Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Recommendation on new exhaust manifold

[kscheffler]

I have to replace my head gasket, leaking by thermostat housing (another recent thread discusses the issue), I might as well replace the factory manifold. DDP is recommending the ATS 3 piece cast manifold. Any inputs on after market manifolds and/or experiences with ATS manifold would be greatly appreciated. They are also telling me I need to have the head machined or no warranty. This is not going to be cheap and I might as well install new DDP injectors while I am at it. Any input would be appreciated....kts

 

[drag racer]

I installed the BD 3-piece on mine, and it fit perfect. Right after I put mine on, they came out with a stainless version - I would consider that, or at least coat a cast iron one. Mine has the surface rust look to it after an engine wash, and I am kicking myself for not getting it Jet Hot or similar coated first. I had forgotten that the OEM manifold had a coating on it.

 

[Shadrach]

I have the AFE stainless steel version on my 03 and my buddy has the Steed Speed on his 1st gen. Both are good one piece manifolds and the help reduce EGT's. David

 

[VolsFan]

I had an ATS 3 PC manifold on my 99 that was made of ductile iron. The oem manifold was fine and I ended up selling it to a TDR member in San Louis obispo CA pretty cheap. I liked the fact that the ATS had a port for egt, no drilling required. I'm sure other companies do the same thing. Haven't talked to the guy in a while that bought my old ride but he is pushing 600 hp on that thing and manifold was working flawlessly. I personally still have the oem manifold on my current ride and measure get post turbo. Certainly not trying to start any debate over pre/post pyro location, certainly pre is better but every big rig I've seen is in the exhaust elbow like mine is currently. It's been a handful of yrs ago but mine the ATS was close to $400 from a company in Utah found on ebay. One thing I would reccomend is painting it with high heat paint to reduce any rust, as it will get surface rust quickly

 

[BLNRAY]

I just bought an afe 1 piece cast iron,found it on amazon.com for $345,haven't got it installed yet.

 

[kscheffler]

Who makes coated manifolds and does the coating hold up? Any experience with the SS manifolds?

 

[drag racer]

typically you send your manifold to one of many coating companies - Jet Hot, HPC, etc. It holds up well if done by a quality applicator. Use it all the time on racing engine headers. Stainless does not need to be coated, but it can for aesthetics.