Manifolds

[Rozza!!!]

Mine are looking worse for wear. I've got an enourmous lump of weld on one that looks like swiss cheese I`m surprised that the weld isnt leaking. I`d like to replace them but I want to know if it would be worth it. I cant really go to the expense of stainless manifolds at the moment, but can you get mild steel ones and how much would they be?? Would it be worth getting mild steel ones as opposed to getting my existing ones shot-blasted and re-welded up and painted??

Roy.

[Podie]

Rozza, I need to replace one of mine (small leak) so have been doing some digging.

I've been advised that stainless isn't really worht it (and makes the exhaust note sound more shrill!) but I've had many recommendations of ACT's products (Tim Lamont) which are apparently a bit thicker than standard in mild steel format.

Anyway, that's my 2p worth... and that's the way I'll be going...

[Tripps]

Got a bold sheared on mine, although its holding together well so far, its only a matter of time... And when that time comes I might as well replace the whole exhaust system

Podie - please keep us advised on how you progress with the ACT one...

[Rozza!!!]

£245+VAT, hmmm, I think I`ll get mine seen to for now... Maybe next year.

Roy.

[Podie]

Rozza!!! said:

£245+VAT, hmmm, I think I`ll get mine seen to for now... Maybe next year. Roy.

Got David Batty to weld mine in september... held for the best part of 800miles... but now leaking again. Welding is a temporary option.

Pipes are unequal lengths and expand at different rates... design is poor IMHO...

[Pies]

Keep an eye on Ebay!!!

this lot went cheap

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2439073760&category=9903

and i posted it on here

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=11&h=&t=63844

If i see any more i'll post the link

[Podie]

Pies said:

Keep an eye on Ebay!!! this lot went cheap http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2439073760&category=9903 and i posted it on here www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=11&h=&t=63844 If i see any more i'll post the link

NOT for an S3c...

[Pies]

from the tvr wemart classified adds

S3 PARTS: engine,with injection etc but no ECU £250 Gearbox £150, Exhaust manifolds, very good £95. Pair of grey leather seats one good the other slight cut in seat £165. Location Cumbria, Paul Down Tel: [phone]. Email: [e-mail]. Jun 16, 2003

He might still have the manifolds


HTH

>> Edited by Pies on Thursday 6th November 14:32

[Podie]

Cheers Pies...

[19560]

If you can get s/s with a lifetime guarantee then do so. Mild steel rust, become thinner and then crack. They also rust from the inside out so if you're welding already then a refurb is a waste of money - better put towards new ones. Stainless is more brittle but is a better job overall. It's easier said than done but if you get the opportunity go for s/s.

[WildfireS3]

I know ACTs ones are very good, retail for around £164 I think. The SS ones are a bit more.

[Rozza!!!]

WildfireS3 said:

I know ACTs ones are very good, retail for around £164 I think. The SS ones are a bit more.

According to the web site they are £245+VAT.

Roy.

[Podie]

Rozza!!! said:

WildfireS3 said: I know ACTs ones are very good, retail for around £164 I think. The SS ones are a bit more. According to the web site they are £245+VAT. Roy.

I assume that's a pair...?

[WildfireS3]

Duh!! Sorry was looking at the V6 Wedge ones. £245 it is then.

[John Mac]

The S3 manifolds recently on e bay were sold for £82.99(plus I think it was £15 carriage), they would have fitted an S2 with the 2.9 Cologne engine.
I've heard also that ss manifolds can give a peculiar exhaust note.
I would think shot blasting a rusty set of manifolds would almost render them irrepairable as they would finish up paper thin. A good set of mild steel ones painted perhaps with ss paint and then given a coat of high temperature paint would give many years of life, that the direction I intend going in.
A leaking set of manifolds/exhaust will affect the cars performance if you try to set it up on a rr. IARI

[Podie]

John Mac said:

A leaking set of manifolds/exhaust will affect the cars performance if you try to set it up on a rr. IARI

See my report featured on the main page...

[John Mac]

Podie,
Excellent report, probably missed it somewhere but are your manifolds stainless or mild steel ?

[Podie]

John Mac said:

Podie, Excellent report, probably missed it somewhere but are your manifolds stainless or mild steel ?

Factory originals...!

[kev s3]

mine were not too bad so got them sandblasted and then painted them with p.o.r.manifold paint in cast iron.they now look the d.b's.this paint also comes in alu colour.total cost about twenty squids.may not be forever but it should extend their life a good bit.

[Rozza!!!]

I've got a tin of alu POR20 ready and waiting. I think I`m going to have to find the money to get some new ones as the old one are pretty tatty and may not survive the sandblasting process. Oh well, I`d have probably had to get some new ones before long anyway.

Roy.