Crack in T3 manifold

[evolveVW]

When I finally got the T3 ATP manifold off STu's motor, I noticed a hairline through and through crack that starts at the wastegate flange and runs about two inches towards the inside of th manifold. can it be fixed? as much of a PITA it is to get this manifold off and on, I cant afford another one.

[B4passatglx]

JB weld? It says on the package that it fixes engine blocks but a turbo manifold may get too hot. I am sure you could have it welded over the crack

[BUNNYLOVE]

It may be able to be fixed. Welding cast iron is tricky but possible, it has to be pre heated, etc. I'm not sure how it would hold up either. You should be able to get a new steel log manifold for $250 ish.

[boostin20v]

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2592492

the same issue, and a bunch of suggestions

[boostin20v]

FYI a few suggestions on how to bolt it back on

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2177160
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1634403
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2089196
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1320933

[turbosnow]

Vinnie, you may wanna try calling ATP too, they might do an exchange with you or something.

[evolveVW]

it would appear from the info Stu posted that they will not cover such an "old" piece

[evolveVW]

the manifold is now in the hands of the Air Force's best unit. Thanks Brent, hopefully it can be fixed.

[VWTUNING]

Ha Ha! You said 'unit'



Looks like brent has once again come through for a fastdubber, thats awesome.

[evolveVW]

well unfortunately I think this manifold is junk. Brent said it keeps cracking as it cools, and it just keeps getting worse :( So, I need a similar style manifold, not cast, to replace it. I want to go with the same size and style so I can still use all of the lines for the turbo. Any recommendations?

[useanimagination]

that's sucky, do you think that anyone on vortex would be selling one of these, or would there be similar issues?

[Nuksucow]

Vinnny, even a manifold that is different should allow you to still use the oil and coolant lines. The only problem would be that the downpipe would have to be changed. There was a guy on vortex making stainless steel tubular log manifolds that were identical to the ATP layout so you could still use the ATP downpipe and what not, only have a much stronger setup.

[boostin20v]

damn :(

PAG parts seems to have a highly regarded manifold styled after ATPs, thought it doesnt requrire the use of a funky bent wrench!
check out this kit with the manifold http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2664701

BoostFactory also has a non equial length manifold for about half that cost.
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2011982

[evolveVW]

Warren.. do you know who was selling those? I dont want to have to buy a new downpipe too.

[Nuksucow]

It was fast_a2_20v he was making them but I just looked and he doesn't have the info on his signature anymore. Try sending him a pm to see if he would be interested. I think he sold them for less than $300 and they were good quality, tig welded. Worth a shot other wise you will probably need to modify the downpipe with anything else.

[evolveVW]

sent a PM, hopefully he'll get back to me.

[BUNNYLOVE]

That really sucks! Its going to be tough to find a manifold that puts the turbo in the exact spot. As long as its not way off you should have enough slack in the lines to allow a little movement. Worst case you'll have to buy some more hose. Zornig on vwsport and vortex makes them also.. probably $300ish maybe less. Log style, etc. You can also have him do any wastegate flange you want. I had one of his manifolds on my 16V. Very nice quality.

[VWTUNING]

Zornig on vwsport and vortex makes them also.. probably $300ish maybe less. Log style, etc. You can also have him do any wastegate flange you want. I had one of his manifolds on my 16V. Very nice quality.



I wonder if you could send him the ATP unit and have him place the flange in the same spot on his manifold.

[BUNNYLOVE]

Good idea Pete, I'm sure he could do that. Probably even a couple measurements would do it.

[evolveVW]

I will get a hold of him as well. Hes been around for a long time, and Ive heard nothing but good about his work. Sending him the manifold would probably be the best idea. I just dont want to have to replace the downpipe as well.

[USOPHUNKE]

I will get a hold of him as well. Hes been around for a long time, and Ive heard nothing but good about his work. Sending him the manifold would probably be the best idea. I just dont want to have to replace the downpipe as well.



i will bring the manifold home tuesday for ya......We left it in the oven today to cool slowly.....see if it would crack again........prob would the first time ya get it up to temp though...

[evolveVW]

yeah I dont want to take that chance.. thanks for all the help Brent

[USOPHUNKE]

no prob thats what I am here for....

[evolveVW]

Zornig is not taking any orders right now... go figure. Doesnt look like this is going to be easy

[USOPHUNKE]

Zornig is not taking any orders right now... go figure. Doesnt look like this is going to be easy



by the flanges and have a local shop or prson weld ya up a mimic of what ya got......

[evolveVW]

also an option...

[VWTUNING]

weld it your sulf sucka! Just plan on spending lots of time grinding :p

[evolveVW]

I have no where near that level of skill...

[USOPHUNKE]

hey vin we were able to weld the manifold and have it not crack on the cool down...which was key...

so still being a bit weary we put it in the oven to 800 degreas and took it out into an ac cooled room to cool off quickly....no cracks.... and at 400degrees we dipped it into water......no cracks....... through it in the mag bench..and it looks ok.... dried it off...and its yours now..

thats as high as our oven goes....but I think it will prob hold....... there is always the chance it wont....but I would say it looks as it will...

considering how fast we cooled it and it stayed together... was a big pita...

oh also we rewelded the whole flange and re decked it smooth.....so that is welded also....

[VWTUNING]

****ing-a dude, nice work. some one buy that man a woodchuck!

[boostin20v]

damn brent thats some work! nice job

[useanimagination]

you're my new hero Brent2!

[VWTUNING]

you're my new hero Brent2!



i thought i was your hero :( :p

[RichB]

****ing-a dude, nice work. some one buy that man a woodchuck!

I think several (make that four) are in order for going the extra mile!

[evolveVW]

more like 12 woodchucks lol Thanks Brent cant wait to see it