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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Powertrain and Drivetrain Discussions > NA Engine (non-turbo) / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications > LCI e90 328i xDrive. AA + Headers, or exhaust?



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      04-28-2016, 05:19 PM   #1
dannyhavok
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LCI e90 328i xDrive. AA + Headers, or exhaust?

Hey guys,

I'm wondering which will net me the best increase in power and acceleration. Are headers a lot more useful than, say the PE, coupled with the AA tune? I know that the whole package (intake, 3 stage manifold, headers, exhaust, tune) is the best way to go, but I don't really want to spend that much out of the gate.

I'm also wondering if the drivetrain loss will make these less worthwhile than on a RWD car.
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      04-28-2016, 05:51 PM   #2
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headers are the way to go
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      04-28-2016, 06:28 PM   #3
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Thanks Mike. Is there much change to the exhaust sound with just headers?
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      04-28-2016, 06:32 PM   #4
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Thanks Mike. Is there much change to the exhaust sound with just headers?
Depends if you have an aftermarket exhaust.

My headers + PE scream.

If youre stock the sound should be pretty tolerable
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      04-28-2016, 06:43 PM   #5
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if performance is your goal go with headers. If sound is your goal then go for exhaust

The only reason I picked headers over exhaust was because I did not want to sound like a race car and not be able to back it up , at least with headers I can back it up somewhat
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      04-28-2016, 07:52 PM   #6
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1) Headers + Tune + stock exhaust = performance gains and subtly aggressive sound

2) PE = great sound but no performance gains.

I had (1). You will pick-up 15-20hp plus get some nice sound without screaming "look at me". The contra point is that the PE sounds wonderful.
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      04-28-2016, 10:44 PM   #7
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Will header alone without a tune net you any gain?
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      04-28-2016, 11:30 PM   #8
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It will net you a check engine light. Lol. You'll get power, but you should really get the tune. I have my headers waiting to go on, but saving for the tune first.
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      04-29-2016, 11:20 AM   #9
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Headers
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      04-29-2016, 08:46 PM   #10
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Thanks for the input guys. Is the difference in power between the two significant? I wouldn't mind a little sound upgrade, the stock system is pretty quiet. However I'd rather have more get up and go.
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      04-29-2016, 08:48 PM   #11
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its not even a comparison
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      04-29-2016, 09:09 PM   #12
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The PE is basically no power, just a pretty noise
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      04-29-2016, 10:11 PM   #13
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That settles it, thanks everyone
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      04-29-2016, 11:02 PM   #14
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What kind of header should one get and how much does it run?
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      04-29-2016, 11:07 PM   #15
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What kind of header should one get and how much does it run?
I'd go with SuperSprint and have it ceramic coated. Really spendy though, but worth it.
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      04-30-2016, 10:08 AM   #16
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If you can afford it: Super Sprint
If you still get emssions test and need to pass a sniffer: AFE
If you want the best value: Active Auto

Headers and a 3 stage intake manifold are the best options.
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      04-30-2016, 11:09 AM   #17
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Does AFE still have cats?
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      04-30-2016, 11:14 AM   #18
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Does AFE still have cats?
Yes.
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