Identify MK1 Headers

I think you will need an inspection mirror. You need to look at the "plate" on the header. Here is a picture of where the plate is when looking from underneath but you should see it from above with a mirror. Taking the bottom panel off and viewing from below is the easiest way to see.

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It might be a little dirty which will make the task harder to make out... but this picture can help with mirror positioning. Notice the cross brace on top for approximate position.

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Here is a picture I got off eBay for the MK I, notice the "Arvin Meritor". The MKII doesn't have that in the stamping. I guess because the subcontractor changed.

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Here is MK II header plate from eBay...

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And for those who are curious, the Challenge headers do not say "Arvin Meritor" either...

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Great pics! But you know most people don't trust the MK II Headers either... I would go with the Challenge Headers he posted

 

The other thing with the MKII headers is that the factory also revised the downstream catalytic converters, so not sure how many MKII headers failed on cars that came with MKI and then MKII were used as replacements under warranty but with the old-style catalytic converters.

That all being said, I love my challenge headers. Like the Scuderia, they do not have embedded catalytic converters so they run a lot cooler which I think helps with the reliability and they do have extra welds and reinforcement. They used to be a cheaper option than aftermarket headers with blankets, I don't think this is the case anymore. Challenge headers have gone up a lot in price.

 

Where are you located? that would help. I also wouldn't order them directly from Ferrari, but use one of the suppliers like Eurospares, Ricambi, .... The usual suspects for OEM parts.

Also you will need a few extra parts for the installation.

Here are the part numbers...
Challenge Headers - 232826 LH. 232825 RH

Don't forget he needs to order all the plugs and adapters also, don't bother reusing the old stuff.

2- 150595 NUT
2- 144240 UNION
2- 236195 PLUG

and you should buy some new studs and an exhaust gasket/donuts

16- 211641 STUD
16- 210971 NUT
2- 154985 GASKET
2- 211404 GASKET

 

OK replying to myself here. I got a DM from someone, so I want to make sure I'm clear for everyone else....

The 2008+ cars didn't move the downstream catalytic converters to a different location, they changed to a revised part at the same time they went to the MK II headers.

According to the "assembly changes" spreadsheet;
Starting AN-74457 SN-157672, new exhaust manifolds and catalytic converters.

 

Since you're in the states, you can shop around. I didn't see them on Ricambi, but I'd try them. Otherwise, Eurospares in the UK has been good for me. They ship quickly to the USA and just make sure you use a credit card that doesn't charge an extra fee for foreign transactions, they will bill in UK currency even if the quote is USD.

 

Challenge header pricing tripled in like a year.

 

Since challenge headers say "race" on them, would they fail CA emissions/smog testing?

 

If they use a mirror to see the engraving... Then again maybe it's not legible due to some "installation" problem where that part of the header got sanded down or something