Tubular Manifolds

[moneyshotz]

I know that there has been a lot of discussion on this but I want to know what the lastest consesus is.

I have a 99 3.8L and I just bought a pair of tubular manifolds. Any performance gains? Is it worth the labor price to install these? And anyone know of a place in california that will port/polish these? I got them for $75 shipped so I thought it was a deal.

Let me know what you guys think.

Ryan

[xjarayax]

It's worth it just to be able to change plugs and wires [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[Dojo2000]

I didn't think it was worth all the trouble to install them so I sold the pair I had. Because of the shape there really isn't any way to P&P the manifolds. Not only do you have to pay to have them swapped out, but if you take a look under your car you'll see the y-pipe has to be modified. They need to be shortened because the tubular manifolds come down farther than old ones. My $0.02

[Seppo Kaitainen]

There are ways to port, but they are expensive. Generally considered not worth the trouble.

According to Dojo the y-pipes are different. But until someone compares the manifolds and y-pipes side by side, we won't know for sure. I would assume a pre-y2k y-pipe will work, it'll just be a bit lower. A custom cat hanger may need to be fabbed.

As for paying someone to install. While there is nothing drasticly technical about the install the amount of labor time is high. If the person has done it before it can be done in 6-8 hrs. But more realistic is 10-12 hrs. The heat sheilds are a PITA.

If I can get a set that cheap, then I will do the swap.

[Only4U]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Seppo Kaitainen:
If the person has done it before it can be done in 6-8 hrs. But more realistic is 10-12 hrs. <hr></blockquote>

sheesh! that's really long, does it really take that long to do it?

[Dan M]

Dojo - is that by just looking at the old manifolds and comparing to the new ones?
Is it a matter of two inches... or more like 6?

[moneyshotz]

So the main opinion for everyone is that its not worth it? I just don't want to spend a lot of money on the labor to install these if they will not make a big difference. I was reading in some old posts that they will add about 5hp. So I guess that is not true?

[Dojo2000]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by DrSquirts:
Dojo - is that by just looking at the old manifolds and comparing to the new ones?
Is it a matter of two inches... or more like 6?<hr></blockquote>

Yes, that and spending a lot time under my car studying the old manifolds and y-pipe. I did this almost six months ago but I think it's around 4 inches. For a good mechanic that wouldn't be a problem at all but it wasn't worth the trouble to me. Shold just need to shorten the ends of the y-pipe and weld on new flanges.
Try measuring from a bolt on the rear of the manifolds on your engine to the flange, then measure from a bolt hole on the tub manifolds to its flange. You'll be able to tell there's a definete difference in them.

I beleive it was you, Seppo Kaitainen, that said a while ago you were told that about the only way to port them would be to cut them in half, port, then weld them back together.

If I remember correctly the lowest price I was quoted to swap the manifolds was $100 a side.

[Seppo Kaitainen]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Dojo2000:
I did this almost six months ago but I think it's around 4 inches.

I beleive it was you, Seppo Kaitainen, that said a while ago you were told that about the only way to port them would be to cut them in half, port, then weld them back together.
<hr></blockquote>

Wow, 4 inches is a ton different. I was assuming like an inch or two. There has to be a power/torque increase if they are that much longer.

Yes, it was me. There is another way to port, flow an abrasive material through them. But this method does not port evenly and is not cheap.

[Dan M]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr> If I remember correctly the lowest price I was quoted to swap the manifolds was $100 a side. <hr></blockquote>
That's what I was told also - $200 to remove my old manifolds and put the new ones on. I'm just wondering about all the other work I want done. But for 4 inches... I think I can get a 2000 Y-pipe cheaper than I can have one made.