Folks

Chasing down information an turbo exhaust manifiold project for a not-really-datsun-related-but-kind-of project. (6.5l V8 chev diesel in 2001 GUII Patrol ute)

Got a couple of options.

Option 1 - I can buy a factory manifold from the states for about $150 landed.
The outlet points the wrong way, so I would have to cut the existing outlet off, and move it to the other end.
Ive heard you can weld cast with special nickel rods.
This should give me what i need for not too much. Estimated costs - $150 + $20 (rods) + $100 for stuff. = $270

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Option 2 - I make up a custom manifold with steam pipe. Im guessing ill need about $100 worth of pipe/bends, and $100 for the flanges to be cut(head & turbo). This is of course the hardest option, but has the biggest potential payoff.
Estimated costs - $100 (pipe/bends) + $100 (flanges) + $100 (stuff) = $300.

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Option 3 - buy a pre made, off the shelf item that fits for $1000.

Between a good friend and I we are reasonable welders and fabricators, so the custom manifold is possible, but neither of us has made a turbo manifold before so we dont really know what to expect.

Neither of us has ever attempted to weld cast iron before.

I dont really want to pay the $1000 for a manifold.

Any opinions or ideas?

cheers

Got nothing helpful to say other than...

Holy torque monster!!

And I say just have a stab at Option 2..

Try option 2, your pretty switched on.

Lagwagon or Sikyne could shed more lighT

Thanks for the ego props.

A good friend of mine is also encouraging me to do so. Im thinking that is going to be the way forward.

only option two will bring you true happiness

the pre made options are likely to frustrate you with the way they are made and don't seem to suit properly,

full custom you only have yourself to blame...lol

as long as you can weld you can make a manifold, with the steam pipe sections they are already chamfered ready for welding, its just the mocking up and tacking it all in place that takes ages

welding cast is an absolute bitch so i'd scratch that

do it yourself, you could stuff the first one you make then make the next one perfect and it'd still be cheaper than of the shelf

thanks guys for the point in the right direction. Im thinking that the custom manifold is the way forward.
ill link some pics in (not post here since not datsun related) when I have it done

cheers

I have welded cast exhausts with good results, but to explain the set up alone would take a long time, alot of preheating to the "run" temp, The nickle dosnt expand like you want so I ended up making a lot of v groves to dissapate the shrinking and expanding of the cast. Don't attempt if you dont have a back up manifold! When done you still have to match the insides of the runners, so if you cant touch it with the tools you have, don't try it. If you have a nice wire feed, go for the tubing. I wish you were closer, I have a sys for that motor you could make work well. good luck!

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thanks intresting. Im not so keen on welding the cast now. I think for a project where I can muck around with no consequences later down the track sure, but not right now.

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what exactly do you mean by 'sys'. Sorry if thats a dumb question.


Dealing with the folks over at Patrol4x4.com, it seeems that most commonly a mild steel box is welded ontop of a std NA exhaust manifold and the turbo flange on top of that. Looks ugly as sin, but im sure it works.

It also seems that some folks with GQ patrols are using the std factory turbo manifold and bending the exhaust pipe into a hockystick to fit. I spose there are plenty of options.

Im still thinking that a custom steam pipe manifold will be the way forward, witha 5 into 1 flange under the turbo.

The other option is to have the five pipes into a log style manifold with a tapered flange for the turbo to mount onto.

hmmmm still options.

does the $100 for stuff include beer or do you add another $100 for beer id go option 2 with allowance for beer