Fixing the NC Miata's greatest flaw! Racing Beat Performance Header install and review.

[@Kyouske_42]

Obligatory heads up for all miata owners, but NC especially: never ever buy aftermarket o2 sensors! The ecu is super picky about those and will throw codes left and right!

[@calthorp]

Must be the same for Hyundai. I got after market ones for my wife's car & they even sent 2 but they only worked for about 2 weeks each then failed LOL. Got it tuned out so that failed cat light wont ever come back on again. The tune was cheaper than a oem sensor.

[@calthorp]

I did my header and tune a couple of years ago. Well worth it. Yours was way easier than mine to fit in as my car is right hand drive. It took me like 15 mins to just get the header into position. They said it could be done, but man I had to do it in small steps. I shifted my downstream sensor but still got CEL on. It had to be tuned out. Fab9 did my tuning & it has worked flawless.

[@kriskaylor6679]

OBX 4 into one header factory midpipe and tomei expreme muffler. Real happy with my choices. I really enjoy watching your videos

[@ZoidPickle]

Sounds cool. In the uk, i'm going with BBR. Super 200 exhaust system. High flow cats, the bbr street manifold looks the mutts Nuts. The downpipes are wrapped in fireproof bandages. So the heat shield doesn't need to go back on. Its not cheap though. Not much change from 3k.

[@BGcontentproduction]

does it pass MOT emissions test?

[@ZoidPickle]

@@BGcontentproduction yup totally mate. 👍

[@SuperDak13]

Do not wrap your down pipes, use heat shield instead

[@Rowcii]

Would be really interested in a video where you would rank the mods you've done. Lets say number one is gonna be header and second is coilovers or something along those lines. This way we can see whats worth the most for the money :D

[@LamborghiniReven1000]

This video lead me to realize that my NC2 does not have the factory header. I've got the Roadster Sport STREET header. I am pleasantly surprised!

[@johnmalko2883]

Good job young man it looks great

[@ndsd04]

Great vid. I had the BBR200 upgrade with full exhaust and Meister CRDs. Great car, now even greater 😊

[@marccourt7363]

My setup is the same as yours except I also added a custom mid-pipe with a high flow CAT. Sounds great. I added the O2 sensor after the CAT and that removed the engine check light.

[@nottherealaaron]

I went GWR 1.8 Ceramic just to keep engine bay temps down a little. I’m also stock midpipe, but with the GWR RS II and I was very happy when it wasn’t too loud. I’ve had a tune since month one of ownership and it made as much of a difference for me as the header did.

[@Gord19]

Well done young fella. Enjoy your work . Car looks great and sounds awesome!

[@davejavou25]

We have a stainless manifold (header) and the second exhaust sensor has a bolt in its place and it's mapped out. Worth a remap to make the most out of the manifold anyway.

[@WorkzGarage]

In my ND I have the RoadsterSport MAX TORQUE ceramic coated. Along with the Fab9 tune it really woke up my car.

[@thelostvisuals]

Great content buddy, a job that's been on my list for my NC2 a looong time. Soon hopefully

[@ZeChamps97]

I went for BBR's catted manifold (I live in the UK and need to keep the cat to keep it road worthy for an MOT) and immediately noticed a difference on my 1.8 NC. Eventually I got it tuned and added the BBR GT backbox and mid section and now it sounds like a proper sports car!

[@macartworks2228]

You would of been better off with the de cat, still passes emissions and most testers won't realise its gone.

[@macartworks2228]

@@cydonia9342 I've had both, the de cat has way more low down grunt don't believe everything you see. I'm guessing you do though..

[@B_-.-]

@@macartworks2228 Even if they did, the DVSA would have to agree with their choice if you appealed the MOT. I'd bet 99.99% of testers cannot be arsed for that. I don't know much about the NC, but I have a W30 MR2 - swapping manifolds is very common because if the cat(s) fail, they can end up in the engine. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone failing an MOT because of it. My MOT history doesn't mention emissions or the exhaust once. Even if there's 0 performance improvement, the catted manifolds are always going to cost more than a decat counterpart.

[@rightwingsafetysquad9872]

Not sure how it works in Britain, but in Ohio, if the ECU says everything is fine they don't test the tailpipe.

