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Was installing my AMS downpipe when i discovered a roughly 3 inch crack on the underside of my exhaust manifold. Pulled it off to find 2 more so it's definitely toast. Debating on upgrading to either the MAP cast manifold or a tubular setup. I'm currently running the stock turbo and if I do upgrade any time soon, it'll be to a stock frame unit. I talked to Tj Van Cott, who supported the idea of me using MAP's, and hooked me up with a good deal on one should I choose to go that route. I also spoke briefly to Jon Drenas with who said to either go that route or purchase a manifold from full race. I just think a tubular setup is more than what I need and I don't like the thought of it cracking somewhere down the line and being back in this position but I haven't been able to find many reviews of the MAP manifold. Thoughts or suggestions?
I just want to pipe in about my tubular manifold. I've had the Agency Power tubular manifold forever. During my recent turbo swap I noticed a 2 inch hairline crack between two of the runners. Fortunately because of the spacing that the tubular style allowed I was able to hit up a local welder and fill it in. Just some food for thought on tubular style.
Any manifold can/will crack eventually. The MAP piece should last much longer than the OEM one though, but I've not seen any long term ownership aftermath yet.
Ive heard and read many good things about the MAP cast manifold. I know a lot of people choose this manifold bc of the stock mani cracking. Im probably going to be ordering one soon as well just to avoid the potential crack down the road and bc i plan to stay stock frame as well like you.
From memory I dont recall seeing any threads where people have had problems with their MAP cast mani's which is a good thing lol... Hope this helps
MAP piece is super nice and gets rave reviews, I found myself in the same shoes as you a couple of months ago and tried to buy one, they were back ordered for months. I needed to get back on the road so I went with the MAP tubular piece instead and I can't say that I'm disappointed, it's working out great but was quite a bit more expensive.
So, if you can wait, save some money and go for the cast piece. If they can't get it soon enough then go for the tubular. You won't be let down either way but the tubular is probably overkill and unlikely to last as well as the cast piece. Both come with lifetime warranty to original purchaser so it's not the end of the world to me.
Here's some pics of my tubulars because nobody asked.
MAP piece is super nice and gets rave reviews, I found myself in the same shoes as you a couple of months ago and tried to buy one, they were back ordered for months. I needed to get back on the road so I went with the MAP tubular piece instead and I can't say that I'm disappointed, it's working out great but was quite a bit more expensive.
So, if you can wait, save some money and go for the cast piece. If they can't get it soon enough then go for the tubular. You won't be let down either way but the tubular is probably overkill and unlikely to last as well as the cast piece. Both come with lifetime warranty to original purchaser so it's not the end of the world to me.
Here's some pics of my tubulars because nobody asked.
Their tubular manifold is quite sexy. Great craftsmanship for sure. Either way you go, tubular or cast mani from MAP your going to get excellent quality.
I have the MAP investment cast manifold and it is a friggin TANK. I can't imagine that thing ever cracking on you and I have never ever heard of one cracking, so if you're after something durable that's your best bet IMHO.
I have decided between the MAP cast manifold and full race tubular. The full race I would need to wrap and find a way to shield the mivec solenoid and cam sensor. The MAP I can use my stock heat shield.
I think the full race would change the sound of the car a bit, I'm hoping in a positive way and I think improve with top end a little bit. I'm just wondering if the full race is overkill?
You shouldn't be worried about cracking, it's not as common as you may think. Just be sure to purchase from a company that has been doing it awhile, and has experience welding the schedule 40, 10 that these manifolds are typically made with. Quite a number of companies really don't have the experience to weld this stuff properly so that it last, and it's those companies who have left the impression that these crack often.
You shouldn't be worried about cracking, it's not as common as you may think. Just be sure to purchase from a company that has been doing it awhile, and has experience welding the schedule 40, 10 that these manifolds are typically made with. Quite a number of companies really don't have the experience to weld this stuff properly so that it last, and it's those companies who have left the impression that these crack often.
We have all heared of a gubular manifold cracking. Wouldnt wana spend 900+ on a piece that is gonna crack. My pockets aint that deep. But now that i know they have warranty im looking around now
