhaust pipe welds to the SS connecting pipes are an eye sore but was a looker when new.

https://i.postimg.cc/G4bP2G3C/DD796-E1-C-BD4-A-4379-95-CB-A3-B2-C2-BAEF8-A.jpg (https://postimg.cc/G4bP2G3C)

[peter540]

Wish I could help OP but not in a position to act quickly. Have debated a part out and a new platform but nothing for certain and the possibility of keeping the e39 is on the table. Have SS headers with m62tu - extended the primary O2s with some Bosch universal sensors. No CEL and the added challenge of CA emissions.

Exhaust pipe welds to the SS connecting pipes are an eye sore but was a looker when new.

https://i.postimg.cc/G4bP2G3C/DD796-E1-C-BD4-A-4379-95-CB-A3-B2-C2-BAEF8-A.jpg (https://postimg.cc/G4bP2G3C)

Thanks, and please do let me know if you decide to sell the SS headers. I might be interested, even if I've already reinstalled the engine (that'll be done by next week).

--Peter

[peter540]

Just bumping this thread in case someone out there magically has a unicorn set of used SuperSprint or Evolve headers for sale. ;-)

--Peter

[BMW540san]

Just bumping this thread in case someone out there magically has a unicorn set of used SuperSprint or Evolve headers for sale. ;-)

--Peter
I think you'll have to get real lucky as the used ones don't show up often on the market.
Maybe post it on M5board as more people bought them vs 540 owners.
When I helped organize the big group buy years ago (around 30 sets IIRC), most buyers were from M5 forum.
Also, the option I suggested in PM is expensive but they're new and cost considerably less than any US seller.
It might be your only viable option.
Good luck either way!

[peter540]

I think you'll have to get real lucky as the used ones don't show up often on the market.
Maybe post it on M5board as more people bought them vs 540 owners.
When I helped organize the big group buy years ago (around 30 sets IIRC), most buyers were from M5 forum.
Also, the option I suggested in PM is expensive but they're new and cost considerably less than any US seller.
It might be your only viable option.
Good luck either way!

Thanks as always, Z!

At this point, the headers will have to be done later. Maybe when and if I eventually add a supercharger. And I'll definitely check out the ones you recommended.

Have a great weekend!

--P