[@ericlee2720]

im watching your video to know how to install my header... thanks for the info buddy

[@chrisbaxter5041]

Nicely put together video can see you love editing also picture quality is amazing

[@newtypeJP]

lol I’ve been an nd owner for 2 years but I always watch your nc videos. Yay to headers!

[@smiles564]

I have 2 NC2 grand touring, both have the super q and gwr Helmholtz mid pipe. One has the gwr race header no cat, the other has the gwr catted Street header. Slight difference in volume and power relative to each other, both are an improvement over factory. I didn't need a tune out even o2 extension cables on the catted version. I agree, removal of the factory header is a pain. First one took a weekend with 3 guys. Second one took a few nights after work doing it myself. It's always easier the second time around haha

[@eskayler66]

I have been thinking about headers.... good job.

[@tommc3622]

I've been running the GWR ceramic header with cat, their helmholtz mid and their race single for about 4 years now on my NC1. It sounds like a vintage lotus, and still looks great. The factory header/collector is actually hilarious. Mazda crushed the HELL out of those primaries. 😂 Any good header is a massive improvement.

[@averyscottbrown]

this is exactly the setup I want to do.. do you have any videos of the sound?

[@chrissikora3359]

Im curious without the cat , same set up​@@averyscottbrown

[@thrustn]

Nice video! I went with the skunk2 header, cobalt catback and fab9 tune. CEL was removed with the tuning software and car passed emissions.

[@Th3W1s3Assass1n]

So you don't have any cats? You removed the one in the midpipe too? Thinking of doing the same.. skunk2 header, replace mid pipe and GWR single roadster race exhaust. But I live in the UK so might need to keep the middle cat to pass..

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

Boy you are not lying about rusty bolts.. mine are so stuck on right now.

[@ericmccolough2482]

I've got the AVO Turbo 4-1. They've got 1.75" primaries and with the SuperQ, gives more pull & sounds great. Since the BBR header is also 1.75", I've got the option of a BBR tune later.

[@andrewedgar380]

Fantastic video, now im on the hunt for some headers.....

[@samuelschelling5382]

I did upgrade to the BBR super 180, which is in fact a header and a tune. It should make 180hp now, but did not dyno it. It feels faster and sounds way better than before.

[@LeavingMirror]

How's it been running? Any reliability issues? Thinking of getting into the BBR upgrade tree.

[@samuelschelling5382]

@@LeavingMirror no problems with the BBR super 180. Like the torque a lot and redline the car sometimes, which is a lot of fun. 😁

[@mantaslokis7935]

I have NC 1.8 with I.L.Motorsport 4-1 header and SuperQ back box (very similar setup like yours). I can tell even from video its sounds very very similar to my 1.8. Very happy with this setup. Its like you say, its have character, but not to obnoxious loud. Still need a tune... and also thinking about mid pipe with sport cat. BTW: I think header is nr1 thing to do to NC.

[@ReikoX7]

Hey man how did the headers behave did you get an increase in power with tune?

[@Miamirider]

Sick NC! I am considering going with a fab9 header (maybe their tune as well) since I have a malfunction mainfold header one that pops out the check engine light. With your setup were you able to avoid the light on the dash?

[@FireManiac58]

What's the drone like? I have a Fujitsubo muffler with a resonator delete and right now it's ideal with very little drone. If this adds more drone I might just leave it. Also great production quality as always!

[@b-west]

Thanks for the video! Fellow Colorado PRHT white and black NC owner here. I'm doing some suspension work next and planning on the FM turbo kit later this year, but curious if the catless header will still pass emissions based on your research once the midpipe bung is welded. I think you said it will but curious. Maybe I'll see you at meetup sometime. Cheers

[@FlywheelFilms]

I did pass emissions that way!

[@dmraco]

Great video. Right now I am running a super q exhaust and Goodwin mid pipe with resonator and high flow cat. I am debating catted header or decatted header. I worry about making it too loud and drone. Right now the sound is almost perfect. You have seen many more systems than me I suspect. What are your thoughts??

[@taxi5278]

Great job !

[@Noval446]

i have the same stainless header and changed the original second cat to an 200 cell metalcat. No Check Engine light. Emissions passed in Europe.

[@chrissmith8010]

Did you notice much sound or power difference changing oem cat to 200 cell?

[@Noval446]

@@chrissmith8010 can't tell because i changed it with the headers.

