ARH M3 Header / X-pipe review

Sales@Alekshop · 11-16-2015, 01:08 PM

We recently ordered a set of ARH M3 headers for a customer of ours that has a supercharged M3 and we wanted to share some info.

This customer has an Akrapovic rear section and was looking for an exhaust tone he was not able to achieve with most X-pipe only options he had tried so headers were his last resort. Sound being his number 1 priority and additional power being second he optioned for the resonated full system with high flow cats. Considering this setup was built to order turn around time on the headers and X-pipe from ARH was very good. From the time we placed the order to the time they arrived was only about 10 days. Build quality on the system is very good. Installation went smooth and fitment on all of components was very good. The system was designed and executed properly.

The car was dyno tested before and after installation. Given that the car had a Fab Speed high flow cat after market X-pipe on the pre dyno the gains that were made were most likely all in the headers. Average gains were around 10 whp so we were able to confirm the header system does add power. If the car would have been tested with a stock X-pipe VS the ARH headers and X-pipe we are confident the overall gains on the before VS after would have been higher. The stock headers are designed well so we do not believe there is a lot of power left on the table by BMW. We think that 10-15 whp gains on a SC car with these headers is realistic and maybe 20-25 whp if you run the headers and X-pipe VS stock. For NA applications we are sure there is power to be made but without testing we are not sure how much.

The real bonus for the customer was the sound. The Header / X-pipe combo provided exactly what he was looking for which was an aggressive, rasp free system that increased volume and tone to his Akrapovic mufflers. Being one of the most critical customers we have when it comes to exhaust note we were very happy that he was thrilled with the results. We will add some video clips soon as they are available.

OM VT3 · 11-16-2015, 08:17 PM

How low do they hang

roastbeef · 11-16-2015, 08:27 PM

schweet. looking forward to some sound clips.

CIFUM3 · 11-16-2015, 08:32 PM

Why didn't he go catless if all he cared about was sound?

Longboarder · 11-16-2015, 08:42 PM

+1 for sound clips....both before and after.

Also, how does this sound compare to say, the full Akra Evo or GT4?

Thx.

okusa · 11-16-2015, 08:44 PM

No audio clip of this magical exhaust tone that he absolutely had to spend $4,000 or so to achieve?

Ezio · 11-16-2015, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okusa

No audio clip of this magical exhaust tone that he absolutely had to spend $4,000 or so to achieve?

where the hell is the sound clip.

squartus · 11-17-2015, 12:20 AM

I got a set of these catless I bought from a forum member, sitting in my garage now but Ill install soon. Will do sound clip afterwards, AA rear section and supercharged.

pbonsalb · 11-17-2015, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OM VT3

How low do they hang

A picture was posted and the header collectors looked low. You would have to see a level ground shot since angles can distort perception. Certainly a good question based on the picture I saw. Not sure my slightly lowered car would do well with those in year round street driving.

whats77inaname · 11-17-2015, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

A picture was posted and the header collectors looked low. You would have to see a level ground shot since angles can distort perception. Certainly a good question based on the picture I saw. Not sure my slightly lowered car would do well with those in year round street driving.

Man, those look like they hang *really* low, and not just the merge. The bottom two pipes on the header itself looks like they might be problematic, considering they had to cut out the aluminum pan just to get them to fit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sales@Alekshop

We recently ordered a set of ARH M3 headers for a customer of ours that has a supercharged M3 and we wanted to share some info.

Is this car intercooled or no?

rcracin · 11-17-2015, 10:15 AM

I drive in NYC and don't have any ground clearance issues with these headers. Not sure what all the fuss is about.

Sales@Alekshop · 11-17-2015, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezio

where the hell is the sound clip.

Owner is working on making some.

Quote:

Originally Posted by whats77inaname

Man, those look like they hang *really* low, and not just the merge. The bottom two pipes on the header itself looks like they might be problematic, considering they had to cut out the aluminum pan just to get them to fit.

Is this car intercooled or no?

They do not hang that low. This car is lowered and has not had any issues.

This car runs an intercooled setup yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcracin

I drive in NYC and don't have any ground clearance issues with these headers. Not sure what all the fuss is about.

Same feedback from the owner of the car.

Dave07997S · 11-17-2015, 11:19 AM

I've seen the headers on another car, they do hang low. Also, this dyno also goes to prove even more that normally aspirated not much power to be gained over a test pipe setup.

