Chipped FM manifold?
 

Hey all. Been a while, but I’m working on getting a turbo setup back on my NA8.

i bought a bunch of used parts a while ago and am doing inventory now to see what I still need to do or prep before installing.

I was looking over this used FM manifold and noticed a part of it has almost been chipped away. The seller didn’t mention it and I didn’t notice it when I bought it.

I’m wondering if the exhaust manifold gasket will help deal with this, or if I need to see about getting some level of repair done. The oval for the exhaust port itself is mainly intact.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...a6d553437.jpeg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...9950b984a.jpeg
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That looks fairly deep. I don't think it will seal, and if not, will only get worse.

I'd have it skim cut.

agree, get that sucker machined.

Try JB Weld? JUST KIDDING!!!

I recently took my FM manifold off the original, 28k MSM engine that had been raced with the FM2 Garrett upgrade kit to install it on the forged built engine I recently finished. I found the outer cuts had closed up so I used a hacksaw blade to open them back up and as expected, it was no longer flat. One machine shop that couldn't machine it checked it out and said the gasket would likely seal but he recommended another shop that should be able to machine it flat. Unfortunately, they didn't have the parts/tools to hold it on their blanchard grinder so they used a belt sander. I wasn't happy and brought it home, running it with an older 120 grit belt on my 6x48 sander. I wanted to smooth out what looked like a rough, 50-80 grit finish.

I used a new gasket and applied heavy grease but I'm stuck waiting on clutch kit parts from SuperMiata. I haven't been able to install and run it. I'd say your manifold might be able to be saved but it's gonna require more work. Try to find a shop that has the tools to properly machine it but if you can't, I would find a very large belt sander, not a hand held machine, and apply even pressure flipping it end to end every once in a while. Otherwise, start thinking about upgrading to the newer FM manifold that's coming soon (better flowing design, should be the same turbo position for backward compatibility) or another seller if you want or need to upgrade the exhaust.

Thanks for the replies, all. I will get this to my local machine shop ASAP. I wish that I noticed it earlier but such is life. @Jesse99James I had thought about their new manifold, but I spent good money on this one and would rather make it work if at all possible.

I'm so glad people are still on this forum. I hate facebook groups so much - I'll be back here more frequently now that I'm re-turboing my car.

Thanks again.

These manifolds are hard, and most shops will not mill them. You check it with a file. If the file barely cuts it or skates across its hard. Often they just use a big belt sander. The belt sander's leave the ends low and just don't do a good job. If you can find a shop with a head grinder that would be the best. Make sure you check it with a flat edge before and after.

Well, local machine shop took care of it for me. Ground it down, he said it required taking quite a bit off, but looks good to me overall.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...839bd475a2.jpg

Much better.