Anyone know a good manifold fabricator?

Post Tue Jan 17, 2006 10:53 pm

We often do conversions on the forum and lots of people want flash exhaust manifolds, does anyone know of a good fabricator that we could endorse on the zone perhaps?

They'd benefit from extra custom, us lot, and we'd have the security of knowing the quality of goods available and perhaps discounts for group buys or having a few made from one guy's prototype..R&D costs low because of the wealth of experience on the zone. Some of you know exactly whats required for:

6 branches for 2.5/2.7's with e36 racks
6 branches for M50/52 swaps..
6 branches for S50 swaps. Mmmmmm...

I ask because i'm faced with having to adapt std manifolds and worry because they might crack etc.

I'm considering an engine swap into my 318is, either an M52B28 or if I can beg/borrow/steal a bit, an S50B32 swap... Grr. Having a manifold made up is one way of getting both a powerful engine and a quicker e36 rack in there....

Any ideas, know anyone that's god and fairly cheap?

Many thanks.
Jai

Post Wed Jan 18, 2006 11:49 am

I've done a lot of fabrication in the past, indeed I built the exhaust and all charge pipes for mine and fozzys turbo setups kast summer.

If you know what you want done I can possibly help on this, if I cant I know a man that can

HTH

Post Wed Jan 18, 2006 11:53 am

ant mate

how much do you think it would cost to copy the 6branch i got from beemerlad a while ago??

its a fritsbits manifold

cheers
Daz

Post Wed Jan 18, 2006 11:55 am

given materials and labour costs I doubt it would be les than the BTB TBH Daz

Shoot me a pic and I'll have a gander though dude

Post Wed Jan 18, 2006 12:08 pm

shame cos i would love one for both cars and any future cars

Post Thu Jan 19, 2006 12:20 am

Ant: You may be the man I'd need to talk to!

I'm trying to sus out the cost of a project before stepping unto the breach..

I'm considering fitting a 3.2 engine, gearbox etc from an e36 M3 and would also like to fit a Z3 steering rack. To do this I'd need either the std manifold or a custom jobbie. The same is true if I wimp out and fit an M52B28 (wimp out?). I'd like a manifold that'd mate to an uprated 325i exhaust.

Would this be possible? Are we talking expensive?

I could possibly weld a bit but there's no way I could make up a manifold, I have no means of bending pipes. I do have access to a decent car trailer so could get the thing to you.

As I said i'm just estimating costs at the moment. A big one will be insurance.. erk.

Jai

Post Thu Jan 19, 2006 12:53 am

jaistanley wrote: Z3 steering rack.

You mentioned a quicker E36 rack. I believe the Z3 rack is exactly the same as an E36 rack just with different end stops that limit the wheel movement.

In essence you gat a rack with fewer turns lock to lock but a wider turning circle!! The same as if you didn't bother turning the wheel as far with the rack you already have on your car!!!!

Z3 rack, a waste of money????

Post Thu Jan 19, 2006 10:29 am

I hear what you're saying... I dont want to reduce the lock of my car but the z3 rack is marginally faster than the e36.

It's a close thing, I'm still undeceided what to do..

Either way, physically fitting either is the same so the questions still remains.. Fitting one with either an s50 or m52 engine...

Jai

Post Thu Jan 19, 2006 10:55 am

I know someone who make fantastic manifolds, but he is based in holland.

You would be looking at 600 quid though probably and thats based on having a few.

This is an example on his work:

Post Thu Jan 19, 2006 11:06 am

Lovin that rams horn manifold dude !

very nice work indeed

Post Thu Jan 19, 2006 11:35 am

Its actually the same turbo + manifold + wastegate i was going to run on the mini, but its just not physcially possible to fit it in the engine bay, so im now having to get him to make me a one-off that sits the turbo over the gearbox where i have more room.

Not easy building 550bhp minis, lol