MSDS headers vs. Nautilus Headers

[crusader8188]

I will be getting headers this summer wanted to know the difference between the Nautilus Performance headers found here:
06-08 Mazda 6 V6 SS Headers & Y-pipe

versus

the MSDS headers found here:
MSDS Inc. -* HIGH QUALITY HIGH PERFORMANCE ACCESSORIES

is there is any difference at all?

[mariusvt]

If you look at the Nautilus headers versus the MSDS they are virtually the same. However Joey @ Nautilus did one major redesign. If you notice the one header the pipe goes up higher than the MSDS. He did this so it would clear the Alternator requiring no trimming/shimming/different belt/etc.

Personally I would go with the Nautilus headers.

[Maltese Falcon]

MSDS duratec V6 headers never required the relocation / different belt/ or adapters to the alt. on any of their headers...including the Maz6s (early or late engines) . In the header (R & R) installation instructions, the alternator must be untensioned from its belt, moved out of the way, and then positioned back to its OE place, on its OE bracket and OE belt. I have installed these many times and have never encountered any alternator relocating. You might be confused with the CPE type header which does require the custom relocation

[The Great NY]

Originally Posted by Maltese Falcon

MSDS duratec V6 headers never required the relocation / different belt/ or adapters to the alt. on any of their headers...including the Maz6s (early or late engines) . In the header (R & R) installation instructions, the alternator must be untensioned from its belt, moved out of the way, and then positioned back to its OE place, on its OE bracket and OE belt. I have installed these many times and have never encountered any alternator relocating. You might be confused with the CPE type header which does require the custom relocation

unfortunately you are partially wrong my friend. the MSDS header ALL require you to notch out the alternator heat shield. if you put it on without notching the heat shied. then my friend you have the heat shield bent and resting/pinched up against the header.

so if you failed to properly install them, i recommend fixing it before you rub a hole in the header

[tkemme]

Originally Posted by Maltese Falcon

MSDS duratec V6 headers never required the relocation / different belt/ or adapters to the alt. on any of their headers...including the Maz6s (early or late engines) . In the header (R & R) installation instructions, the alternator must be untensioned from its belt, moved out of the way, and then positioned back to its OE place, on its OE bracket and OE belt. I have installed these many times and have never encountered any alternator relocating. You might be confused with the CPE type header which does require the custom relocation

I just put on my MSDS headers two weeks ago and they fit like a glove. They cleared, but were really close. The instructions did say I may need to trim the alternator heat shield to clear, but instead I used a ball peen hammer and put a slight dent in it and also put 2 washers under each alternator mount. You can see the dent in the second photo just above the phillips head screw. Everything else is stock.

[Kaisershake]

I thought the difference between the two was what they were made of. I know the nautilus headers are stainless steel. Looks like the MSDS come with a mid pipe so you can get rid of that cat and with the nautilus you would have to get one custome made or use the stock one. Nautilus used to offer a high flow cat but it looks like they took it off the sight. Don't think you have to trim anything on the MSDS 06-08 years either. I would got with the Nautilus I have them and I do recomend them!

[mariusvt]

^^ Nautilus didnt stop offering their midpipe. That is their old website he linked to. The new one is: Nautilus Performance Group (NPG Racing) - NPG Racing

[crusader8188]

Thanks for all the info guys has really helped. Any of you experience any check engine lights with either of these? I know you can get the O2 simulators to fix this issue.

[Front 1ine]

IIRC, Nautlius gave MSDS the design for the headers. lol So basically they are both Naulius headers...technically.

[Maltese Falcon]

Originally Posted by Front 1ine

IIRC, Nautlius gave MSDS the design for the headers. lol So basically they are both Naulius headers...technically.

Front 1ine...you almost have it right...just 180 off.
Nautilus is an authorized warehouse distributor for MSDS products.
They also sell specific Nautilus products.
PM me if you need the facts.