NA8CSON

iTrader: (1)

hey, im new to this forum. doin a diy kit this summer on my 94 1.8. was just wondering if anyone has used this turbo manifold from SSAutoChrome:

http://www.ssautochrome.com/level.itml/icOid/1357

Paul

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

Numerous people have tried to use them, some get them to work just fine though there are usually a few common problems with them:
Warped flanges that need resurfacing
Thin tubing that cracks
Bad WG placement
Poor welding that cracks
Terrible fitment with incorrectly drilled holes

You can get one and run it fine but be prepared to modify or repair it because it isn't going to be perfect out of the box. Anything is possible though.
You would be much better off using a known good manifold, such as a BEGI, FM, ETD, JGS, or similar.
Have you gone through the FAQ? If not that would be a great way to invest your time.

NA8CSON

iTrader: (1)

aight. thanks.

wes65

iTrader: (7)

yeah, thats the general consensus, if you are willing to do some modifications and can weld then the low price may be worth it to you.

NA8CSON

iTrader: (1)

Which of these would be most recommended: BEGI, ETD, JGS?
and can you buy an FM manifold by itself?

wes65

iTrader: (7)

BEGi and FM both make great products, i am getting my entire kit from BEGi. I cant say anything for or against the other as i dont know.

240_to_miata

iTrader: (2)

haha SSAUTOCRAP ... most 240sx guys have better luck with megan racing than ssautocrap... i used megan racing. i dont think they make a manifold for the miatas tho, so yeah i guess SS is the cheap alternative

Zabac

iTrader: (39)

SSautogay, you get what you pay for
if you are looking for a do it once do it right solution, run away from anything from SSChinachrome
if you are a cheap SOB and have the skillz to mod ***** then go for its mate

dirtyboost

i vote for begi, --good quality and space conscious shorty manifold


what it do

bryantaylor

iTrader: (5)

if you have a welder, go for it. because you will have to weld cracks, but its pretty easy to pull off and fix

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

FWIW. The BEGI mani is better than the current FM manifold, and most likely the same price.
If you want a really sounds turbo setup. Buy your manifold and downpipe from BEGI and be done with it. Just make sure to tell them where you want your wideband placed.

jayc72

iTrader: (14)

Just out of curiosity, what makes the BEGI manifold a better piece?

The FM 1.6 Manifold is $395 including hardware. BEGI is $389, not sure if it comes with hardware. So pretty close on price.

Jay

Savington

iTrader: (31)

SSghettochrome

m2cupcar

iTrader: (5)

still rockin' the SSA thin wall tubular - mine had a flat flange on both ends (lucky I suppose). Just redrilled/adjusted the flange holes to fit the FE. I'd like to think that my brace running from first DP right after the turbo to the block has helped the mani survive. So, yeah SSA stuff needs work.

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

Well for one apparently it's cheaper, comes with hardware, doesn't say FM on it, directed pulse(who cares), and I never hear about them cracking. Whereas i do hear about FM manifolds cracking.

jayc72

iTrader: (14)

You've heard of problems with the new FM manifold cracking? I'm in the market so this is significant news. Can you give me examples, I'd like to read more before I pull the trigger. I'll have to search m.net, unless there are other sources about this problem.

Thanks for the heads up.

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

Arent the BEGi manifolds coated as well, where FM only spray paints them to look pretty? I've always heard of cracking FM manifolds, but that wouldn't be the case FM knows their ****.

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

Yep BEGI coats all their stuff standard now, maybe that is only when bought as a kit though. FM's spray paints them and they look like **** after a run down the road.
You'd have to ask hustler about cracked FM manifolds, he said 2 or 3 of them local to him cracked.

jayc72

iTrader: (14)

Ah ok. If they were the old manifolds, those were built by Bell weren't they? I'll have to ask Hustler for specifics.

Ceramic coating is an option of the FM stuff now, $150 I think for the manifold and the turbo outlet on the DP. Don't know about Bell, but will have to look into that. If the offer the manifold ceramic coated for $389, that seals the deal.

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

They charge $75 at bell for ceramic. I can get a manifold and turbine done for $100 at thecoolpenguin.com as well.