What up guys,
I've got a Mugen 4-1 header that I'd like to know the value of considering the condition of it. I plan on selling it, reason being because it started rattling at 2000rpm and it is dented at the bottom. How much do you think I can get for it? I'd like to get another mugen header with the same design but with no rattle. The rattle is just too embarrassing at the school parking lot especially with a damn IACV acting up. Anyways I'd like to get some input on how much I can get out of it.
Thanks

 

Why is it rattling?

 

Exactly! Why is it rattling??? I had a oem 4-2-1 header before this one and that one started to rattle as well. Then I replaced it with this one only for it to rattle probably a year and half later. Then again I did buy the mugen header used. I've searched online on why a header might start to rattle and found that ​​​​​​the hot exhaust gases leave the cylinder head and enter the exhaust manifold - the gases expand rapidly. Because the gases enter the manifold in a pulsed fashion at certain rpm's these expanding gases will cause the walls of the manifold to resonate (which you hear as sound). Above and below this rpm range - the gases do not cause vibration or resonance. But Idk.

 

You sure the bolts on the exhaust cat/b pipe etc are tightened down? Loose bolts are usually the cause of rattling ime.

 

just checked them and they all are tight.

 

If it was in better condition then I'd say you could sell it for $400-$800. Being that its tarnished and it's primaries are dented on the bottom then not so much. Also by today standards its not leading the pack anymore from a performance stand point. There 's just better performing headers out there on the market.
There is always the right buyer that will come along however. If you really want to sell it, Id start at $800 and go from there (price reduction). At the end of the day the market will dictate the value.

 

I see. So you're saying that there's better performance headers out there than mugen? Does that mean they're gonna be more expensive? Or is mugen headers simply holding up it's value because it's "MUGEN"?

 

There are way better performing headers out there. Will they be expensive? Yes but these are hand-built pieces that are proven make power. The best headers before were made by SSR (DTR), Hytech, SMSP, and RMF. Today the top fabricators are Meyers Competition and ASP.

 

And Toda.

 

 

Yes and yes. There are higher quality (some mass produced and some custom one off's) that are more expensive and will out perform the mugen. There are knock offs of those same higher quality headers on ebay that are 1/4th the cost that will out perform the Mugen. But to answer your question yes because its "MUGEN" it costs that much.

I own an original Hytech anti reversion model currently. I bought it second hand (primary tubes dented like yours) for a fraction of the cost of a new unit. I think in today's world no one is paying top dollar for a mugen header unless they are going for a specific show car look. There's better performing, cheaper stuff out there.


Why not OP just put up for sale for what it would go for new MSRP and go from there. If you get no interest drop the price periodically until you do or someone gives you an offer. Again the market will decide the price.

 

I think I'm gonna go with the PLM toda replica. I just don't know if it's an upgrade from what I have on right now.

 

Downgrade. Have you checked the mount on the underside of the header? Headers just don't begin to rattle after a year of use. I removed a DC sports header last year that had been on my car for 17 years without issue. You need the locate the cause of the rattle.

 

That's probably the only JDM header I'd buy however the other brands I mentioned are still head and shoulders better than Toda. Probably cost the same too.

 

We normally get around $500 for one in that condition when we sell them at work. A new header is only $1300 from King's.

 

Holly Snikeez...I'm glad I clicked on this thread. I have one of these, in similar condition in my garage right now.
I haven't even gone into that section of stuff in a LONG time.

 

Does yours rattle as well?

 

I had the same header on my b16a2 (not sure if they had a b16 version & a b18 version) I never had any rattling issues. Mine was in 8/10 condition, had some light scuffs on the bottom from the previous owner, I basically had to throw it in the trash I couldn't find anyone who wanted it. lol

I also had the matching cat back system as well and once again basically had to throw it away. Only deal I could find was trading the cat back for some EM1 wheels (later sold the wheels for $75) and the header I traded for another header that was more power oriented and later had that header on a trade plus cash deal on some turbo parts and that took $300 off the price tag, so you could say I got $300 for the mugen. lol

 

Really? Nobody wanted it? I got this one for like 250 if I remember correct. There was never a rattle before. It's definitely coming from the header though. Weird thing is that it only does it once the engine has warmed up a little. This weekend I'll take it off and take a look at it. No more procrastinating!

 

Are you referring to a mugen exhaust?

 

I guess I don't know for sure, but it seems really unlikely that rattling is coming from the header. What exactly would rattle inside a header?

 

Yeah, kind of blew my mind. lol

Yes, I had their twin loop muffler, pretty sure it was their "B" pipe as well.Unless they only had the axle back muffler, then I only had their muffler. lol

 

They had a b-pipe as well. We actually have one complete sitting in our shop right now from an ek9.

 

That looks nearly identical to my old set up, minus the resonator, someone cut mugens off and put some other one in its place.

 

I'm just surprised. It's pretty easy to sell mugen parts. Especially a twin loop and b pipe.