Ok so this winter/spring I am going to add a header and tune to the 06 Checkmate. I know I'm going to get a RMW remote tune, and Im not sure which header to for sure go with, I know both are quality just needs some opinions, because the biggest difference really us the cat used and sound. I have a resonated Miltek (went resonated so it hopefully wasn't terribly loud when I add a header). I'm not looking for the loudest notice me sound in the world, just want a nice "sports" car sound, which a r53 has covered well already. So what is the experience/ likes dislikes of both of these setups. Thanks

 

I like my Miltek header with the Miltek catback (this is an R50).
I had the catback for several years before the header.
The header does add some noise above 3K-3.5K up to the redline,
especially with the gas pedal down, but not a lot more. I've heard
the Miltek header has one of the more durable aftermarket cats, and
with my car being my daily drive, that was important. I notice a bit
more pull from 5K to redline compared to the stock manifold and
the Miltek catback.

 

I have the RMW shorty header with high-flow Random Tech cat. I'm very happy with it...love the sound paired with the Invidia N1 catback, and I have full faith in the source. My car is a bit louder at idle, and it really opens up when I stomp on the gas, but it's a glorious sound. I've gotten many compliments from local MINI club members who've heard my car

 

+1 on the Milltek. Looks great, great quailty, and lifetime warranty. Its also on sale right now with free ship. Its on my list for my R52 in the future.

 

Lifetime warranty on the Miltek cat-back exhaust (and I've had to
use it - they did pony up for a replacement resonator section without
any problems)
but ...
Only 2 year warranty on headers/downpipes/cats from Miltek.
I still recommend them.

 

Headers aren't big HP gaining parts so unless it's broke put your money in other mods. But if you're set on a header check out the Flashpoint as it is good too. http://www.waymotorworks.com/flashpo...eader-cat.html
But Milltek isn't a bad option is on sale with free shipping right now
http://www.waymotorworks.com/milltek...fold-pipe.html

 

Yeah I know the whole horsepower "gain" thing but also I'm not going for the biggest horsepower car as it is a daily driver and I am just looking for a fun driver. One part of that is a nice sound, and a gain in power is just a bonus in my opinion. And if I did a head and stuff down the road this would help too. I would not want to hurt the performance though from it if it would do that.

 

CatchMe, I'm installing my RMW shorty tomorrow. I also got the RMW tune and injectors which I'll do once Jan does the remote tune. I'll let you know how it goes!

 

They're both good, but here's an important difference. If you are ever considering a big-valve head (like the Jesus Head), you should get the RMW header: the primary ports will match the larger exhaust ports on the head. The Milltek header flange has ports matched to the stock exhaust size so it is not a good match for worked heads!

The other big difference is the cat. The Milltek uses a HJS cat, with is a very durable low-density cat. It is the only catalyst that I'm aware of that has factory-like durability with the increased performance. They are very expensive. The RMW has traditionally used a Random Technologies cat which is good: we've seen good performance from them, and relatively good durability, but not like the HJS.

Looking at the picture above, it looks like RMW may have a new brand of cat in there: that looks like a bigger diameter than the Random Technologies cats that I'm used to seeing.

Either way these two are the only choices that I recommend.

 

One tip...
Look at upgrading your engine mounts....
The factory oil filled ball mount can allow excessive engine movement, especially when it fails...and this can cause the flex-joints on the headers to fail...
Planning a bit now can save you lots of pain, and a welding bill later!!

 

Already got vibratechs for the upper and lower motor mounts and a proflex bushing in the tranny mount currently. So I'm all set there. Check out my build thread