Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) ATS Manifold, First Impresions

[Rebel Ram]

I installed my new Exhaust Manifold this A. M. And went for a quick romp around town. This is what I observed. Seat of pants said harder WOT acceleration. Not night and day difference, But noticable. Lower EGTs. Light to light medium speed temps down 100*. I have not been out to the Freeway yet but I know before this mod I was @ 700* doing 70 MPH & 1850 RPMs. So with that as a baseline I'll know better on Monday. I did notice though that my max boost dropped from 32-34 to 28-30. I recon that this is due to the more free flowing gasses out of the head and less back up thought the system. If this assumption is wrong, Please those with more knowledge let me know.

(BTW- Im back to the stock HY35 turbo as the Hybrid I got was awful, :{ Im still fighting with the seller. I'll save his name and business until after I am finished with him. ) :-{}

 

[bmoeller]

I noticed the same things with mine. I had about a 5 PSI drop in boost putting it on. Have more fuel now.

 

[darkhorse]

I wouldn't expect you would need a bigger than stock turbo with just a Power Pack. A switch to an HX 35/14 might be closer to ideal. My DZ 14 hybrid is the cats pajamas for my fueling combo.

 

[Supermod56]

Dunno, I put the ATS and the 14cm turbo housing on at the same time. EGT's are considerably lower, spools better, and I get 36 psi right now, Catcher has something to do with that I imagine. The manifold is great!! Just make sure you check those bolts!! I torqued mine several times before they took a "set", then I safety wired them. Good to go!!!



Tom

 

[rweis]

How much torque did you use on the bolts? Were they the cap bolts that came with it like mine?



Bob Weis

 

[DHayden]

Not trying to hijack this thread but how does the ATS compare to the HTT. I've heard limited comments about HTT but they are pre drilled and supposedly good quality. ATS manifolds have been around a while and proven, do they come pre tapped for thermocouple?

 

[Rebel Ram]

I keep hearing good things about the catcher. I am thinking of doing that next round. As far as the bolts go, Yes, the center section used their cap bolts. Had to use ball end allens to tighten. Weird angle so torque specs... well. Also, the threads on the turbo flange were not deep enough so I had to retap them so the studs would go in properly. Had to drill and tap pyro hole. No biggie. The oven and freezer trick worked perfect. Slid together easy and in about 30 seconds after temps started to transfer the parts "fused" (for lack of a better word) together as one. Very cool!

 

[rweis]

Reason I asked was my cap bolts fell out. I went back to OEM manifold bolts with the spacers and the TSB stainless steel dog bone keepers on all but #3, #4 top. #3, #4 top did a Belleville washer / Drake Lock Nut setup with studs.



Has held well for 2 years.



Bob Weis

 

[Rebel Ram]

Thanks. I'll watch for that. BTW did any of you notice a buzz that was in sinc with engine revs untill completely warmed up?

 

[Supermod56]

35lbs on the bolts if I remember correctly, and I used the 8mm allen-head Cap screws on all of them, used a Snap-On 3/8" drive ball driver socket, worked great! Just have to check em 4 or 5 times before the new gaskets took a "seat" so to speak. Mine went together with a dead-blow hammer fairly easily, didn't have to heat and freeze, but I have done that in other situations, works great. And I never have heard the buzz. If you get the Catcher you will have a permanent smile on your face!!



Tom

 

[rweis]

I would like to know in a year or so if the cap bolts are still holding tight. If I understand metal elasticity correctly they will stretch but not return to their orgional length.



On my 52mm studs the torque was 17 ft #. On the OEM bolts the torque was 32 ft # if I remember right, but they are like 2 + " long and have a heat shield sleeve.



Just courious,



Bob Weis