Who doesn’t appreciate an unconventional engine conversion? The Subaru rally car with a Ferrari engine and the crazy Dodge Demon-powered side-by-side vehicle designed for burnouts were memorable. However, in the realm of sophisticated, street-oriented conversions, the Driftworks V10 E46 M3 stands out as a legendary example. Despite being constructed in 2010, this car is continuously evolving. Today, it features the most extreme 10-into-1 headers I’ve ever seen.
Originally intended to be a street-appropriate drift vehicle powered by an S85 V10 engine from an E60 BMW M5, the car remained idle for a significant period after its initial introduction. Recently, the U.K.-based Driftworks, a shop specializing in drifting and performance, began documenting the restoration and enhancement of the car on its YouTube channel, resurrecting it from obscurity. Just a couple of years ago, the coupe was in a damaged and neglected state. Today, it has been fully rejuvenated and equipped with custom headers from exhaust manufacturer Celeritech.
The concept behind such extraordinary headers is to enhance engine output by optimizing the scavenging of exhaust gases. When properly engineered, the headers capitalize on exhaust pipe pulsations, effectively eliminating exhaust gases from adjacent header tubes. While the science is intricate, the unique exhaust note produced by the header design is equally notable.
By smoothing out the pulses, the engine acquires a distinct auditory character. Specifically, the distinctively odd S85 engine sound becomes higher-pitched and smoother than previously heard. Driftworks has not yet conducted a dyno test on the car with the new headers, but it is likely that increased power was not the primary objective. The emphasis was on aesthetics and sound. The headers resemble a cluster of serpents. Complementing the headers is a five-exit exhaust system that retains the E46 M3’s stock quad tips or offers an option for an open exhaust dump.
Listening to the V10 engine at full throttle will be an awe-inspiring experience. For now, revel in the striking sight of the headers and the subtle revs for your afternoon delight.
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