Need some exhaust manifold advice...

[FromS60toB61.8t]

My current build is a GTX2867R Eliminator turbo on an 034 big port manifold with AEB head. Well, not even 1000 miles on the build and this is what happened...



I have 3 options that i have been debating on doing:

1) most cost effective: Get an OEM exhaust manifold, port it out, install, and call it a day.
2) not too bad cost wise: Get another Cast manifold, if there are any out there that dont crack, break my hands installing it, call it a day.
3) expensive: Get a tial VBand turbine housing or twin scroll turbine housing, tubular manifold, external waste gate.

#1 and 2 will probably run me under $300
#3 will easily be near $1000 when all is said and done with making the manifold, down pipe, vband clamps (if i go that route), and a wastegate.

Im looking for the easiest install, easiest to work on, and known to be able to hold up to the heat. Dont really know where to go for a tubular manifold though.

[MetalMan]

I'm curious about your turbo... just a GTX2867 CHRA/compressor cover fit into an eliminator turbine housing?

FrankenTurbo manifolds seem pretty stout. I don't think they're available for sale individually so you may have to find somebody who is selling them.

There are some eBay tubular stock-fit manifolds that seem to hold up. There's a thread about it in the B5 section.

[Furly]

I'm confused. Eliminator means it's designed to bolt to a stock manifold.If you have a full frame high flow manifold that's top mounted, why eliminator?
I'd get the ATP manifold and go full frame. Especially since you have an AEB head. It doesn't make sense to have big ported high flowing setup with the turbo being modified for a low flowing oem manifold.

That's one option. I think treadstone also makes manifolds for our cars now.

[FromS60toB61.8t]

I'm confused. Eliminator means it's designed to bolt to a stock manifold.If you have a full frame high flow manifold that's top mounted, why eliminator?
I'd get the ATP manifold and go full frame. Especially since you have an AEB head. It doesn't make sense to have big ported high flowing setup with the turbo being modified for a low flowing oem manifold.

That's one option. I think treadstone also makes manifolds for our cars now.

It's a gtx2867r mated with an eliminator turbine housing with internal wastegate. The 034 mani is oem location mounting. I'm looking to just get 400 hp so I don't need anything crazy. On this setup, on a base tune alone, I was hitting 300whp. We're still in the middle of revisions and now this happened so it's kind of at a halt.

@metalman, yea it's a gtx28 chra with a 3" inlet and eliminator exhaust housing. It's been holding 32 psi straight through redline so I really don't think it needs to be any bigger. Any bigger and I feel it will just take longer to hit power. I hit full boost around 3800 rpm on this setup.

[FromS60toB61.8t]

Just did a quick search and the ATP and frankenturbo exhaust manifolds look exactly the same as the 034. Really having a hard time justifying another cast manifold if they are all of the same construction and are the biggest pains in the ass to install.

[Furly]

It's a gtx2867r mated with an eliminator turbine housing with internal wastegate. The 034 mani is oem location mounting. I'm looking to just get 400 hp so I don't need anything crazy. On this setup, on a base tune alone, I was hitting 300whp. We're still in the middle of revisions and now this happened so it's kind of at a halt.

@metalman, yea it's a gtx28 chra with a 3" inlet and eliminator exhaust housing. It's been holding 32 psi straight through redline so I really don't think it needs to be any bigger. Any bigger and I feel it will just take longer to hit power. I hit full boost around 3800 rpm on this setup.

The GTX28 is a great turbo. Spools fast and holds boost to red. It pulls like a train. You running 1000ccid injectors ? Get the highest flowing manifold you can. Maybe reach out to 034 and see if they will send you a replacement? Cracking after only 1000 miles is not a good look.

[MetalMan]

Just did a quick search and the ATP and frankenturbo exhaust manifolds look exactly the same as the 034. Really having a hard time justifying another cast manifold if they are all of the same construction and are the biggest pains in the ass to install.