Dave

whats77inaname · 11-17-2015, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sales@Alekshop

They do not hang that low. This car is lowered and has not had any issues.

This car runs an intercooled setup yes.

Cool. They look muscular as hell. Looking forward to hearing some sound clips!

squartus · 11-17-2015, 04:49 PM

Quick question, whats the name of the gasket between the headers and the engine. Need to order a few real quick before have these slapped on.

Thanks.

Never mind, its Exhaust Manifold Gaskets was thinking was one piece but need 1 for each port.

OM VT3 · 11-17-2015, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

A picture was posted and the header collectors looked low. You would have to see a level ground shot since angles can distort perception. Certainly a good question based on the picture I saw. Not sure my slightly lowered car would do well with those in year round street driving.

They look to low for car parks and everyday driving

JRV · 11-17-2015, 09:33 PM

Seems like owners aren't reporting any problems even though they hang lower...I bet it's not an issue.

rcracin · 11-18-2015, 02:04 PM

It's always interesting to hear about all the potential issues with a product from non-owners.

pbonsalb · 11-19-2015, 06:31 AM

2 reports is a limited study. We don't know where and how people drive. Some of these cars don't really get driven much and are just toys for an occasional weekend drive during good weather. But I would say a daily driven car in NYC is a very good test for clearance.

OM VT3 · 11-19-2015, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcracin

It's always interesting to hear about all the potential issues with a product from non-owners.

Want me to post a photo where one had to be welded to fix a big hole

Dave07997S · 11-19-2015, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRV

Seems like owners aren't reporting any problems even though they hang lower...I bet it's not an issue.

They do rub on certain drive ways and speedbumps. Reminded me of the Fabspeed setup.

Dave

rcracin · 11-19-2015, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OM VT3

Want me to post a photo where one had to be welded to fix a big hole

Sure if you also post pics of the on site location of how it was damaged and a description of how the car was being driven at the time.

Do they hang lower than stock? Yes. Is it a problem? No.

At the end of the day these aren't for soccer moms. The back end stinks even with high flow cats. You drive looking out for bumps and potholes. Honestly, I don't see how any normal bumps whether it's a speed bump or damaged road would make a difference. You would slow down in any of those events.

11-16-2015, 01:08 PM	#1
Sales@Alekshop 145 Rep 170 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: California iTrader: (0)	ARH M3 Header / X-pipe review We recently ordered a set of ARH M3 headers for a customer of ours that has a supercharged M3 and we wanted to share some info. This customer has an Akrapovic rear section and was looking for an exhaust tone he was not able to achieve with most X-pipe only options he had tried so headers were his last resort. Sound being his number 1 priority and additional power being second he optioned for the resonated full system with high flow cats. Considering this setup was built to order turn around time on the headers and X-pipe from ARH was very good. From the time we placed the order to the time they arrived was only about 10 days. Build quality on the system is very good. Installation went smooth and fitment on all of components was very good. The system was designed and executed properly. The car was dyno tested before and after installation. Given that the car had a Fab Speed high flow cat after market X-pipe on the pre dyno the gains that were made were most likely all in the headers. Average gains were around 10 whp so we were able to confirm the header system does add power. If the car would have been tested with a stock X-pipe VS the ARH headers and X-pipe we are confident the overall gains on the before VS after would have been higher. The stock headers are designed well so we do not believe there is a lot of power left on the table by BMW. We think that 10-15 whp gains on a SC car with these headers is realistic and maybe 20-25 whp if you run the headers and X-pipe VS stock. For NA applications we are sure there is power to be made but without testing we are not sure how much. The real bonus for the customer was the sound. The Header / X-pipe combo provided exactly what he was looking for which was an aggressive, rasp free system that increased volume and tone to his Akrapovic mufflers. Being one of the most critical customers we have when it comes to exhaust note we were very happy that he was thrilled with the results. We will add some video clips soon as they are available.
	Appreciate 3 Tweet Quote

