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I forgot Andrew was active on this site as emailing has not been successful. I went with TSE because past experiences had always been great. This turbo kit hasn't been ideal. Ordered in August 2019 and I have a turbo and a manifold. In regards to the manifold, it appears to lack quality. The two middle runners have cracks (or a lack of material) on both sides, the outside runners also have cracks. I figured it could be cleaned up, but am disappointed that it is even something that has to be done. The exterior is really rough as well.
I mean it's a sand cast part, I don't think its really fair to have any expectations in terms of final outward surface finish, you're always free to sand&polish it. If it works it works. That said, the crack in the middle runner and the one just above the t25 flange (if I'm seeing it correctly) should have made it wall art, not a product sent to a customer. If there are voids visible, there are probably some you can't see without a radiograph/CT scan.
I mean it's a sand cast part, I don't think its really fair to have any expectations in terms of final outward surface finish
From the TSE website they set the expectations by having pictures and descriptions. Even TSE has acknowledged the problem and trying to remedy it. "Shell mold casting process ensures excellent dimensional accuracy and surface finish"
From the TSE website they set the expectations by having pictures and descriptions. Even TSE has acknowledged the problem and trying to remedy it. "Shell mold casting process ensures excellent dimensional accuracy and surface finish"
I stand corrected, Between the surface finish and the shrinkage tear on the inner runner that's certainly nowhere near a perfect casting.
With all the complaints that I've read, i'm surprised anybody still wants to buy TSE's kit.
Define "kit"? I think at this point its down to manifold and DP. Neither of which have stellar quality marks on the form for fit and finish. I've worked with castings in a limited capacity in the past. If you're not on top of your QC, many will let things slide out the door in the name of dollars and blame the "the process"
I figure a manifold + DP + turbo (no longer offered?) is enough to be considered a kit. Either way, I've read enough to steer clear. At TSE's price point, it's not really competitive either.
I went with TSE because (somewhere) said it was the best and I figured I would splurge a bit because reasons. I've been eyeing the EFR for a long while, so that sort of set things in motion. I figured I would have it all installed December 2019.
I concede that at the current price point, the quality is no where near the expectation. However, my biggest complaint is the lack of communication. There was a bulk email originally telling customers the state of things consistently enough. Nothing since January, so I started worrying maybe something happened to Andrew. That doesn't seem to be the case, so I'm at a loss with how to move forward. I had hope this thread would highlight this particular issue more and warrant a direct response. I can post pictures of the multiple cracks in the runners, but seems like it is beating a dead horse at the point?
I have a kind of dumb question, I bought an ex-S1 car this week and I'm starting to go through it a bit.
There is Stage8 locking hardware on all of the turbo to manifold studs, but one of the studs is loose. Is this normal for these kits and will close up under heat?
I have a kind of dumb question, I bought an ex-S1 car this week and I'm starting to go through it a bit.
There is Stage8 locking hardware on all of the turbo to manifold studs, but one of the studs is loose. Is this normal for these kits and will close up under heat?
Nope. Source: had one stud back out on the front straight of PIR this summer.
These bolts get checked after every session i do and weekly when i'm driving on the street. I actually lost an entire stud while the locking hardware was still intact. Savington was nice enough to replace it. I've had to redo the resbond on the manifold 3 times now. it usually holds for about 12 months in my experience so far. There is at least one guy on ebay selling little bottles for pretty cheap.
Sorry for double posting - I went out to double check and it seems like the studs weren't loose, just the nuts. Turns out my car still has the M8x1.25 studs in it, so I ordered a Stage8 #3950 M8x1.25 locking kit to replace the ones on the car. I'll keep the current ones as track spares.
To convert to M10 I just need to get ahold of a TSE M10x1.5 stud set and the Stage8 #3952 M10x1.5 locking kit then drill out / tap the manifold and drill out the turbo, right? Is there an acceptable alternative stud kit? It seems like the TSE ones are rare as rocking horse poo right now.
I do live about a mile from Full-Race, so it'd be nice if this stud set would work (obviously with the correct M10x1.25 Stage8 stuff / Resbond)
I hesitate to screw with the car right now since I need to take points in the next 6 events during Oct/Nov to lock up the regional TT4 championship, but it is what it is.
There is no reason to upgrade to m10 in my opinion. I haven't seen an m8 stud snap thus far. Not to mention, the manifold is made for a very hard alloy. Drilling it would most certainly suck.
Last edited by icantlearn; 09-13-2020 at 09:08 PM.
08-04-2020, 02:13 PM
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