Slow2k

iTrader: (9)

I have someone locally that is selling a single turbo manifold, not branded, stamped or anything. I'm guessing ebay. But if so, does anyone have experience with the same manifold?
It is supposedly a T4 manifold.












Thanks.

Zero R

iTrader: (1)

Definitely a old tired ebay special. I hope that front WG runner is just a poor lighting angle and not smashed in. I hope your getting it for almost free since a new one isn't much more. They were copied off of either Panspeed or FEED, been so long I just don't remember anymore.

~S~

Slow2k

iTrader: (9)

This might come off as a stupid question but would you consider it able to use? Could it be any worse than the megan manifolds? Looking to make only around 400whp.
Yeah that's just lighting. And it's near free but I don't want to waste my time regardless. Haha.

Zero R

iTrader: (1)

Sure it's useable, good things... Solid thick flanges. Bad things... T4 flange that don't mate up properly, polished welds are weaker welds, possibly need a different WG flange unless you can source a good old HKS gate. Knock off manifold wont equal blown engine, crappy knockoff WG can.

~S~

Slow2k

iTrader: (9)

Thanks for all the information. So I should probably get both sides reflanged?

Zero R

iTrader: (1)

Yes, T4 flange and TiAL, Precision,Turbosmart whichever gate.

~S~

thorage327

I have that same manifold, got it new from eBay, knowing we would modify it. Says it's for an FD, fits an Fb just fine. Sam at A&B welded a nice flange for the wg, and we were off and running. There is an FD in the Denton area using the same one for years. He makes a ton of power on E85, and hasn't killed the manifold yet. Killed other stuff, just not the manifold...

thorage327

For spacing reference

turbowash

iTrader: (1)

The worst thing about that manifold judging from the pictures is the wastegate design...it's down right horrible and doesn't provide a good flow properly to the wastegate which can potentially cause boost control issues. You want the exhaust flow to have a nice smooth flow/transition to the wastegate, not a radical turn and especially not a 90 degree or above turn opposite of the exhaust flow. If the placement of the wastegate has to be in a position that promotes such a transition you want a smooth 180 bend to allow good flow.

Me personally, I wouldn't use it...

Case

Slow2k

iTrader: (9)

Thanks for the input, debating between the good ol' TiAL or a Precision as they seem to getting fairly good results too. Well then again debating if this manifold is worth even using and going through all the trouble of being used.

You got lucky and didn't have to re-flange another T4 to it? I guess I should try to mate it up to a turbo before determining whether or not to re-flange it huh? I wastegate I would definitely get re-flanged though. How much did Sam at A&B charge you? Just to get a ball park..

I know what you mean, it's a questionable WG design that I don't really understand either.... Confuses me as to why whatever brand they were replicating would make such a strange wastegate placement.
Yeah, still debating if it's worth the trouble..

Zero R

iTrader: (1)

The WG placement while not ideal can work fine. Some of the best performing manifolds I make are for the FC the are a straight shot basically and are around 12" in length and they a very responsive and provide good solid power all the way through, without creep issues, and they have similar WG placement. They perform so well overall I wish I could fit them on the FD's to be honest.

~S~

thorage327

Sam is very fair in all his pricing. He loves playing with stuff like this. Their shop is rather low key, but turns out some cool cars. He just sold an r1 FD with 12 k miles on it. Made us all cry to see it leave...

I will post some pics of other stuff they do. Just have to get the 3 year old to bed.

As far as the flow to the waste gate, I have a 9psi spring, but it goes straight to 11 psi and holds steady. I figured that the placement had something to do with it. It doesn't waiver, never dips, just go to 11.

Would I rather have the old cast HKS manifold? Yes
Would I want to pay for it? Not at this point.
Do I care that it was an eBay part? Not a chance in hell

It's very street driveable, drifts at the stab of the throttle, and if I had to go drag racing, I could. I guess my point is, don't worry about what a part costs if it does what you want, when you want it to. How would you feel if you paid a butt ton for something that didn't work?

Slow2k

iTrader: (9)

You make very good points. The only reasons I decided not to use it was because if it becomes worse case scenario and I need to reflange the wastegate and turbo it will cost nearly the same as a non "ebay" manifold. Also, a custom downpipe; while not difficult, can get expensive. Things in general tend to be a bit more expensive in Hawaii anyways. :/
I've heard of many people using the ebay manifold and having it work fine like you've said though.

thorage327

Sam at A&B autocenter
3301 w. Division
Arlington, Tx
Makes HP on the DL (he calls it a hobby, which is cute, its more like that itch he can never fully scratch)
Sells normal cars day to day, Creates weird fun toys on nights and weekends.
Rotary Nut to be sure, but has a passion for other "Oddities" as well

turbowash

iTrader: (1)

Zero,

Your wastegate design is superior compared to that posted by the OP in my opinion. Yours still has some directional flow to it and not near as radical as the one in question.

One in question could likely work, not the best, but I was nearly saying "I personally" wouldn't run it. Heck, one of the most sought after and best sounding Supra headers had one of these 90 degree wastegate positioning, but it came with boost creep issues. People still ran it because it's sound was unparalleled by any other header until SP got the rights to remake them and to add correct wastegate positioning.