Exhaust Manifold Gasket Problem

[jcquick]

The gasket between the exhaust manifold and the turbo went out on my S13 SR20DET motor. I'm going to buy an aftermarket manifold since I have to take it off anyways. My question is, If I purchase an aftermarket manifold will the location of the turbo and exhaust match up properly. I plan to change the exhaust later on but I need my car up and running NOW. Which manifold do you guys recommend: Ebay, DC Sports, Megan etc. ?

[CMG]

Unless you get a top mount, it's the same. If you're cheap, get a T-pro or Megan manifold and turbo outlet, if you want quality, it costs a whole lot more money.

[burgy240]

If your staying Bottom mount, just get a Megan racing one and wait til you can afford to go top mount. Don't get the SS autochrome unless you want to buy another one every year or two. they should all match up to your exhaust.

[180sxfaktory]

The gasket between the exhaust manifold and the turbo went out on my S13 SR20DET motor. I'm going to buy an aftermarket manifold since I have to take it off anyways. My question is, If I purchase an aftermarket manifold will the location of the turbo and exhaust match up properly. I plan to change the exhaust later on but I need my car up and running NOW. Which manifold do you guys recommend: Ebay, DC Sports, Megan etc. ?

The location of the turbo will be in the general vicinity of where it sits with the stock manifold. I've used a few of the aforementioned bottom mounts and never had an issue of alignment with the turbo outlet, oil return or length of the intake runner. Ebay specials and Megan are the same thing- Made in China, but they do the job. Don't wrap the SUS 304 piping, which is what these pieces are made with because they are brittle and will crack with retaind heat. If you do get an Ebay/Megan, take it to a welder and get the welds looked at and reinforced.

[jcquick]

Thanks for your help. I was really interested in the DC Sports Manifold. I looked like a quality piece, but it's discontinued and nobody can get it. So instead I got a Megan. Hopefully it doesn't crack, I haven't slapped it on yet. I let you guys know how it holds up. With my luck something bad will happen to it. JC

[180fan]

Yeah, never really figured why the DC part never really took off, but you could have saved a little more cash and gone for a tomei...

[jcquick]

Like I said, "something bad will happen." After I installed the Megan manifold, I couldn't reconnect the black metal container that sits at the back of the exhaust manifold and the valve cover. This black container has black vacuum hoses initially coming in from the intake then the hose is connected to a t-fitting on the valve cover and finally enters this black container. What is this thing? Do I need it? Or how did you guys reconnect this thing after installing you aftermarket turbo manifolds? Please help. Thank you.

I also acciendently broke my nylon vacuum line for my boost gauge. It was near the exhaust manifold and it bacame brittle and broke off pretty easy. If its not one thing, it's definetly another. Thank you again.

[180fan]

that black box is the catch can. it's used to minimize blow by. You don't necessarily need it, but do get another catch can further up to keep too much gunk from getting into the intake tract.

Stuff getting brittle happens. Nothing like that will last forever. Get a replacement for a couple bucks and call it a day.