Exhaust manifold

My exhaust manifold need replacing/repairing and I thought it a good time as any to have look at replacing the standard one with a 4 into 1 style perfomance manifold. Anyone had any experience of these on a MK1 or got any recomendations as to brands.

Cheers

I have heard that the std manifold  flowed is as good as a 4 branch on a mk1. Dependant on what exhaust your running, you could always get a  large bore downpipe from Jetex that mates to their slick 50 system, this works a treat (although is a bit noisy !!). Other option would be to get someone like powerflow to make a exhaust from the manifold back making a new larger bore downpipe in the process.

At the moment system is totally standard. Are you saying that I would have to upgrade rest of exhaust to fit a polished manifold or 4 branch or just that is the best way to make the most of the mod? Don't really want to upgrade the whole system with a large, expensive stainless one. Considering my options through whilst in a position to mess around with manifolf etc. Like the car looking pretty standard, but interested in any stealth mods  :twisted: .

Cheers

IMO it would seem pointless to spend money on a 4 branch manifold to then run a standard exhaust. Exhaust gases would still be retsricted by the standard manifold. To make the most of a manifold it is best to do the main system as well, and the options are an exchange std cast manifold that has been "fettled" or a 4 branch. They do say that the std cast manifold if flowed wil lbe as good as a 4 branch version. You can if you like replace the downpipe for a larger bore version, but his would then need a larger bore main system, so its easier to keep the stock downpipe, and connect toa free-flow exchaust. Just seems a real shame to go to all the hassle of changing a manifold for something more performace orientated to then retsrict the system with the standard exhaust. Stealth mod - get the exhaust manifold flowed and matched to the exhaust ports.  

Cheers, the standard flowed manifold and free-flow exhaust sounds interesting. Think, Ill have to get mine fixed (broken studs) for the mean time as need to get car back on the road :roll: .

thought i would mention i bought an ashley 4 branch manifold, wrapped up with heat wrap to avoid linkage bushes melting. it lasted 1 year then broke. 2 reasons for this are; the wrap acted like a sponge and corroded the manifold. also the 4 branch's hang much lower, and on a lowered car like mine tend to hit things. ive now gone back to standard, ill get back to you once the cars been back on the rolling road to let you know if there has been a power loss. it deffinatly sounds better with standard one. (i am running straight though system)

who does the exchange ported manifolds?

Hi
My manifold is cracked on my 1990 Mk1 Cab. I also was thinking about a 4 branch manifold, either Ashley or Supersprint but I am worried now as mine is lowered. Is there any way round this or is it going to be a problem with any 4 branch manifolds purchased, i.e do they all sit lower?.
Also I have a Milltek Meteor stainless steel exhaust with a VW front pipe as Milltek do not do a full system for the Cab. Will this be an issue?
Thanks
Nick

My 4 branch is a Janspeed version 4-2-1 and is fine. It is no lower than a normal manifold. It is also connected to a standard exhaust and sounds lovely!
I think a 4-1 might sit slightly lower due to it's design, though this post is the first time I have ever heard of a manifold "hitting" things!

i got a spare standard one off a 1600 GTi you are more than welcome to take it off my hands you might want to look at it first tho been in my shed for ages.

Thanks. I've just ordered the Supersprint 4 branch manifold from www.motorsportworld.co.uk. Will hopefully have it fitted by the weekend. Let you know how I get on.