[@razvandavid1510]

Did the 200 cel midpipe come with a welded bung to place the O2 sensor? Or did you have to weld it yourself?

[@Noval446]

​@@razvandavid1510 the pipe from SPS Motorsport had the bung. was very expensive tho.

[@andrewjdm9523]

My 2.5 swap setup is catless. I replaced the cat on midpipe woth a resonator because I blew the cat out on my gwr midpipe. Also, the heatshield bolts bolt in fine from the top when you install it back on the car. Makes it infinitely easier later.

[@shippin4589]

so are you completely catless, or you still have one in the midpipe? does it still pass emissions?

[@amgnextdoor]

I just got an NC1 2 weeks ago, random question, but did you do anything specific to be able to jack it up from the center? Or is that fine because pinch weld?

[@ColoredinLight]

Finally

[@peterludlow9847]

Great video. What year is your mx5 and are the seats standard,they look much more comfortable then mine. Many thanks

[@FlywheelFilms]

This is a 2012 Special Edition, these are the factory seats. Basically grand touring seats with contrast white stitching. They’re not bad!

[@earl8590]

Doea the 1.8l nc also have this restriction? Thinking of doing the same for some extra hp

[@dielaughing73]

Well done getting the headers out the top. I think my RHD car won't allow it because the brake booster, m/cyl and ABS module & piping are right there..

[@chrissmith8010]

I just installed the racing beat a month or so ago on my rhd and it fits great!

[@dielaughing73]

​@@chrissmith8010cheers! I've since seen it done and have faith. What other breathing mods have you done and what were the results?

[@chrissmith8010]

@@dielaughing73 none yet, think I’ll wait for fab9 mani and xero intake

[@huntlarry1]

That is not a "catted midpipe" - that's the resonator. Cat has the before and after O2, so you have the no-cat header. Please confirm / clarify if I am incorrect. I have not seen a 2 stage cat since the mid-80's.

[@huntlarry1]

Work around - add spacer (see amazon) to 2nd O2 to trick the ECU into seeing the correct ratios. "For off-road use only" ;)

[@JCYoo]

Great video! Did you find the increase noise & vibration to be annoying for your road trip?

[@FlywheelFilms]

Nope! Doesn't drone, especially now that I fixed muffler exhaust leak. Would road trip to Alaska tomorrow happily!

[@JCYoo]

@@FlywheelFilms Love to hear it.

[@themockalove]

Does this header throw the p0421 code (check engine light)?

[@richard-mai]

Where do you live it looks so spacious

[@BoyBoy-mn5ip]

i’ve installed this header and have had it for a while now, i constantly throw a warm up catalyst code and just keep clearing it 🤷‍♂️ have you run into the same problem?

[@RS265cup]

and now a big open exhaust from Ath-Hinsberger for a deep sound

[@rsleo6186]

When you say get a tune, what exactly are you referring to, and what does it consist of?

[@FlywheelFilms]

Check out my recent video on tuning! Helps explain a lot of the process.

[@glue80]

Next step is turbo header. You can really feel the difference then ;)

[@G-Mini-MZR-2.0L]

Have you thought of getting the header cermaic coated !!

[@FlywheelFilms]

May not have this header much longer...

[@Chris-oj4vd]

@@FlywheelFilms why's that?

[@dennislau2227]

One suggestion: next time you jack up only one end of the car, put wheel chalks on the set touching the ground.

[@FlywheelFilms]

I guess it didn’t show on camera well, but I did actually have the front wheels chalked while jacking it up. But great tip in general!

[@JCYoo]

100% I don't see them behind the rear wheels.

[@dielaughing73]

​@@JCYoorear wheels are pretty safe with the transmission in gear and handbrake on. I'd trust that over chocks alone any day (not that that's what you're suggesting)

[@JCYoo]

@@dielaughing73 Better safe than sorry.

[@alaskamc5979]

Will it work on auto nc also?

[@jacobbeekmann4287]

o2 spacers till the cel goes away fixes it

[@Thatncmx5]

is that the k&n intake kit for the NC? and how does it sound?

[@FlywheelFilms]

It is! No real noticeable difference in sound. But looks cool I guess. Seems to function fine too.

[@Thatncmx5]

@FlywheelFilms thanks for the info. Been looking for a induction kit for my NC for a while but not sure which one to choose

[@goontheracoon]

Why not do the 2.5 swap?

