Land Rover Series II IIA III 2.0L 2.25L Petrol Headers – Wildcat WILD182

Wildcat WILD182 exhaust headers (extractors) are designed for selected Land Rover Series II, Series IIA and Series III models from 1958–1985 fitted with the 2.0L or 2.25L 4-cylinder petrol engine.

Featuring an interference 4-2-1 header design, WILD182 uses 38mm primary pipes, 45mm secondary pipes and a 51mm outlet. The header configuration is designed to improve exhaust gas flow and scavenging while maintaining good exhaust velocity, helping improve low- and mid-range torque, throttle response and usable engine performance.

WILD182 is designed as a direct-fit replacement for the applicable factory exhaust manifold, making it suitable for standard and mildly modified Series Land Rovers used for road, touring and off-road applications.

Please check availability and current lead time before ordering.

Key Features

• Designed for selected Land Rover Series II, Series IIA and Series III applications
• Suits applicable 2.0L and 2.25L 4-cylinder petrol engines
• Interference 4-2-1 design for good low- and mid-range performance
• 38mm (1.50") primary pipes
• 45mm (approximately 1.75") secondary pipes
• 51mm (2.00") outlet
• Direct-fit replacement for the applicable factory exhaust manifold
• Designed to improve exhaust flow, torque, throttle response and engine performance

Construction

• Australian-made Wildcat performance headers
• Quality mild steel construction
• Strong welded construction for durability
• Heavy-duty mounting flange
• Heat-resistant painted finish rated to approximately 600°C

Additional Options

• DSF041: Exhaust manifold/header gasket available separately
• WILD182-KIT: Matching headers-back performance exhaust system available for applicable 88" wheelbase models
• Replacement manifold studs, nuts and exhaust hardware where required

Vehicle Fitment

• Make: Land Rover
• Series: Series II / Series IIA / Series III
• Year Range: 1958–1985 – selected applications
• Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol – applicable models
• Engine: 2.25L 4-cylinder petrol – applicable models

Fitment Notes

• Designed for selected Land Rover Series II, IIA and III models fitted with compatible 2.0L or 2.25L petrol engines
• Direct-fit replacement for the applicable factory exhaust manifold
• Recommended exhaust manifold/header gasket: DSF041
• Matching WILD182-KIT headers-back exhaust system is available for applicable 88" wheelbase models
• Because of the age of these vehicles, confirm the engine number and actual engine fitted before ordering
• Engine conversions, replacement engines, modified engine mounts, steering changes and non-standard exhaust systems may affect fitment
• Check clearance around the engine mounts, steering, chassis and surrounding components during installation
• Please check availability and current lead time before ordering.

How to Identify Engine Size – Land Rover Series II, IIA & III

Check the engine number stamped on the engine block and compare the prefix with the information below to help identify the engine fitted to your Land Rover.

Series II – 1958–1961

• 141xxxxx: 2.0L petrol
• 151xxxxx: 2.25L petrol

Series IIA – 1961–1971

• 241xxxxx: 2.25L petrol
• 251xxxxx / 252xxxxx / 253xxxxx: 2.25L petrol

Series III – 1971–1985

• 901xxxxx–904xxxxx: 2.25L petrol
• 361xxxxx / 364xxxxx: 2.25L petrol – later 5-bearing applications

Engine Number Location: The engine number is generally stamped onto a machined flat area on the engine block, typically on the left-hand side below the cylinder head.

These vehicles are now several decades old and many have had replacement engines fitted. Best Mufflers recommends checking the actual engine number rather than relying only on the vehicle's year or model.

What’s Included

• 1 x Wildcat WILD182 header / extractor assembly
• Outlet connection components as supplied

Recommended With

• DSF041 exhaust manifold/header gasket
• WILD182-KIT matching headers-back performance exhaust system for applicable 88" wheelbase models
• Replacement manifold studs and nuts where existing hardware is worn or corroded
• High-temperature exhaust gasket sealant where appropriate

Why Good Headers & Exhaust Systems Matter

At 4,000 rpm, a 2.0L four-stroke petrol engine theoretically draws in approximately 4,000 litres of intake air per minute and can expel around 12,000 litres of hot exhaust gas per minute at approximately 600°C.

