So I finally have just about all the parts except for the turbo, so I was looking around to getting a T25 or similiar turbo. Now from talking to some people here I have learned that the HKS manifold I got has issues with the way it mounts the turbo and is not compatible with any bolt on Downpipe. Is this true?? I have did search the forums on this issue but I still could not find an answer for this solution. I noticed that there are several people here running an HKS manifold. Can you guys fill me in on what the resolution is?? And if anyone knows where I can pick up a DP or wana sell me their used one I will go for it. I had bought a used FM 2 / Begi DP from someone here got it all cleaned up, even did exhaust wrap then sealed it with heat coating paint, it seems I will not be using that pipe. Or is it just better to sell the HKS mani an look for something else?

 

link to the HKS?

I always though those were greddy replacements, but i am probably way off on this

 

Here is a link, but no pic posted. From what I have read the HKS places the turbo to sit really high up and that is causeing issues with the fit. Can't find any info on HKS website for this part.

http://store.racerwheel.org/hks-17141-138261.html

If those are supposed to be Greddy replacements, then should I not be able to use a greddy DP?

Here is another link from mnet, but it still does not answer which DP will bolt on?

http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=1559

 

There is no production downpipe for this manifold, you have to make it yourself or get it made. The greddy downpipe will not work.

Here is an example of one guys downpipe, it's full 3".


Loki, the HKS is for the 1.8 engine only. It does kind of look like the greddy but it centers the turbo unlike the greddy.

 

nah, its for the 1.6 too. the 1.6 manifold has nicer looking runners for some reason. there are pics of it in my vbgarage.

 

I guess this means I am gona have to pay someone to do the whole damn turbo install, since I wont be able to drive it without a dp from the turbo. This really pisses me off now. Or I can get rid of this stupid manifold and just go with a whole begi mani, and dp. Not sure, I wish someone had a DP they were selling, or if you have someone who can make me one without having my car going into the shop for the whole setup. It will save me a lot of time an money. Do you know who the guy is that has thid DP maybe he has the correct dimensions and I can either have him get me one made or is there any easier way to just have this DP made without having the car go in the shop?

 

You couldn't just put the turbo kit together as far as is possible and then have the car towed to a competent exhaust shop and have them build you a downpipe?

 

It's pretty easy making a downpipe for these now that I need to redo mine.

 

For that matter, get the flange, some bends, hacksaw, and a sharpie.

Measure twice, mark well, then take the sections to a welder and have them tack it in place, take it back, test fit, then return for finish welding.

 

I agree- it's not any more difficult than piecing together IC piping or the rest of the exhaust. Only requires heavy use of simple hand tools. You could do everything except the welding- then take it to the exhaust shop and have them weld it up with the car there to guarantee the fit.

 

^ exactly.


Cjernigan(whos viewing this thread) and I have discussed our opinions on the HKS manifold.

There are 3 draw backs to it.

Lack of External WG(which he made his own)
Sits too high
Custom Downpipe


But it is a good quality product.

 

Yeah the 1.6 mani looks like it would flow much better.

The guy doesn't have the ability to make a new DP, he fabbed it on his car and bolted it up. There is no jig for this kind of thing. If you send the manifold to BEGI I bet they could fabricate you a downpipe though with their jig setup.

I suggest selling your manifold to someone who wants to do a cheap DIY setup and buy premade parts if you don't want to mess with having a DP made.

 

Well I really dont like to wrench much anymore since I have messed up my back. I was going to have my bro and cousin help with this install since I am only limited to lifting 20 pounds of weight max. Back pain never stops and never goes away. If I would have known I would run into this issue I would have never bought this mani. I thought it was a good product since it was HKS and I have heard of mani's cracking understress so cast iron sounded good. The begi was kinda high priced and the fm was a two piece deal and also expensive. It looks like I might have to go that route now, but it sux that I am stuck with this new mani and I know no one will give the amount of money I paid for it. I really dont wana go with building the DP and I know my bros or anyone else for that matter will not help me so it will end up costing me more that I would spend with a bolt on. I guess I will have to rethink it all over again. Thank you guys for all the info.

 

sounds familiar

 

Here is a pretty sweet picture of a HKS manifold modified for external WG. I bet someone could machine that same face down flat just enough for the Tial WG and then drill through and port it so that it would flow well into the Tial.

 

Dibs if it is a 1.8 mani!

 

Well most likely I was going with a GT25BB with internal wasegate so the waste was not the issue I cared for. Its mainly the DP.

 

Hey why doesn't someone here who has experience with this DP build make me one??? I will pay for it just let me know what you want for it. Or else give me your old one and make youself a better one. Just a thought.


It is a 1.6 mani not the 1.8.

 

The Dream!

 

Al is the only person with a 1.6 HKS that I know of myself.