I'm impressed with the finish on these Headers. However, while I am 90% sold, the remaining 10% will take place when you do the "turning test", to assure that they are, in fact, circular tubes.
__________________ 2003 M5 "The Matte Black Money Pit"
ALPHA-N by EVOLVE,Power remapped-modified heads-Schrick cams-modified throttle bodies and velocity stacks-modified rods and crank-EVOLVE headers -Willans 4-point harness -CAI with custom built MAF delete tubes fed through fog light covers -lighter oem flywheel-Sachs performance clutch-clutch stop-Drexler differential stock ratio-electric fan with control unit-545i SSK-HEL braided teflon brake lines-IATS reloction-Bilstein PSS9-HD sway bar links-M3 swaybar brackets rear-CF bonnet with vents-subframe reinforcement-40mm wider fenders front and 25mm rear-aluminium ///M pedals and foot rest-CF roundels-LED AE-foglight delete-AP BBK kit 6piston calipers front-CF strut bar front-full suspension rebuild-camber plates with uniballs front-Dinan sway bar-illuminated inner door handles-Alcantara roof liner-M-Audio system- Hamann HM2 10x19" wheels 275/30 front and 295/30 rear
2002 M5 former known as "The Breaker"
Carbon black/black sport interior/titanium trim,37k miles,bone stock -20cm of the trunk and quarter panels missing...
-rebuild in winter 2011/2012
2001 530iA Touring/Orient blue/tan leather
-"submarine edition",a bit boost and some M5 parts...
Some pics of my car with everything fitted on the ramps :
Hey russap5,
Please tell your car to breathe as deeply as possible with stock headers for a tiny while more....
These headers are totally unchartered territory in that Bank 1 and Bank 2 are almost symmetrical in terms of design, with the aim of being a very special 4 into 1 set of headers .... ! There is no copying of other manufacturers' hard work here...this is all their own hard work, and it is very radical indeed, but that is why they have to take care at every stage of the process, and triple/quadruple confirm everything.
Symmetry :
As you can see from the pics above, the cats are not done yet, and hence the decat pipe is in place.
I have a ferry to leave at 0955 on Friday morning to go and attend the International M5 Meeting at the 'Ring, and my car is going there with these headers on...
Good luck on the Ring. Presume your car isn't remapped yet?
Hey,
Thanks !
No the car hasn't been remapped yet, and we are pretty confident with the stock ECU's ability to accommodate the increased airflow afforded by these headers. Remapping will be offered though in the near future.
I drove this car extensively back in January with the headers on, and now the headers have been slightly improved. Back in January I did not want to return the car to them as it was truly flying...so I really can't wait till I back it off the ramps this time around...
OMFG! I just had a call from Kumaran, who was on his way home after the final fitment of his Van Manen headers. (AND big brakes and rod bearings, just in time for his 'Ring trip tomorrow morning! Crazy fellow - never does anything by half measures!!)
I had to bunk off work for a bit so I could go for a ride... WOW!! It is set up with the new Van Manen Headers, de-cated centre pipes & a stock rear section. It sounds AMAZING! It is still very quiet and subtle, but it has a much deeper, angrier, bassier, more V8-ish noise to it. I stood by the side of the road as he pulled up, and there is this incredible deep rumble that you almost feel rather than hear. Inside the car it has a much more off-beat thrumb to it, like a hi-power drag car, rather than the more usual subtle purr. Don't get me wrong - it is still uber Q-car subtle, but it now sounds as powerful as it feels. I LOVE IT! It's the sort of sound that discerning folk walking along the pavement will hear, turn their heads, and miss comletely, and then wonder what on earth that amazing noise was for the rest of the day.
Although I was only a passenger, I was also struck by how urgent and more torquey it seems to feel at very low revs. It seemed more responsive too, judging by the grin on Kumaran's face!
I am now in a state of extreme envy until I have mine fitted. If you are reading this Johannes, then STUNNING work mate. I tried to call you to exclaim my child-like excitement, but I could only get your answerphone. Call me later!
I don't even want to imagine how it's going to sound with my Tubis....
4Likes
I just had a call from Kumaran, who was on his way home after the final fitment of his Van Manen headers. (AND big brakes and rod bearings, just in time for his 'Ring trip tomorrow morning! Crazy fellow - never does anything by half measures!!) 
WOW!! 
It is set up with the new Van Manen Headers, de-cated centre pipes & a stock rear section. It sounds AMAZING! It is still very quiet and subtle, but it has a much deeper, angrier, bassier, more V8-ish noise to it. I stood by the side of the road as he pulled up, and there is this incredible deep rumble that you almost feel rather than hear. Inside the car it has a much more off-beat thrumb to it, like a hi-power drag car, rather than the more usual subtle purr. Don't get me wrong - it is still uber Q-car subtle, but it now sounds as powerful as it feels. I LOVE IT! It's the sort of sound that discerning folk walking along the pavement will hear, turn their heads, and miss comletely, and then wonder what on earth that amazing noise was for the rest of the day. 
Linear Mode