The larger 2.25L petrol engine theoretically draws in approximately 4,500 litres of intake air per minute and can expel around 13,500 litres of hot exhaust gas per minute under the same theoretical conditions.

A well-designed header and exhaust system helps manage this high gas flow efficiently, reducing restriction and improving exhaust scavenging, torque, throttle response and engine performance.

Installation Tips

• Apply penetrating lubricant such as WD-40 or similar to the manifold studs, nuts and exhaust fasteners before removal
• Take care when removing original manifold hardware from an older cylinder head
• Remove all traces of the old manifold gasket before installing the header
• Inspect the cylinder-head sealing surface, studs and threads before installation
• Fit a new DSF041 exhaust manifold/header gasket
• Trial-fit the header before fully tightening the mounting hardware
• Check clearance around the engine mounts, steering, chassis and surrounding components
• Protect the painted header surfaces during trial fitting and installation
• Check all exhaust connections for leaks after installation
• Inspect and re-tighten the mounting hardware after the initial heat cycles

Warranty & Compliance

Wildcat headers are covered by the applicable 2-year manufacturer's warranty subject to standard warranty terms and conditions.

Correct installation and adequate clearance around the engine mounts, steering, chassis and surrounding components are essential. Replacement engines, engine conversions and other vehicle modifications may affect fitment.

FAQ

Which Land Rover models does WILD182 suit?
WILD182 is designed for selected Land Rover Series II, Series IIA and Series III models from 1958–1985 fitted with compatible 2.0L or 2.25L petrol engines.

Does WILD182 suit both the 2.0L and 2.25L petrol engines?
Yes. WILD182 is listed for applicable 2.0L and 2.25L 4-cylinder petrol engine applications. Because many older Land Rovers have had replacement engines fitted, checking the engine number before ordering is recommended.

Are WILD182 headers direct fit?
Yes. WILD182 is designed as a direct-fit replacement for the applicable factory exhaust manifold.

What size are the WILD182 header pipes?
WILD182 uses 38mm primary pipes, 45mm secondary pipes and a 51mm outlet.

Which gasket does WILD182 use?
The recommended exhaust manifold/header gasket is DSF041, available separately.

Is a matching exhaust system available?
Yes. The WILD182-KIT headers-back performance exhaust system is available for applicable 88" wheelbase models.

Will WILD182 fit a Land Rover with a replacement engine?
Possibly, depending on the engine and vehicle configuration. Many Series Land Rovers have had engines, transmissions, mounts and exhaust systems changed over the years. Check the actual engine number and vehicle configuration before ordering.

What finish is used on WILD182?
The headers have a heat-resistant painted finish rated to approximately 600°C.

Are WILD182 headers Australian made?
Yes. Wildcat WILD182 headers are manufactured in Australia.

Can I pick up from the store?
Yes. Pick up is available but must be pre-arranged before collection.

How much is freight?
Freight varies depending on your delivery location and where stock is available. Please contact us for freight charges before ordering. Where possible, we can arrange dispatch from the nearest available product location to help reduce freight costs and delivery times.

Do you ship to the USA?
Yes. Best Mufflers regularly ships exhaust systems and exhaust parts to customers throughout the United States.

Please note that import duties, tariffs, taxes, and customs clearance fees are not included in the product or shipping price. Once your order is processed and the applicable charges are calculated, we will send you a secure payment link to finalise the import duties and tariff charges before dispatch.

Customer Support

For phone orders, fitment advice or product enquiries, contact Best Mufflers:

Call Now: +61 2 9547 3511 <a href="mailto:mail@bestmufflers.com?subject=Best%20Wildcat%20Headers%20WILD182" style="background-color: #007bff; color: #fff; padding: 12px 24px; font-weight: bold; text-