Hi guys long time no post just wish it was under better circumstances :(

As the title says my octy has just failed its MOT due to a cracked exhaust manifold and as far as i can tell i've got 3 options

1: get a stock manifold from the dealer

been quoted £230 inc VAT)

2: get mine welded

not sure how strong this would would be and don't really want to be taking off again in 6 months if it cracks again

3: get an high flow manifold

I've seen the cast THS one for £195 inc VAT are these any good, from what I've read the stainless steel ones are a bit rubbish and crack.

obviously if the high flow ones are any good and cheaper than the stock item it seems like a no brainer, but not sure which way to go so have you guys got any advice, opinions, recommendations?

Phil

No 1!

HTH

get one second hand £20 to £30 just make sure it came of low milage car loads out there

or option one if you feel flush

number 2 = no way

number 3 even bigger noway there crap and crack in minutes not months

You can get cast iron manifolds welded, but it depends on where the crack is and the person welding it needs to know what they are doing. I've had Celica manifolds welded for a couple of friends and they were fine for years afterwards.

I think that the trick is to heat the manifold until it is glowing before attempting the weld, but I don't know for certain.

number 3 even bigger noway there crap and crack in minutes not months

what even the cast ones?

Thats assuming its not just the turbo to manifolds bolts have come loose and its blown the gasket.

Thats assuming its not just the turbo to manifolds bolts have come loose and its blown the gasket.

Pretty sure its a crack there is a line about 1" long just to the right of the turbo mounting bolts, which just for good measure i managed to snap one of the heads off

So will any 1.8 20t manifold fit from the VAG range or are there certain models that wont fit?

It would have to be transverse and not a K04 manifold (210/225/240 bhp)

People swear by the ATP exhaust manifold..

http://uk-mkivs.net/forums/t/67765.aspx

not worth it and they wont give you 10bhp

the k03s standard mannifold is not a restriction for the k03s turbo it actually out flows the k04 mannifold

so the op's best bet is to get asecond hand one for around £20 to £30

well i finally got the old manifold off and i think cracked is a bit of an understatment

Ouch.... nasty!! I thought I had escaped cracked manifolds when I changed from a V70 to vRS! oh well...good luck in finding a second hand one.

all cast mannifolds will crack at some point

all cast mannifolds will crack at some point

Oh great! something else to look forward to then...

Oh great! something else to look forward to then...

Well i've bitten the bullet, ordered a new manifold from the dealer, dont want to have to change that again in a hurry and dont trust a used one still the scrapped knuckles and scratched arms are worth it if its saved me £200ish on labour.

Parts should be at the dealer tuesday so got wednesday off work to get them refited and hopefully get an MOT and some Tax, bang goes that £200 :'(

Edited 6 November, 201015 yr by ljphil78