M52 Exhaust manifold question

[Epyon85]

Im about to undertake an M52 conversion for my E30, although sadly the engine ive brought hasnt got an exhaust manifold. I can either get an ebay special stainless manifold or go for the OEM option. Which would be best?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E36-328-e ... 1c362590ad

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-3-SERIES- ... 35ca4479df

[Motorhole]

Neither manifold will work without fouling the E30 steering linkage.

Fritz Bitz do a custom manifold (and system too for that matter) for M5x/S5x in E30 applications but it's big bucks. Alternatively, DanThe (member on here) does manifolds and downpipes for M5x in E30 for a good price. These are exchange items with the original manifold, so you will need to spend the £30 or so on one of them first.





Drop him a pm.

[Epyon85]

I'm just going to modify either or once they are on the car I think, I can't visualise at this stage where it fouls. Still, unsure which would be a better manifold to start with?

[DanThe]

Standard manifolds are a hell of a lot better than those 'performance' things, ive seen a few sets before and they are shite

[Epyon85]

Yeah I figured this would be the case, I guess I was more questioning the quality and rating of he standard manifold than anything else. I've fitted exhausts from companies like that and have always found them to be really hit and miss, some fit pretty much perfectly where as others look as if they were made for a completely different car!

[mattxr2]

iv got some std 328 manifolds if you need some

[Osamam3]

are those new pieces the fritz ? are they any different to the s50 or fritz just make the same that bolt onto the m52 and s50 ?

[DanThe]

Its not about the fit, its the quality of material, welding and jointing thats crap, ive got some pics somewhere of the inside of one of those manifolds and its shocking, bits of wire and lumps of weld hanging out all over the place, they always state a power gain but the only thing power related they will do is lose power

[Osamam3]

wow that's deflated me I am saving for their system as I hear nothing in regards to the btb group buy, so that particular manifold is the same one they claim is the s50 and makes power ?

[Osamam3]

does the btb come with down pipes ?

[frantic]

m52 Manifolds are quite easy to modify, the front one you will only need to extend the down pipe flange further back.

The rear manifold you can slice a 'V' at the head flange on the under side and 'Tuck' the manifold closer to the block, then weld it up. You may also need to modify the bottom flange as it gets closer to the bell housing when you tuck it in.