turbo manifold options

[eclipse93gst]

im gonna be running a t04e t3/t4 but would it be a good idea to run tubular manifold or cast, a lot people tell me to go cast cause runs smoother but ive also heard the other way around tell me what you think in your experience thanks.

 

[Absit]

Cast tend to be more durable and are cheaper.
Tubular, tend to be very expensive but can offer better flow.

 

[96DSM_Steve]

I would say cast. I bought the forced performance manifold and could not be happier. The tubular manifolds you kinda have to be aware of the welding not holding and the cast it could crack but it takes a lot to crack them.


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[gusu]

The FP manifold works with the stock heat shield as well. You could always wrap it up though obviously.

 

[stilletto]

I'd say 90% of most who run Tubular Manifold, run them as eye candy.
Sure, they may run smoother, but you won't run into many issues with a cast manifold.
Might as well port and polish an OEM manifold. Works just as well.

 

[PEGE]

Price wise the FP cast seems to be the way to go.
I believe tubular still has a smoother more even flow. If you invest in a good tubular manifold!!! you get what you pay for a lot of the time.

 

[H4G64T]

Considering that 95% of the people with DSMs will never achieve power levels that a ported OEM one won't suffice, there really is no reason to not go that route or an FP Race.

 

[69_luv]

I had the DNP on my last DSM and the under-hood temps got so hot that it melted a spot on my C/F hood. I sent it off to JetHot to get coated and it helped some but still got really hot under the hood. One of the problems with the tubular headers is the Pacesetter and EBay brands don't have the little welded support piece or have cheap welds, or are made of thinner steel. If it was me I would only use DNP, and those are $500 and up. Also if you live anywhere there is moisture wrapping them in header wrap can be bad as moisture gets trapped between the wrap and header and you get rust.

I have a ceramic coated FP cast manny now and when I talked to Darren at FFWD he said that flow wise they are pretty close to the DNP, but last a lot longer, hold up to temps better, and cheaper. My under hood temps are a lot cooler btw. I really like the DNP but if you can't get it coated I think they look like crap after the SS tarnishes and you have a rusty colored header as the first thing you see when you lift your hood.

Another thing is I have heard of people snapping welds on the tubular style when using larger turbos as all the weight of the turbo is hanging off the manifold and if they don't have the extra welded supports near the collector or the cross brace on the back then when the get hot they break.

Hope this helps!

 

[bmoha7321]

Hmmmm. Ok. I have the DNP stainless exhaust manifold and I'm not crazy amounts of impressed. It turns brown. And the flanges are steel not stainless steel. If i were to do it again and wanted to stick with stainless tubular construction I'd skip DNP and go for something like Trust. A true full stainless tubular manifold. Also much more expensive. If I had it to do again I would have bought a FP exhaust mani. I have heard the new ones are cast stainless steel? If so I think it would be hard to beat.
Also with the DNP I experienced high underfoot temps. Cooked a power steering pump.

 

[eclipse93gst]

Thanks guys this really helped me on my decision I think I'm gonna run cast and get it jet coated

 

[Colt4G63 also]

I don't think the FP race manifold comes in a t3/t4 flange, just the MHI flange if I'm not mistaken. I have one and it's a great piece BTW.

I can tell you the biggest reason for cracked manifolds is because someone left the front pipe to block bracket off. The entire exhaust system moves forward and back when you accelerate and decellerate, and the turbo and manifold don't need that kind of torque going through them.

 

[eclipse93gst]

man that sucks

 

[DSMReviver]

Dont forget bullseye cast exhaust manifold with external gate ready to tap in. Bigger runners on the inside and exact fit with heat shields.

 

[turboboy4]

If you are looking for a t3 manifold, get an ERL manifold. Some what pricey but totally worth it and it is cast stainless steel

 

[eclipse93gst]

ill check it out bro

 

[tunermt]

tubular ftw, there are some very nicely cast smooth transition manifolds as well though.

 

[Dert]

I ran a tubular mani and it generated so much underhood heat it was rediculous. You couldnt touch anything under the hood, not even the hood prop, so if you go that route you will want to ceramic coat it or heat wrap it. I would go with the FP personaly, I myself after ditching the tubular mani simply ported out my stock 2g mani, it flows more than enough for my T04E 57 trim.

 

[jb03gst]

Personally, I'd go with the FP manifold. If it isn't cast then the manifold has a chance of actually cracking from the heat and pressure. And it isn't too expensive, here's the link Forced Performance Turbochargers: FP DSM Race Manifold

 

[turboboy4]

The forced performance manifold is great but if he has a turbo that is a t3 flange its not going to work. The ERL manifold is pricey but is an excellent piece besides the fact it wont rust