Ok, I just got my exhaust manifold from the machine shop. I had to resurface it b/c it got warped. I don't know if you notice but before I posted complaints about the HRC studs getting lose, now i have the 4G63 studs. But it still leaked! Then I bought a copper gasket, but then I found out the manifold got warped so I resurfaced it. When I took it to the machine shop, they said that I might have the said problem again. Why?! Is the HRC manifold that CHEAP?! Someone tell me some experiences you had with your HRC manifold. And if they car cheap, is there a manifold that is way better? Thanks.

-england

I just drove my car for over a week with only 4 bolts holding the manifold on instead of the full 8 because 2 had broken off and 2 rattled out. I took the manifold off this weekend to remove the broken bolts and replace them all with 4g63 studs and my HRC manifold was fine. Not warped or anything.

The problem with stainless manifolds is that they will crack from expanding and contracting from heating up and cooling down over time. When the welds crack, they need to be re-welded, and when you re-weld the manifold, it warps. A good weld shop will make a jig to bolt the manifold to while welding it. This will help to ensure that it doesnt warp from the insane heat created. It's not that the HRC manifold is cheap, it's just high maintenance. I would have thought that a cast manifold would be better, but I have heard otherwise from some of the STAR kit owners.

Actually mine has been fine, up untill now, even with out the flex section. I just found my exhaust leak, a broken bolt on the top right most bolt ( looking at the block from the front.

My manifold has warped once and I had it resurfaced. They are iron.

I've had the same issues as the rest of you. At least, it's usually only the welding that ever cracks.

As far as the material, I think it depends on what day of the week it is. For example, while Ryan and I have the same manifold in terms of their appearance and color, my manifold is definitely stainless steel. It has no magnetic properties at all. Ryan's on the other hand is totally magnetic, and is most likely iron.

Yea, mine is definately stainless as well. I never knew that they used different materials. Interesting.

Perhaps it is the age of my manifold and an old design. Maybe I am just smoking crack and do not even know what I have. It has happened before. I have one of the original kit designs they released in 99.

I don't know, Chris.

I know you had to have one of the first kits that came out, and if you have iron, (and it certainly wouldn't suprise me) that makes it all the more mysterious. Because, I know Matt and I had ours before Ryan. And Ryan having a kit made about a year or so ago, has one probably made of iron, or some other magnetic material.

im sure the hahn bolts and manifold. i have no problems with either.

James

With the manifold leaking onto the head, have you guys notice a harder time boosting? I'm not trying to boost a full 5psi while I'm breaking the motor in. I do want a little boost now and agian just to help seat the rings.

sorry If i'm stealing your thread but I think this can sorta relate to your topic