They may all "look" the same, but looks can be deceiving. The FT manifold is arguably the strongest high-flow stock-location cast manifold, and I've never read about one cracking (at least for longitudinal 1.8T). Have heard plenty about ATP and 034 manifolds cracking, of course.

[Furly]

They may all "look" the same, but looks can be deceiving. The FT manifold is arguably the strongest high-flow stock-location cast manifold, and I've never read about one cracking. Have heard plenty about ATP and 034 manifolds cracking, of course.

Must be defective from the casting process.
My atp manifold is like 5 years old and not a single crack. My buddy's atp manifold is from like 2007 and still solid.

[MetalMan]

Must be defective from the casting process.
My atp manifold is like 5 years old and not a single crack. My buddy's atp manifold is from like 2007 and still solid.

Should have clarified, was referring to ATP stock-fit manifold.

[FromS60toB61.8t]

Yea, I'm mainly looking for a stock location cast manifold. Just because it's the most cost effective and will suit my needs but I can't emphasize on how much I hated installing it... I've seen a lot of the eBay tubular manifolds crack throughout the years dating back to 2004 so I'm pretty weary on them. Now furly, you're talking about the atp top mount manifold correct?

[Furly]

Yea, I'm mainly looking for a stock location cast manifold. Just because it's the most cost effective and will suit my needs but I can't emphasize on how much I hated installing it... I've seen a lot of the eBay tubular manifolds crack throughout the years dating back to 2004 so I'm pretty weary on them. Now furly, you're talking about the atp top mount manifold correct?

Yes my bad. Mine is top Mount.
I'd definitely stay away from ebay when it comes to stuff like this. Especially tubular. Tubular manifolds have a lot more stress on them. I'd definitely reach out to 034 and see if they will send you a new one. That manifold shouldn't have cracked at just 1000 miles. Definitely seems like a casting defect.

[FromS60toB61.8t]

Yes my bad. Mine is top Mount.
I'd definitely stay away from ebay when it comes to stuff like this. Especially tubular. Tubular manifolds have a lot more stress on them. I'd definitely reach out to 034 and see if they will send you a new one. That manifold shouldn't have cracked at just 1000 miles. Definitely seems like a casting defect.

Oh I definitely am, it hasn't been a year since I purchased it yet either. The car has been up and running for a little over a month now.

[FromS60toB61.8t]

just called them and they said that they would take care of it. Let's see how long it takes.

Another thing i was thinking MetalMan, How many people actually use the Frankenturbo manifold with a big turbo? Much higher heat and heavier weight might contribute to more of them cracking. Just a thought i had.

[diagnosticator]

For a street driver, a Factory BEX exhaust manifold has a lot to offer. The two main benefits are the BEX manifold flows more than the stock AMB manifold, but the port runner size is still optimum for maintaining high exhaust pulse velocity when the exhaust valves open. improving spool up response at lower RPM typical on the street. Secondly, it is at least as strong and trouble free as any factory manifold. The main drawback is the higher cost and can only order from Europe.

Second best is a ported AMB manifold ported using the abrasive flow media method.

[FromS60toB61.8t]

For a street driver, a Factory BEX exhaust manifold has a lot to offer. The two main benefits are the BEX manifold flows more than the stock AMB manifold, but the port runner size is still optimum for maintaining high exhaust pulse velocity when the exhaust valves open. improving spool up response at lower RPM typical on the street. Secondly, it is at least as strong and trouble free as any factory manifold. The main drawback is the higher cost and can only order from Europe.

Second best is a ported AMB manifold ported using the abrasive flow media.

do you happen to have a part number on a BEX mani? (edit: quick search turned up 06B 253 033AH)

this part has nothing to do with your post diagnosticator but from the research i have done before, the wastegate should be at no more than a 45degree angle in line with the exhaust manifold runners for optimal flow. Ive noticed that most of, if not all, of the case exhaust manifolds with external wastegate ports have them at 90degree orientation.

