I had read a few comments of users of the aftermarket HKS-like turbo manifolds for the FC and FC sold across eBay. Many shoppers want more photographs and non-marketing real examples of these items.

I've thrown several "webcam" style snapshots onto tripod.com of this SSAutoChrome.com manifold I purchased through a reseller "XS-Power and Stone Racing." I might provide a detailed review of this item, with measurements. There are several discrepancies. Observe a few photos where I've used the T4 gasket and engine port gasket to show misalignment and weld-bead choking.

I believe this unit to be "run of the mill", typical quality from this aftermarket source.

See more here: http://jhillyerrx7club.tripod.com/in...hrome_OBX.html

 

Wow they loooook gooooood



Dustin

 

Damn! And to think I almost bought one when they first started selling. In there ebay pic, the welds look nice. In real life, those suck ***. Not to mention the terrible matching to the exhaust ports and to the turbo flange. Thanks for the analysis.

kxxryzex - I hope that's sarcasm...

 

Err. My typo, "...for the FC and FC...," should have stated, "...for the FC and FD...."

 

<hoist>

 

who actually has the HKS one and what does it looks like ?

 

im sorry but if you guys are being sarcastic.. i cant really tell. but it looks like those were welded by a blind man with a twitch and on acid .. just my $.02

 

My friends using that OBX FD one with a TD07 and hes making nice power and no problems yet...

 

WOW that looks like crap. The HKS unit are so much nice. And cleaner.

 

eww, ya pay for what ya get i suppose

 

Agreed.

 

Those welds look very very very shitty. The inside on the turbo flange looks like ****. The only thing that manifold is good for is a paperweight. If that.

 

if these are anything like the ones for hondas they will crack and fall apart at the welds. it looks like a todler welded these together

 

I would take my HKS cast over that any day.

 

i think they use a new program where they train monkeys to weld

 

I would reference these to the people which get hair cuts from the hair school for free.

The manifold/engine block plate holes are way off and not the right size so flow isn't going to be great from the start.

The welds look like some one like me(no experience) did it. I bet you there isn't any penetration to those.

I woudl only buy tis to cut it up and make a duplicate of in real parts.(NO R&D )

 

i've seen one cracked on a To4e

 

LOL! Thats so true. I didnt see that coming.

 

"train" is such a strong word...

 

I really dont understand why they sell products with shitty welds like that? I mean, I know welding SS is a bit more difficult than regular steel, but if you have the proper TIG SS welder, it isnt all that hard, and they should at least know what to look for a in a even half-decent weld ( I see NO penetration ), but yet they still sell it? Just doesnt make sense.

 

Stone Racing, Autochrome and XS-Power are terrible. I have yet to hear anything more about them.

I suppose you get what you pay for. Serach for those brand names and read RETed's posts about them.



Gravitus

 

"There's a sucker born every minute..."
I believe W.C. Fields said that...


-Ted