[@absoluteclownworld]

As an NC3 owner, the biggest flaw of the NC is the suspension.. that and the geometry is tricky to set up with after market wheels and tires.....

[@greggkerber1936]

Did the check engine light come on?

[@FlywheelFilms]

It did, yes. Working on remedying that and working to get emissions passed soon. Will report back!

[@richardschutte8105]

How does this setup pass emission testing without a catalytic converter?

[@FlywheelFilms]

I do still have the midpipe cat! Just removed header.

[@richardschutte8105]

@@FlywheelFilms So there was a cat at the header and midpipe both?

[@roadrunner594]

Next time when working with your and friends tools bring red electrical tape or red spray can a dot spot on every toll used from your friends side only leave yours as is... done n easy😊😊😊

[@baileyrutherford9002]

Woahhh you didn't listen to it without headers before switching them??😅

[@allenskillicorn1061]

Don’t waste your time on the 2.0, step up to the 2.5L!

[@ttinnovations3310]

I'm in CA, is that legal in CA, ??? time for a dyno day.... maybe 4HP gain ?

[@FlywheelFilms]

Unfortunately not CARB compliant. I would guess more than 4hp! But not much more.

[@ttinnovations3310]

I'm going to wait for the Fyin Miata turbo, or my friend lives in Reno,............... you know the idea =)

[@jasonlillis3437]

I would just ignore the CEL until you get the tune.

[@22jeepmojave75]

You should have wrapped the pipe with heat header wrap.

[@GerHang-m7z]

Stock maximize air fuel..not power

[@sundayfunday722]

Where the spoiler from

[@FlywheelFilms]

Carbon Miata. 👍🏼 check out my video on it!

[@Emadifications]

"Why mess with something the factory engineers put so much work into? I guess you know more than they do, huh?"

[@smiles564]

The factory header really is garbage. There is a reason so many companies have different options, even a different version of a catted header that doesn't pinch the primaries.

[@Emadifications]

@@smiles564 ha I was joking!

[@smiles564]

@@Emadifications no worries brotha

[@ChristianGuadalupe13]

Fixing the nc miatas biggest flaw "installs turbo"

[@DoomsdayMelody91]

I always laugh at the fact that dodge can produce an emissions compliant engine with over 700 horsepower, and there are so many 200 +/- 50 hp cars that are removing cats for 5 more horsepower.

[@digitalbreakthroughs]

As smart as Miata engineers are, why would this be necessary to make the car handle better?

[@chrissikora3359]

They made comfortable for most people young and old but sport or race oriented people like to exceed oem specs to have the car perform at a whole different level

[@roadrunner594]

If you ever need an extra $100-$125 you can get for it

[@boakium3089]

Is it still "Wife Approved" ?

[@Emadifications]

As his new, more up-to-date fill-in wife, yes it is.

[@gzk6nk]

If you think the MX5 needs more power, then you are missing the whole point of it. Go buy a Boxter instead.

[@Fri8K]

As someone who owned a decatted RX8, i will say no cats is horrible. You will just be inhaling fumes anytime you are at red light or reversing, you will just suffer. Yes the RX8 runs a lot richer and uses a lot more fuel, but regardless, any unburnt fumes ingested is bad.

[@jasonlillis3437]

There are two cats on the NC if you just delete the primary cat you won't get fumes with the secondary still in place. The cat in the manifold is also known to disintegrate so it's power and preventative maintenance.

[@Fri8K]

@jasonlillis3437 Sorry, should've clarified. I meant running with the midpipe cat should be fine, I just meant running with no cats at all would be horrible for your health and just displeasing. I am planning on going the same route.

[@jasonlillis3437]

Oh, no worries I misunderstood.@@Fri8K

[@FlywheelFilms]

Yep agreed. Keeping the mid pipe cat for life. Maybe an upgraded catted midpipe, but I've been in enough catless cars (and followed enough) that I want none of that life.

[@smiles564]

​@@FlywheelFilmsgwr catted Helmholtz mid pipe gives the best of all those worlds and even comes with the O2 bungs already installed. Great growl when on throttle, allows a burble when off throttle, eliminates any drone when at steady speed like highway cruising.

[@horseydestroyer9466]

Does it still pass Colorado emissions with just the 1 cat?