Im just going to exchange or return the 034 manifold. In the mean time i ordered an AMB manifold with hardware and will have it ported out. This is what i was going to do originally but my AMB manifold was warped too much to save.

[redline380]

My atp manifold is like 5 years old and not a single crack. My buddy's atp manifold is from like 2007 and still solid.

My t25 ATP manifold has been ran by for for 4 or 5 years, and previous owner had it on for years before that. It is still solid.

Which, by the way, is another option.

[FromS60toB61.8t]

For a street driver, a Factory BEX exhaust manifold has a lot to offer. The two main benefits are the BEX manifold flows more than the stock AMB manifold, but the port runner size is still optimum for maintaining high exhaust pulse velocity when the exhaust valves open. improving spool up response at lower RPM typical on the street. Secondly, it is at least as strong and trouble free as any factory manifold. The main drawback is the higher cost and can only order from Europe.

Second best is a ported AMB manifold ported using the abrasive flow media method.

So after some research on abrasive flow media, I was told by many machine shops that nobody in my area does it. I'd have to get it sent out either way. That being said, do you have any recommendations on a good place to go with it and how much something like that cost? After shipping and getting it honed out, I might be better off buying a brand new BEX from Europe.

[Fast4esT]

I've been running the frankenturbo manifold with GT2871r elim for 2 years now and have had zero problems. Haven't seen any posts on them cracking and there has been a lot of question and chat about them in comparison to all the other manifolds.

[Furly]

just called them and they said that they would take care of it. Let's see how long it takes.

Another thing i was thinking MetalMan, How many people actually use the Frankenturbo manifold with a big turbo? Much higher heat and heavier weight might contribute to more of them cracking. Just a thought i had.

Awesome! If they don't get back to you soon I'd hit up javad directly . He will take care of it for ya.

[diagnosticator]

So after some research on abrasive flow media, I was told by many machine shops that nobody in my area does it. I'd have to get it sent out either way. That being said, do you have any recommendations on a good place to go with it and how much something like that cost? After shipping and getting it honed out, I might be better off buying a brand new BEX from Europe.

http://www.extrudehoneafm.com/

http://www.extrudehoneafm.com/industries/automotive/

[FromS60toB61.8t]

I've been running the frankenturbo manifold with GT2871r elim for 2 years now and have had zero problems. Haven't seen any posts on them cracking and there has been a lot of question and chat about them in comparison to all the other manifolds.

Interesting. Haven't even heard of the frankenturbo manifolds until this thread tbh haha. Good to know.

Awesome! If they don't get back to you soon I'd hit up javad directly . He will take care of it for ya.

Just got the RMA email today.

http://www.extrudehoneafm.com/

http://www.extrudehoneafm.com/industries/automotive/

I actually sourced 2x BEX manifolds for $160 so I think I made out quite well haha. Even if I ceramicoat one, it'll still come out cheaper then getting amb one honed out. Thanks though, I actually looked into them in one of the google searches that came up.

[Seerlah]

They all eventually crack. OEM ported (or BEX...also ported ) ceramic coated would probably be your best route if wanting to stay eliminator. Read a post on here years ago when discussing manifolds, where an individual had no issues with his hig flow manifold cracking while others did. And he said it was because he got his ceramic coated. And I believe the FT manifolds come ceramic coated. Maybe that is why they don't have a high rate of cracking issues like other units do. Just a guess.

[GrapeBandit]

just a GTX2867 CHRA/compressor cover fit into an eliminator turbine housing?

yes. turbine wheel/shaft are identical between gt28 & gtx28 turbos, so in turn run the same turbine housings

[diagnosticator]

They all eventually crack. OEM ported (or BEX...also ported ) ceramic coated would probably be your best route if wanting to stay eliminator. Read a post on here years ago when discussing manifolds, where an individual had no issues with his hig flow manifold cracking while others did. And he said it was because he got his ceramic coated. And I believe the FT manifolds come ceramic coated. Maybe that is why they don't have a high rate of cracking issues like other units do. Just a guess.

