Never L8

iTrader: (5)

I've been sitting on my OBX header and not installing it until I get some type of conclusion. There's almost too much discussion on this topic!

trustbuddy

iTrader: (3)

the conclusion that I got was that

1. there should be an increase in hp, but very minimal (1~2 hp)
2. it won't be smog legal (don't know about actually passing smog- but I live in CA..better not mess with it). machining for air injection probably will work but not worth the money and time IMHO.
3. it's a PITA to install

If you got one for free as a gift or won a draw, I'd say why not, but probably not what you are looking for, fastidiouspa.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

it will probably be cheaper/easier to cut the pipes loose from that flange and weld it onto the emission-legal Racing Beat flange

http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset....rtNumber=16168



.

Soravia

WOW! I just read through the thread and there were speculations, name callings, bitchings about installs, second guessing about emissions (w/o actual test), guessing about underhood temps, etc.
After 4 years since the thread started, I haven't seen before and after dyno chart of the OBX header from an actual user with otherwise stock car.

I've had OBX header on a Nissan 240SX and it worked pretty well with install and my catless exhaust equipped stock KA24DE engine. Didn't have rust issues nor cracks from the creamic paint + ceramic wrap combo.

TrochoidMagic

just had the obx installed. it feels good... feel more torque if anything. though i expected the gains to be elsewhere.

i had work done to my headers, which i recommend prior to installation.

i had some filling/grinding/porting done by myself... suggested.

then i had a machine shop surface both flanges (highly recommended)

and prior to installation, its coated then wrapped. (optional)

i would've spend ~$100+ after i get some brackets fabbed up and welded to the headers.

all in all, i wouldn't overhype any HP gains these headers give. i'm not wowed by it, but from my driving impressions it seems to give pretty decent torque down in the lower rpm range on my combo. so i'm satisfied, as it simply compliments on the full exhaust system.

TrochoidMagic

oh btw,

installation is simple and straight forward. no clearance issues, but do need a bracket, for those who like to have one...

its also nice to retain the emissions device on it, though some resetting is usually prone the first time its being ran. no biggie.

though this is the step i choose to take... and if u do got an extra $200, i'd suggest a reputable item like the RB, which again, i'm satisfied with their products.

but if u do got some tooling skills, this is not that bad of a header for a bargain price.

Never L8

iTrader: (5)

^Thank you for your thoughts. It's good to hear some solid advice. Now, I'm selling mine. I have way too many other things I'm going to be doing to bother with installing the header.

shadycrew31

iTrader: (6)

Im going to do a pre and post dyno on a set of Boost bros headers. well see what happens. If anything it just smooths the airflow out and that would be about it.

cdizz

ive got an obx header on mine...its alright...it opened it up a lot more...but now it sounds like a crotch rocket when i really get on it...ive also got an obx catless midpipe and borla catback exhaust

Never L8

iTrader: (5)

^Damn...that thing must be LOOOUUUUUUD! I always thought the RX8 sounded like a rocket, anyways. Did it really make the pitch higher?

Beodude

iTrader: (3)

I think the reason M8 got a little bit of a loss is because he still had a stock cat. If you replaced it with a catless mid pipe, I bet the header would do well. At the very least, not lose power anyways... Haha

hoss -05

iTrader: (4)

NICE... Thats exactally what I want my car to sound like, a crotch rocket~!

FCCE

iTrader: (2)

I've been searching the forum for awhile, and I cannot find any word on the difference between the two Rx-8 Headers offered by OBX Racing.


Here are the hyperlinks to the two different products offered on the OBX Racing website.


Product Name - OBX Racing Sports


Product Name - OBX Racing Sports


The first one is for $269 and the other is for $350. There are a few OBX Racing Rx-8 Headers on eBay, without distinction between the two. I can't see any differences in the pictures, or any significant differences in the descriptions.


Also, OBX Racing doesn't offer any customer support. I have emailed info@obxracingsports.com multiple times about the headers, with no response.

CHAVOSTRONG6,8

I'd just go with the ones with the collector so it'll read from all ports rather then one... Just because if you lose fire in first rotor you'll get a code and and not possible damage the hole rotor.
Even if its cheep I'm sure the whole 1-3 ratings would be the same as the 500+ ones

FCCE

iTrader: (2)

Well, anyhow... I picked up some OBX headers from Ebay for $225 shipped.


The only difference I seen with the two different headers is that one can fit on the S1 and S2 Rx-8, while the cheaper set can only fit on the S1. Idk why.


I got the cheaper set, and just as stated in this thread, I had to cut the bottoms of the flanges to fit the header on. The outside welds were nice, and the inside welds needed some touchups.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

The S1 and S2 are identical wrt exhaust manifold fitment. You might want to get your vision checked ...

FCCE

iTrader: (2)

No..... I am completely aware that the stock S1 and S2 exhaust manifolds are the same placement.


What I said is that OBX offers two different types of headers for the Rx-8s, and the years are different for the two listings.


One has a description of "03-07 RX8". Here -> Product Name - OBX Racing Sports


The other has a description of "2004-2009 MAZDA RX-8 ENGINES". Here -> Product Name - OBX Racing Sports


This is also the case on many of the eBay listings for Rx-8 OBX headers. They also have different year listings. Like "04-12" or "03-08". This is the only difference I seen.


Not that any of this matters.... The reason for my posting was to share my recent experience with OBX headers for anyone who wants information on purchasing a set.