Is it possible to use an after-market 4-to-1 header for turbo use? I inadverdantly bought the OBX tubular turbo header off of eBay. I got pumped when I had seen it and decided it would be the first part I would buy for going turbo. I THEN started to actually research the turbo-ing process. And then I learn that the manifold that I just paid $270 for will not work. Laughs on me. Just to see if I can salvage this manifold I went ahead and mounted it. It does look nice.


I looked at it for the longest time and positioned the turbo in different spots and checked for clearance between the fans, radiator plumbing, and waste gate. Anything is possible with enough time, effort, and ingenuity. Oh, and money. In the end, I figured it is possible to use this manifold, just not too sensible. I'm going to order a tried and true log manifold and call it a day. Anyway, back to my original question. Why couldn't I just weld a flange to the end of the non-turbo header and utilize it. Would the answer be something along the lines of "the runners are too long/ turbo would not spool fast enough."

Let me say that this is my first post and that I have learned a lot from this forum and appreciate all comments and answers in advance.

That is one POORLY ass designed manifold.

Originally posted by eclipse982nrRST
That is one POORLY ass designed manifold.

nah man you could have the turbo sticking out of a hood vent like you see in those drag car lol

no but really, We bought an engine off ebay a while ago to put into a project car, the manifold looked sweet, it was a 4-1 header someone cut the flange off and welded a flange for a turbo on, it used a toyota designed turbo, and was a POS, headers and turbo manifold are two different designs, I will try to get some pictures of it up on here, I wouldn't recommend trying to make one out of the other.

I'm pretty sure the starter would interfere with the turbo using the headers. That said, the material used in most headers isn't as thick or strong as the material used for tubular manifolds. Keeping the header together with the weight of a turbo would be a nightmare/joke. Put your foot in your mouth, suck it up and spend more money. Sorry, that's the only way.

Wow, seeing that manifold mounted makes you really appreciate all the R&D that went into the design ;)

Agreed, That thing is pretty craptacular.

Only way to make a header work is to utilize it like this, but it would be a VERY tedeous fit.

isnt that a honda motor?...also that particular design still wouldnt work due to the fact that the down pipe would run straight into your tension pully.I agree with DSMcrazy3...suck it up and spend the extra money...you dont want to be buying all different kinds of manifolds til you get the one you wanted in the begining(take it from me...thats what I did)

Originally posted by bigrob3232
isnt that a honda motor?...also that particular design still wouldnt work due to the fact that the down pipe would run straight into your tension pully.I agree with DSMcrazy3...suck it up and spend the extra money...you dont want to be buying all different kinds of manifolds til you get the one you wanted in the begining(take it from me...thats what I did)

Indeed it is a Honda motor. You could make one work. Like I said, it would just be VERY tedeous in fitment.

Anything can be done, it just takes a smart guy/s or girl/s, money and beer to figure something badass out.

You learned the hardway because you as well purchased a POS OBX Manifold x(

Originally posted by talon749

Originally posted by eclipse982nrRST That is one POORLY ass designed manifold.

nah man you could have the turbo sticking out of a hood vent like you see in those drag car lol no but really, We bought an engine off ebay a while ago to put into a project car, the manifold looked sweet, it was a 4-1 header someone cut the flange off and welded a flange for a turbo on, it used a toyota designed turbo, and was a POS, headers and turbo manifold are two different designs, I will try to get some pictures of it up on here, I wouldn't recommend trying to make one out of the other.

Yeah dude, like... like.... put it in a hood scooop... They did it on that MTV show... i swear.. hahahaha

Mike, why do you have to remind me of these things that haunt me?!?! Your killing me

Originally posted by bigrob3232
Mike, why do you have to remind me of these things that haunt me?!?! Your killing me

Some things never seem to go away buddy :shrug

thanks mike... for the comfort and support...haha

Originally posted by kedaigle
Is it possible to use an after-market 4-to-1 header for turbo use?

It is possible but looks fugly. Here's a link to someone selling a hacked 2g turbo/non-turbo header.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/420A-Eclipse-Talon-Turbo-Manifold_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33742QQihZ012QQitemZ220106033103QQrdZ1

Maybe you should buy this one too. :7

It is possible but you would need to do away with the ac, and then clearance would be tight to the ground unless you welded a new collector. That honda manifold is nice looks like its from peakboost.com They have some nice manis. I wish they would make one for the 420.