Gen 1 MHP headers are installed!!
Removing the stock pipes/cats was pretty easy, quite a few skid plates on these cars though. Removing the stock manifolds was a pita, as the top row of bolts that fasten the manifolds to the heads are hard to get to, and unlike the headers that you can actually access most of the upper bolts from under the car where there's more room.
Installing the headers themselves wasn't too bad other than the two front upper driver's side nuts that take probably close to a half hour each for me, lol. the collectors went on without any hassle, but I did have to bend the driver's side tube a bit so it wouldn't leave the resonator cocked up against the driver's side, but after some heat and crazy wrestling manuvers, they're in.
I reused the factory MLS header gaskets without a hint of a lead, and also reused the same nuts that retained the manifolds, wich was nice because both the factory gaskets and hardware are quality pieces. I also just extended the O2 sensors myself as I already have a lot of wire, solder, heat shrink, and outside wire insulation.
The only dilemma was the pipes leading into the resonator had to rest on the under-side aluminum crossbar, and let me tell you, that transferred ALOT of vibration/noise into the cabin, and really didn't realize just how much until after removing the cross-bar, now all I can say is the car sounds absolutely ALIVE, ELECTRIC, or just simply BAD-A$$, and the noise inside the car is un-noticeable until you start driving aggressively, then it just simply "comes to life".
I was a little skeptical during the install about the slip on collector leaking, but again, not even a hint of a leak. I love these headers, and although they're ALOT of money when you consider you can get virtually the same thing for an American car for less than half the amount, but on the other hand, I'm not sure a 50-70 thousand dollar car should go without headers because of a couple of grand either! I almost forgot, after having to remove the motor mount heat shields, I simply wrapped the tubes that go near the mounts with fiberglass header wrap, and should be just fine, we'll see.
I've heard a lot of negative stuff on these forums about MHP, it may be personal issues, or whatever, but I can say I love these headers, and would do it again. I recommend them to anyone wanting to release their C63's true inner beast!!!! Just give yourself plenty of time, and be patient, and take breaks when you start feeling frustrated, because when you finally go to hit the start button, it all become worthwhile in a matter of seconds!







