1st Gen R53 Cooper S Need info on Headers

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by 10Nathan10, Apr 26, 2013.

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  1. 10Nathan10

    10Nathan10 Member

    Mar 16, 2013
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    So... I brought the mini to the exhaust shop today think it was leaking from where the header attaches to the exhaust. But it is actually coming from the header itself. So, I am in the market for a new header. Anyone have any recommendations in which direction I should look?
     
  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    What year / gen Mini?

    Also your exhaust shop should be able to remove it a weld the leak if it is near a flange or replace the flex joint if it is leaking from that area.
     
  3. 10Nathan10

    10Nathan10 Member

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    R53 2003.....it's not leaking from the flex pipe it's leaking from one of the primaries. I bought the car with the aftermarket header on it. I am worried that if they fix that weld how good are the others. Also, I have no idea what brand it is.
     
  4. MoganDavid

    MoganDavid New Member

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    =
    ======== weld em
    ==
    =
     
  5. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Just have them take it off and weld all 4 primaries to the flange (front and back) and grind the mating surface flat and you should be good to go. Use a new gasket.

    Or you can call Jan at RMW and order a street header for less than a grand and have a very well made in the USA non code generating header that will last a long time.

    My RMW header is almost 6 years old without any issues. :Thumbsup:
     
  6. 10Nathan10

    10Nathan10 Member

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    It is a 4-2-1. It cracked where the top 2 come together. We are going to try to weld it tomorrow. Hopefully it works.
     
  7. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    Weld it. It'll be good, at least for a while.
     
  8. 10Nathan10

    10Nathan10 Member

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    I ended up pulling it off and bring it into to be welded. He did a great job and took care of the leak. It sounds way better now.
     
  9. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Glad it all worked out and I am sure it was much cheaper than a new header.:Thumbsup:
     
  10. 10Nathan10

    10Nathan10 Member

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    Yes sir it was... I also had a flex pipe installed so it shouldn't happen again.
     

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