OUCH!!!! My head hurts

[Palmetto_TSi]

SO, I just finished reading the entire thread/ argument about tubular versus cast manifolds, and honestly, I don't feel that I learned anything at all. Here is the bottom line question.

Is the dollar to power ratio worth the money for a GOOD tubular manifold in a 90% street engine?

Is it really worth the money to get the higher quality tubular or just keep the cast and put that money elsewhere?

The answer is obvious on a non turbo engine, but there is a lot of question in my mind concerning turbo engines.

 

[sobmurda]

I like my fp cast manifold in my opinion

 

[LiquidX]

If you are going to be a pretty much constant DD then I would recommend going with ERL Performance Cast Exhaust Manifold for DSM (T3 / T4 / Mitsubishi Turbochargers) - Modern Automotive Performance

You can pick which ever vendor you want obviously but this has the strength of a cast manifold and the design of tubular for flow. It's a T3 flange if that matters or not.

The other cast option is the FP Race manifold since it's the top of the DSM flange cast manifolds. Many people run it and use it with large turbos as well.

A high quality tubular manifold will have better flow characterists through design and smoothness but the general consesus is the constant heat cycling with DD can potentially crack it. I personally wouldn't worry about it on a high end manifold but the cheaper ones IMO are more prone to that. Not to mention they heat up the engine bay much more and should be wrapped.

All-in-all, it all boils down to what you plan on doing with the car to see if a cheaper cast manifold is all you need or if an expensive tubular manifold is what you do or will need.

 

[zfanatics]

It really depends on turbo setup. When it comes down to large frame turbos where you need quicker spools then you have no choice but to pay big bucks for equal lenghs and TS manifold.

 

[Palmetto_TSi]

see now we're getting somewhere... My plan is @400 AWHP. Should be easily attainable. Probably a 20G, FMIC, If I'm lucky, a cyclone intake/chip. The head I have is already ported so it should flow just fine for that kind of power. The manifold is where I always get caught up. seems like someone out there would be making some super thick tubulars that I could safely throw a blanket or wrap on to keep my air charge temp to a minimum. the crappy part is I could fab some up, but there is little doubt that the tubes would be unequal and I would just be chasing my ass.

Ain't toys great? I may have to get into some research on this subject online. Maybe I can come up with something. The saga continues...

 

[monster4g63tawd]

in my opinion i would definately go with a cast manifold. it would handle the 400whp and with a 20g i dont think that lag would be a big problem and its alwayse nice not to worry about it cracking or making your engine bay really hot. just get a good cast manifold from Forced Performance Turbochargers: FP DSM Race Manifold

 

[LiquidX]

For the turbo and goal, the FP manifold will fit you fine and still have a lot of room to go. I'm using the FP manifold with my HX40 and haven't had issues with it. I'll choke out with the turbine housing before the manifold gives up.