High flow exhaust manifold custom wrenches

[B5A4coastie]

I installed CTSs manifold and developed an exhaust leak, I thought I got the nuts tight enough but didn't use a custom wrench. I made one tonight and got another quarter turn on four of the top nuts, but still couldn't get to the two where the runners come together. For those who have installed these pain in the ass manifolds, can you explain how you created your wrench and what you did for these troublesome nuts?

[Seerlah]

Stock manifold is just fine for a ko4-15. On the topic, 630cc ko4 tune?

[A4_B_Fizzy]

I'm on the same boat... Started installing my FRankenturbo today and I have no idea how I'm going to tighten the exhaust mani?

[B5A4coastie]

Mitch, I have to agree that I havent noticed any difference with the manifold. Well I actually spool slower, but I believe that has a bit to do with the exhaust leak before the turbo. Secondly the tune is what Jeffery Atwood at United Motorsport runs in his DD. I still get 26 mph and don't run rich, now that I have the AFPR. All my mods are set for a larger turbo, I just jumped the gun on the k04-15 when I saw it for sale. I'm a high low end torque guy so I want a small turbo regardless, but UM is on point with this tune and is highly recommended by RAI.


I want to clarify, you are correct this is overkill for the k04-15, but it doesn't hurt either. I've always planned on a larger turbo, I just could take driving in stock form any longer.

[A4_B_Fizzy]

Mitch, I have to agree that I havent noticed any difference with the manifold. Well I actually spool slower, but I believe that has a bit to do with the exhaust leak before the turbo. Secondly the tune is what Jeffery Atwood at United Motorsport runs in his DD. I still get 26 mph and don't run rich, now that I have the AFPR. All my mods are set for a larger turbo, I just jumped the gun on the k04-15 when I saw it for sale. I'm a high low end torque guy so I want a small turbo regardless, but UM is on point with this tune and is highly recommended by RAI.

Glad to hear good things about united Motorsport! I'm waiting on my ecu. I went with the stage 3 AEB 630cc file.

[nynoah]

I should just make a simple how to for the Franken Turbo Manifold. Its really not too hard if you have the right nuts and tools.


Its still a pain but it is FAR more manageable if you use these nuts and not the stock ones. "8mm Copper Plated Steel Lock Nut, M10 Wrench Head"
http://store.034motorsport.com/produ...ench-head.html
They are 10mm heads which gives you way more room to move around. I used those in addition to the thick stock manifold washers.


I then bought a 10mm clawfoot wrench set from harbor freight. You them take that and grind down the edges to get rid of the excess metal... the round part. Make it into a sharp triangle on both sides. It will give you more room to wrench.

You then buy a wobble 3/8th extension which will give you more room. I don't mean the type with joints. I mean the type that wobbles on the head. I prefer the craftsman ones to the harbor freight ones but you can buy harbor freight if you need to. http://www.searsoutlet.com/4pc-Wobbl...92&mode=seeAll


I also ground down the heads of my exhaust studs a little. Made it a little more easier. You have to take measurements of both the manifold and the nut height. Cheater way to get the height right of that is to put on the corners fully tightened down and then measure that point and shave down the other studs to that point. This makes it easier to do the center top ones.

Then put them all one and go in a circle tightening them down partially as you go in the circle till they all cinch at one time. Prevents being stuck without the ability to get to nuts.

Hope that helps.

[RoadRage]

Last time someone brought this up, someone else said get a map gas torch and bend a wrench to about 90 degrees after heating it up. They posted a pic of their 'custom' wrench. I forget who it was though.

[B5A4coastie]

Last time someone brought this up, someone else said get a map gas torch and bend a wrench to about 90 degrees after heating it up. They posted a pic of their 'custom' wrench. I forget who it was though.

I did exactly that, but where the runners come together and meet the turbo are two that I cant get to.

[nynoah]

Do what I said for the stock mount high flow manifolds and you will be good to go.

[B5A4coastie]

Great write up nynoah! I second that you create a diy with the above mentioned.

I decided its not worth the trouble for my car. Does anyone want to buy a high flow exhaust manifold?

[nynoah]

Great write up nynoah! I second that you create a diy with the above mentioned.

I decided its not worth the trouble for my car. Does anyone want to buy a high flow exhaust manifold?

Really its not hard to mount at all if you follow what I just said. I have had mine on for over a year with no issue. I have taken it on and off with no issue either. Once you get the right tools its rather easy. I wish that Doug from Franken Turbo would just sell that manifold with those small head bolts, that would solve most of peoples problems right there.

This is a picture of how I modded the clawfoot.

[melomandn]

Great write up nynoah! I second that you create a diy with the above mentioned.

I decided its not worth the trouble for my car. Does anyone want to buy a high flow exhaust manifold?

Actuallyyyyy my high flow mani cracked and I've been running my stock mani until I found another high flow.

How much would you want for it? Feel free to pm me

[pbcrazy]

To install my FT manifold I just used the crowfoot where I could, but the 2-3 where the head protrudes I bent a combination wrench right at the circular end and grinded it all around, makes installation a breeze (to some extent lol, and the 10mm are a MUST!!!)