The ultimate manifold would be the BEX cast from Inconel or Stainless Steel, and Extrude Honed.

[FromS60toB61.8t]

The ultimate manifold would be the BEX cast from Inconel or Stainless Steel, and Extrude Honed.

I'll have a spare one so we'll see if I want to do some experimenting ;)

I know for sure that the one going on the car will be cermic coated. There's a local place that does it at a pretty decent price.

[FromS60toB61.8t]

I think its safe to say, i have the worst luck with exhaust manifolds...

I still had my oem exhaust manifold that i tried porting out myself, this is what i just found inside...


I also ordered a used OEM manifold from Wolf auto parts. It looked great when it came in, this is what i found when i really looked through it...


Seems like even the OEM manifolds have a weak spot.

[PreciseD]

They all crack. The best thing to do is support the Turbo to take the stress off of the manifold.

[texasboy21]

Arent small cracks like that considered normal?

[FromS60toB61.8t]

They all crack. The best thing to do is support the Turbo to take the stress off of the manifold.

i was thinking about getting a brace welded on the turbo but i guess its too late now lol.

[FromS60toB61.8t]

Arent small cracks like that considered normal?

not to my knowledge. The one in the OP is an obvious failed manifold cracked throughout.

the ones in the recent pics are premature cracks that will probably lead to a crack throughout as well in time.

[diagnosticator]

I'll have a spare one so we'll see if I want to do some experimenting ;)

I know for sure that the one going on the car will be cermic coated. There's a local place that does it at a pretty decent price.

i just got a quote back from Extrude Hone to do a 1.8T exhaust manifold. The quote is $525. If you need/want all the benefits of AFM, the results are worth it. If not, it isn't.

[GrapeBandit]

i just got a quote back from Extrude Hone to do a 1.8T exhaust manifold. The quote is $525. If you need/want all the benefits of AFM, the results are worth it. If not, it isn't.

thats a ripoff. by the time you pay to ship back and forth, you could have bought a real tubular manifold

[FromS60toB61.8t]

thats a ripoff. by the time you pay to ship back and forth, you could have bought a real tubular manifold

my exact thoughts.

if im to spend like $600 on just honing a manifold, im better off spending the extra $300-$400 and go tubular with full frame turbo TBH

[Kevin C]

thats a ripoff. by the time you pay to ship back and forth, you could have bought a real tubular manifold

And they never ever crack!!!!! Or do they.... ?

[GrapeBandit]

And they never ever crack!!!!! Or do they.... ?

you are a funny guy. do you even read or comprehend before you reply to posts? you are 0 for 2 when replying to me the past few days lol

i didnt say anything about cracking, was saying why spend $600 on a cheezy manifold when you can get a real mani for nearly that price?

you did the same thing in the other thread, i talk about a rebuildable flywheel, then you mention its too much clutch for your setup WTF

can i have some of what you are smoking?

[FromS60toB61.8t]

Tubular are pretty much the obvious choice but more pricey.

More flow up top, which would be perfect seeing as im at full boost by 3600, and if it does crack, it can just be welded. Cast can be welded too but 90% of the time the crack just moves to another area.

Not to mention ease of installation, because these aftermarket cast manifolds are the biggest PITA to get to if you dont remove the head...

[itsmatt33]

apr inconel manifold ftw

[gmudan]

So since we are talking about tubular manifolds and I'm not completely high jacking this thread. Any recommendations for a turbo with this set up?
Right now on a gt2871r but I've been told to ditch it.

[GrapeBandit]

So since we are talking about tubular manifolds and I'm not completely high jacking this thread. Any recommendations for a turbo with this set up?
Right now on a gt2871r but I've been told to ditch it.

completely depends on power goals. you can add a billet compressor wheel to your setup now and it will be night and day.

[gmudan]

completely depends on power goals. you can add a billet compressor wheel to your setup now and it will be night and day.

I'd like it to spool earlier, and after rods, somewhere around high 300's would be my goal.