11-16-2015, 08:17 PM	#2
OM VT3 Lieutenant Colonel 140 Rep 1,665 Posts Drives: 2011 e92 zcp m3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Somewhere iTrader: (1)	How low do they hang
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-16-2015, 08:27 PM	#3
roastbeef Lieutenant General 11586 Rep 12,726 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (4)	schweet. looking forward to some sound clips. __________________ Instagram; @roastbeefmike
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-16-2015, 08:32 PM	#4
CIFUM3 Captain 103 Rep 999 Posts Drives: 08 E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Goodyear iTrader: (0)	Why didn't he go catless if all he cared about was sound? __________________ Performance ESS 625 VT2 Supercharger - CAE Shifter - Revinora race+ axle back - Macht Schnell down pipes - SOSI X-pipe Looks M colors grill - CF trunk - Sapphire Blue Forgestars F14
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-16-2015, 08:42 PM	#5
Longboarder Major General 3431 Rep 6,771 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW i8 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Monarch Beach iTrader: (1) Garage List 2012 BMW e92 M3 [0.00] 2021 BMW X5M [10.00] 2015 Porsche 991 Tu ... [10.00] 2015 Porsche 991 GT3 [10.00]	+1 for sound clips....both before and after. Also, how does this sound compare to say, the full Akra Evo or GT4? Thx. __________________ Current BMWs: 2022 X5 40i, 2016 X5 50i 2015 Porsche 991 Turbo S 1979 Porsche 911 Turbo (930) a couple others IG: longboarder949; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT1...eoFBszPIK0gf9w
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-16-2015, 08:44 PM	#6
okusa Lieutenant Colonel 846 Rep 1,679 Posts Drives: 2011.75 E90 M3 - SSII Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (7)	No audio clip of this magical exhaust tone that he absolutely had to spend $4,000 or so to achieve?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-17-2015, 12:20 AM	#8
squartus Major 314 Rep 1,017 Posts Drives: 2010 E92 M3 6MT Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Mississippi iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 E92 BMW M3 [10.00]	I got a set of these catless I bought from a forum member, sitting in my garage now but Ill install soon. Will do sound clip afterwards, AA rear section and supercharged. __________________ 4.4L LC stroker/ESS VT2-625/Volk te37 sl's/AA exhaust/DSS Carbon Fiber driveshaft/ARH Headers.. etc
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-17-2015, 10:15 AM	#11
rcracin Major 1243 Rep 1,288 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: NYC iTrader: (3)	I drive in NYC and don't have any ground clearance issues with these headers. Not sure what all the fuss is about.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-17-2015, 11:19 AM	#13
Dave07997S Brigadier General 721 Rep 3,964 Posts Drives: 2020 Ford Mustang GT Join Date: May 2009 Location: El Segundo, CA iTrader: (1)	I've seen the headers on another car, they do hang low. Also, this dyno also goes to prove even more that normally aspirated not much power to be gained over a test pipe setup. Dave __________________ 2020 Ford Mustang GT 6MT PP1 444rwhp (Sold)2013 M3 Coupe-MR/BLK ZCP, 2011 M3 Coupe-MR/Blk 2007 Porsche 997C2S Speed Yellow/Blk sport seats 2004 BMW M3 Imola/Blk
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-17-2015, 04:49 PM	#15
squartus Major 314 Rep 1,017 Posts Drives: 2010 E92 M3 6MT Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Mississippi iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 E92 BMW M3 [10.00]	Quick question, whats the name of the gasket between the headers and the engine. Need to order a few real quick before have these slapped on. Thanks. Never mind, its Exhaust Manifold Gaskets was thinking was one piece but need 1 for each port. __________________ 4.4L LC stroker/ESS VT2-625/Volk te37 sl's/AA exhaust/DSS Carbon Fiber driveshaft/ARH Headers.. etc Last edited by squartus; 11-17-2015 at 06:00 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-17-2015, 09:33 PM	#17
JRV Captain 119 Rep 922 Posts Drives: 2011.75 AWE90M3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (1)	Seems like owners aren't reporting any problems even though they hang lower...I bet it's not an issue. __________________ '11 Black/Black GLK350 (Wife) '19 Black RAM 1500 Big Horn Night Package '11 Loaded AW Fox Red/Black/Black Carbon Leather ZCP E90 M3 (Halloween Delivery)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-18-2015, 02:04 PM	#18
rcracin Major 1243 Rep 1,288 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: NYC iTrader: (3)	It's always interesting to hear about all the potential issues with a product from non-owners.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-19-2015, 06:31 AM	#19
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 5234 Rep 10,616 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	2 reports is a limited study. We don't know where and how people drive. Some of these cars don't really get driven much and are just toys for an occasional weekend drive during good weather. But I would say a daily driven car in NYC is a very good test for clearance.
	Appreciate 1 Quote