After some searching and some reading I realize that a stock manifold is the way to go. I have a 2.25 catback system and a new cat, and figure while I'm that far along, I maight as well go ahead and do it all.

So my question is, if I went and picked up a junk yard one, can I have it tanked and cleaned up. And what should I look for as far as areas prone to cracking and such.

Also, does anyone have any experience with any aftermarket manifolds, ie the cheepies on ebay or something from napa or pep boys.

I also read some old posts about welding a piece of flex pipe into the system, where is the best place for that to go.

thanks for everything,

Matt

Just curious on why You think the stock manifold is the way to go?

Not razin' You, just curious <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

And alot of the parts places, Napa, autozone, they'll order parts like that from the factory. But, I did have a cheapy-Ebay exaust manifold on an old Nissan Hardbody that I once had.

It cracked in just under a week...uggh...

I'm gonna say get Yourself a nice header, LC makes a pretty nice one. They're about the same price as a decent manifold.

-Dano-
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

for gains in the normal RPM range, putting a header on won't do much. it's at high RPMs that you gain power with a header.

the stock manifold may not be shiny, but it's set up exactly like a 4-2-1 header. bump up the exhaust size to 2" and you're golden.

I've found that my performance dies off at around 3000rpm with the restrictions of the stock air cleaner on a carbed engine and the Comp Cams 252S I use.

I consider 4500rpm and higher, higher revving and have been aiming for optimizing driving at 4500rpm and below.

I am really curious to know how the stock exhaust manifold performs at the 3000-4500rpm range. I have a Thorley tri-y header on my truck, and it's running pretty well, but any improvement in low to mid-range torque is what I am after, but only if it can pull through 4500rpm and not choke off at 3000rpm.

Thanks for the replys.

I am basing my thoughts on EB's post on making power in a 22R/ RE. It is in the tech archive. He states that a stock manifold to a 2 inch pipe thru the cat, then 2.25 cat back is in his opinion an excellent setup.

I also read an old post where he stated that in a flow test a stock manifold out flowed some of the headers on the market, below 5k. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" /> I'll try and find it.

The price is another good reason. If the stock manifold has so many supporters, then I think it is a better way to go. And with the money I save I can spring for EB's 268C torker cam and put my new exhaust system to good use.

That's just what I have found in my searchin around, but I am wide open to any suggestions.

Matt

I have a 22R using the stock exhaust manifold with 2.25 cat back exhaust setup and EB's 268 cam. My engine pulls strong up to around 4500 rpm's. Lotsa low end torque for runnin trails and pulls good on the freeway. I can cruise the freeway's in 5th, only having to downshift to 4th on steep inclines. Don't know if this helps, but works for me. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />