Another exhaust manifold!

[twoqu]

We will be spoilt for choice soon!

[Audi Parts Guru]

Who makes this one?

[twoqu]

I found this link on another forum that was discussing the failure of the 034 manifold. There seems to be more than a passing similarity!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...8395072&rd=1,1

[S2central.net]

We are already spoilt - and confused with choice...

Well I am anyway - a bigger/better EM is on my list - was just gonna go for the RS2 item as its got more than enough headroom for my needs (roadgoing weekender with ~350bhp max and as little lag as possible).

I'll be avoiding stainless / tubular EMs - cost, complexity and insuitability to roadgoing applications - not that I'll be doing big mileage.

What are all the other quality cast iron options that I should be considering ?

Paul

[Ross]

I dont think there are any to be honest. Until one actually makes it to production, the RS2 item is still the only choice as far as I know (which may not be much)...

The wagner one looks like a good option if you want to push well into the 400s and possibly more - at the expense of a little extra lag aparrently, due to an increase in runner volumes. But you'll know more about that than me.

Perhaps Robin can give a bit more info about this newcomer onto the scene?

[twoqu]

Well, I know as much about it as the rest of you, now I have posted that link!
It looks like this a cast version of the 034 fabricated RS2 replica.
Apart from the Wagner ones and the Chinese RS2 copy, there is also another one which is available. This has some similarity with a 25V cast iron manifold. Unfortunately I have not seen it in a machined state. However the price is right and would be a alternative to say a Sport manifold.
So it does seem that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!
Paul, as KKK flanges are out of fashion the only other alternative would be an MTM Sport manifold with the obvious price penalty!

[Jamo]

RS2 = 450 limit, Wagner or SQ manifold can go into what 600-700 bhp limit

You need a manifold to suit your needs, if your not running big power RS2 EM is the best choice.

[Ross]

Somehow missed that link

My first thought was "that looks like the 034 replica" too... interesting.

Personally i went for the RS2 EM. When the car is back on the road i hope to see how close it'll come to 450 with a GT3071R attached :mischeif: which I think is plenty for most! I guess if you want more you can afford to break things, and thus afford a SQ or MTM jobbie.

Will be interesting to see what the Wagner one can do when they are produced.

[S2central.net]

Thx for the info guys - Jamo has reached the same conclusion as me about this - for my needs... Gives me plenty of headroom if I want to take the leap into something like a GT30R in the future - a hybrid with K26 hotside (no bigger than #8) and KKK flange.

I'd avoid Chinese replicas like the plague and the bigger cast items from Wagner are going to have more lag than I'd like.

[twoqu]

Fook me! I misread the price initially! That's likely to be sub £200!

[twoqu]

Still it's encouraging that people are taking the trouble to cast alternatives. To be honest all these new manifolds are going to have questions marks over their quality of construction and durability. Only time will tell! Whether a waranty will be honoured over the period stated is questionable. As we know, even the RS2 one will crack eventually.

[Billman]

As we know, even the RS2 one will crack eventually.

I think the eventually is not needed. I dont think that an RS2 itam will do it for more than 5 years without cracks. Even if those cracks arent a problem on most cases they are there.

[Jamo]

The RS2 EM does crack that is true, the new wagner RS2 replica if cast should be very good.

One thing that is need to help avoid cracking is a flexi pipe on the downpipe, it will help preventing cracking due to stress on the downpipe system.

I've only recently started looking into EM manifolds and the list is endless for options

If I was going SS EM it would have to be 321 or Inconnel ( pricey ) or a minimum of 3mm SS material. This would then need supporting.

To be honest the RS2 EM is good for nearly every members needs on K26 Hotside.

yes it's pricey but for the hassle of having to replace the EM you can't fault it.

[urquattro-island]

well

i suppose that things like this then, would just be crap?? I mean its so cheap??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AUDI-...QQcmdZViewItem

[twoqu]

Like everything in life, you get what you pay for! On the otherhand there is no reason why an enterprising individual/company shouldn't be able to supply an improved manifold at a better price than the RS2 one.
Unfortunately there has always been a huge price gap between the RS2 manifold and a superior cast one such as the Sport or MTM pieces. £1K+ is a lot to drop on a lump of cast iron!