034 motorsport replica manifold cracked

[VladaS2]

Bought one after I found out about it on this forum like many of you did probably. Also bought a bunch of other stuff from them (about $3000 worth). Everything was OK until this happened. Manifold was running on rs2 turbo and just started cracking until it almost broke off. Had to buy now original rs2 manifold, so much for that.

[VladaS2]

It's only fair to listen to 034 motorsport side too, because they did try to help out.

"Vladimir, we do not have a return policy (no company does) like this, we do
stand behind the product and can repair and IMPROVE it for you at no charge,
but you have to work with us to help you. The quality of the manifold is
very good, and if you look it was not our weld that failed, but the
stainless tube. We believe we may have received a run of lower grade metal
from our supplier for the wastegate tube (which is beyond our control), but
we know what to do to fix it and are willing to do this at no charge."

If I wanted to do what they suggested (return it for fixing) I would be facing additional $250 cost and a month wait time in my case, for a manifold that I doubt would use again. I think they should try harder to keep the customers, and I wrote this for other helpful people on this forum in hope at least someone after me will have better luck.

[UrS4Eben]

Makes me wonder..... did they select who to get the stainless steel tubing from or did you?..... Get my point?

[prosty]

This is always the problem with stainless steel, it's much worse for daily use. That can be fixed if you're a do it yourselfer, a good welder would fix it for you. But if you use stainless steel as a daily driver, it will fail. It's only good for racing use, since stainless steel cools off much faster than normal steel, I have "blacksteel" exhaust manifold, it's cracked once in 25000km use and 1.7-2.3 bar usage. that's ok for me, since I can fix it myself.

Cast is the way to go if you want daily driver usage. Thats the best option. Maybe you could ask them to get a "discount" to buy something else next time. I think 034 are great to deal with so I would think that would not be a problem?

[Big_kev]

Contract

You purchased the product from 034 and not their suppliers. So the contract of sale is with them. If they supply inferior product it is they and not there suppliers that are responsible for the customer experience. This is the first time that i have heard or 034 and they may have a good reputation normally but going by their response i will be trying to avoid them

[S2central.net]

Please be careful with threads of this nature. It is not often appropriate to share such information when matters like this are not yet resolved.

[urquattro-island]

well

I have nothing but good words for 034 so far, they are willing to help, and say cost free for you. So why not take them on their word and use the, their repair help. Does not hurt I should think. Good luck

[Jamo]

I must admit that this problem is nothing to do with 034 but with stainless manifolds, unless supported correctly they have a higher tendancy to crack.

You can't argue with 034 stand point though, return it and they will repair it free of charge so I don't know what you are relating to Big Kev?

[VladaS2]

The repair might be cost free but do not forget you have to send the manifold ($150 overseas), pay customs when you get it back (about $50) and pay for effort of the mechanic to install it again ($50) - and this is best case scenario. Add in about a month time during which you can not use the car at all. So that's why that offer doesn't work for me and I bought original rs2 manifold instead.

If anyone is interested, I've been willing to sell this at a fair price it's only been used for less then 2000 km, maybe you can make it work for yourself.

[prosty]

RMA / warranty parts does not have any toll / import taxes.

[Flat on my back]

Doesnt a warranty cover parts and workmanship, the part they used was not to spec?, did they admit this? So a replacement is in order, isnt it?

As long as you mounted it exactly as instructed?

They probably wont cover post though, offer to pay one way.

Hope this works out for both parties.

[audiman]

Its stainless!! Thats what happens to it. Should have done your research. A turbo would need to supported on such manifolds. Mine manifold used to break until i had it repaired with 3mm thick stainless, its heavier, but has now done over 10k miles of road use and has no cracks whatsoever.

[diesel des]

I agree with Prosty. Its hard to beat black iron/ductile iron/mild steel for crack resistance on exhaust manifolds. Cast iron is best obviously. Its a pitty 034 dont make this rs2 replica in 3mm black iron. It would look less "bling" but would stick more abuse.

034 have always been good for me though...

[Jas11n]

If you guys say SS isn't intended for a daily driver, then maybe the advert on 034 site should state this?.
Could be avoided then.

Just a thought.

Jas..

[Jon441cc]

My tubular manifold (Not 034) cracked in the same near the collector place and that was supported I think it's to down to the wastegate & the DP moving too much or vise versa with the motor.