Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Hows the ATS manifold?

[BarlowCummins]

I was just wondering if anyone is using there manifold? I should be getting my refund soon and was thinking of buying one, but i've been told not to. I was told that they are only good for looks and that they don't do much for performance, is this true? I am hoping some of you guys have one and have a good sense of if its worth it or not. Corey

 

[darkhorse]

Although the ATS manifold may flow slightly better than the stock unit, I believe, the major advantage is that the segments allow for expantion & there for it won't cracke like the standard unit.

 

[krs]

I have one on one of the trucks. I used it because the stock manifold had shrunk so far that it bent both outer mounting bolts. I was afraid that next it would break off the threaded bosses that mount the manifold and cost a cylinder head. It was less than twice the price of a stock one and it has builtin expansion joints so I used it.



That was the only reason for buying one. Zero performance gain and it doesn't look so great if it's dark engine color.

 

[JSHAW]

Idon't think it has anything to do with looks it is made for expandtion. My OEM shrunk after 25,000 miles . My ATS manifold is rusty and looks like it was always been there exept it won't shrink and is one less thing to worry about.

 

[PPillard]

I slapped one on when my stock manifold cracked right down the middle (shrinkage/expansion). I was able to get one for about the same cost of a new stocker from the dealer, thanks to Mr. Bob, so it seemed wise for me to ensure I had one that wouldn't crack again.



While they advertise 'quicker turbo response', I think it's nominal, and not really a selling point. Personally, I think it's worth it just to have a manifold on there I shouldn't have to replace again. Plus, it'll look good for re-sale value.



Just my . 02

 

[rblomquist]

I have 2 weeks on mine. My truck flows better with the ATS no doubt about it. The turbo spins up a tag quicker and it's running a bit cooler than it used to. My stock manifold was shrunk and starting to crack so I'm sure some of what I'm feeling was directly related to the old one being in poor health.



I would definetly recommend it for durability, the performance benefit is from it staying aligned with the ports over time. I got the coated one which is some kind of black paint-like stuff, not sure if it's worth it or not as I was kinda expecting ceramic coating. Time will tell how long it stays black.

 

[monkeyman]

ATS Manifold (In garage)

My ATS is in the garage waiting for summer! However I had mine coated by classic coatings in Wisconsin. Outside was coated in Ceramic (Black) and inside was coated in a Race coating that allows gases to fly out the manifold.

 

[csevers]

I just put one on, they use real metal when they build the ATS manifolds due to the weight of them (about 5-10lbs heavier than stock one) much stronger. I like the design of the inside it looks like it should flow better than the stocker. Performance gains are hard for me to tell I changed turbo,manifold and the rest of the exhaust at the same time. One big thing that I do like is almost no drone but I am not sure witch of the three things helped that the most.



Craig

 

[San Felipe Bob]

May have reduced the "Bark"

It's entirely possible that the ATS manifold reduced the amount of barking.

I did change a few thing's at the same time , like adjusting the wastegate.

I'm currently adjusting the wastegate to get the magic 38 psi.

So it could just be the wastegate adjustment?



I changed mine due to shrinkage as well.

I cannot complain I got over 200k miles out of the stocker.



SFB

 

[Tcolesanti]

I have one on my truck and no complaints. I also agree that it does'nt aid in tubo spool up but for the same price as a stock one you'll have a part that lasts at least as long as the engine does. Remember to, that it also has a pyrometer probe boss cast into center piece of the manifold-very nice.

 

[gsdog1]

ATS Manifold

I made several changes at once so I can't attribute any direct affects of installing the ATS manifold.



I was advised that upon receiving the manifold, that it would need some attention out of the box. So me and my dremel spent several hours cleaning it up.



I had some great help with the install - buddy of mine had his head off his truck so we used it to line everything up! Worked great.



Had 134,000 on the original, no cracks or anything. But you just can't change your turbo and leave everything else alone.....



Matt

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Any added power gains for the ATS probably rank right up there with similar gains provided by FASS fuel delivery systems and that fancy honeycomb gadget guys place in their air intakes ahead of their turbos...



These things have other primary reasons for existance - most accomplish that basic function quite nicely, but added HP really isn't part of the package...

 

[jtwcummins]

Installed ATS to get rid of EGR. Lowered exhaust temp about 100* at full load with everything else stock. The EGR had been blocked for about a year so it's removal is not what lowered the temp.

 

[grtescpa]

Originally posted by CoreyCunningham

I was just wondering if anyone is using there manifold? I should be getting my refund soon and was thinking of buying one, but i've been told not to. I was told that they are only good for looks and that they don't do much for performance, is this true? I am hoping some of you guys have one and have a good sense of if its worth it or not. Corey

Had mine for over a year. No problems and no more broken bolts.