AVB

iTrader: (9)

What kind of demand is there for something like that around here?

A high quality one-piece, cast manifold which can be used in place of the tubular, C5 PTK header manifold. It would be a direct fit, being able to use existing downpipes, wastegate, etc., flow equal to or better than truck manifolds and look something like the one pictured below... (except for a C5/LSx).

There's a chance this could happen folks. All I need to know now is, is it worth doing it and at what price for a set you think is fair.

Can something like this be used on an f-body? I know the ps reservoir needs relocating, but that happens on a C5 as well and is easily doable.



Heck... I know if this happens, it would be offered with a lifetime warranty.

hellbents10

iTrader: (10)

That would be cool.

SUPERBOOST

iTrader: (11)

Iv'e ask the question many times"why dosent someone cast and sell a good cast turbo manifold".It would solve a lot of problems with building your own kit.With those manifolds you could keep ac in the stock position if you want.If you don't want air they would still work great.Of all the factory manifolds that are out there,that I'm aware of anyway,There isn't a real good choice un less you dont want air. I for one would love to have a set like that to build off of.I don't have any idea what they should sell for though,obviously the more reasonable the better.

skyhighsami

iTrader: (8)

F body would be nice

1INSANEGTO

iTrader: (13)

In order to cast you have to buy in a min 42 peice count I have looked into it. At cost there about 112-150 per peice. So someone would need to make a $4700-$6300.00 investment

Louis

iTrader: (7)

Plus mold fees, which can range from 12000-30,000$. You have not counted in design costs and R&D. Its not that easy.

BLOWNBLUEZ06

iTrader: (17)

Well hell Louis! If anybody can throw down that kinda money, you can! Let's gitter done!!

AVB

iTrader: (9)

Do you see anything that would keep the current C5 PTK manifold from useable in an Fbody?

Josh@KY-Turbo

iTrader: (120)

Try a $50-60k investment. I have looked into it too. The tooling costs will eat you alive. It would get cheaper after the intial run. To make any money you would need to buy in 200+ pieces on the first run.

BadgeZ28

iTrader: (28)

Excellent product idea. Cast iron has significant advantages for turbos. I suspect over time we will hear that people are having problems with their tubing type turbo headers due to heat cycle fatigue.

adam205348

iTrader: (2)

With the Cast Manifolds what would the flow be comparable to? Inside Diameter? 1-3/4 tubular header style or 1-7/8?

AVB

iTrader: (9)

The goal right now is to get a piece that could replace the existing PTK C5 turbo manifold with a log style cast unit.

Being that it's cast, it will...

- Provide greater clearance where it needs to and take up less physical space as it makes it's way to the turbo.
- Be better at keeping more heat away from engine bay and out the exhaust. Radiated heat will be kept to minimum due to less surface.


Let's just assume that these will be available. What do you guys think is a fair price for a set?

slow67

iTrader: (2)

Why not fabricate a manifold out of Weld Els?

SUPERBOOST

iTrader: (11)

I think they would work fine on an f body or about any thing else with a little creative fabricating.About the only possible trouble spot is the power steering reservoir like you said.You must have a way around the start up cost on these so allow yourself a little profit and lay a price out there.I think you could sell a lot of them if you can sell them pretty reasonable.

Chris'stransam

iTrader: (7)

Where can i get them?

1INSANEGTO

iTrader: (13)

Who did you get your quotes from?

There is a few companys I know.

Wescast Industries Inc.
Tread Stone Performance

To name 2 and its no where near that cost. The price quote I posted was from Tread Stone Performance direct.

Juiced

iTrader: (2)

Investment casting is very expensive. You have to have 4 molds made. 2 for the blank
"inner section" of the manifold for a high pressure sand mold and 2 for the actual manifold itself.

That will give you a rough piece that then has to be machined. The cost can vary greatly depending on if you are using cast iron, or stainless. It may take 10 preliminary molds before you get a final production piece.

AVB

iTrader: (9)

This is good info. Most of the DIY's are playing on the fbody platform and it would be good knowing it could be of use here since there's a very small group of y-body owners willing to take on a topmount project themselves. The good thing is they will be offered at a good price making it absolutely worth it for the diy'r.

SUPERBOOST

iTrader: (11)

Post it up as soon as you know about price and availibility.I have a project planned that these would work great on.I've been trying to look at all the factory manifolds but have not found any that I am really happy with.

qqwqeqwrqwqtq

Here was my quote from Wescast-

CAD Modelling for tool build - $10,000
USFPrototype Tools (Mold Plate and corebox) - $18,000 USF per hand (may be able to reduce the cost if we can get a LH and RH on the same tool)
Part prints - $5,000K
Machined parts would be sold at $290 each


So thats 51,000 before any parts. With a run of 50 pairs of manifolds you're looking at an 80,000 dollar initial investment.