OK, most of you here have heard of the welded log style manifold for the ECO that used to be available on EBay. Some have even ran that manifold. They were all the same: Welded cast elbows, mild steel flange, prone to warping and cracking, small port sizes, ect. Where the turbo flange was welded onto the manifold, the passage for the exhaust gasses to flow through was small, had jagged edges, and didnt flow too well.
That's the same manifold that I was running on my Sunfire. Aside from the warping of the flange that I had to have machined flat (TWICE!) it was an ok manifold, but not the greatest.
Long story short, I've decided to re-use that same manifold, for a few reasons. One, because a tubular manifold is too expensive right now, Two, because out of sheer boredom, I modified it, and three, I wanted to see how far I could push the performance capabilities of the old EBay log manifold.
First off, I figured the cause of the warping was because of the lack of stress relief cuts in the flange. I used a metal bandsaw to cut a line inbetween each port. After that I took a mill-file and made sure the flange surface was perfectly flat. Then I started grinding down the jagged edges where the flange meets the welded elbows.
After that, I used an old exhaust gasket to port match the manifold to the size of the gasket. Needless to say, I was suprised at how small the ports were on the manifold compared to the gasket. There is probably at least a 1/16 of an inch difference in the size of the ports compred to the gasket. There is even more of a size difference in the corners of the ports. This would probaby work fine on a stock ECO head, as the stock head ports are small as well, but on a ported head they wold definitely prove to be a restriction.
After about 6 total hours of work with my dremel, I managed to match each one of the ports to the size of the gasket..
You cant see it too well in this picture, but I was able to polish each port to a mirror finish, and they turned out pretty well. Only took about 20 minutes of work per port.
After that, I welded supporting material between the middle 2 ports, and reinforce welded the corners of each port to hopefully prevent warping and cracking. I finished it up with a couple heavy coats of VHT.
All in all, I think the work i did will definitely improve the flow on this manifold, and if it works out, it will last, and prove to be reliabl. Let me know what you think!!!
I'll be using this manifold on my full Eco build, including ported head, all heavy duty valve train, forged internals, 60-1 turbo, and all the goodies.
I'm hoping for around 400 horsepower, so wish me luck!!!
Currently #4 in Ecotec Forced Induction horsepower ratings. 505.8 WHP 414WTQ!!!
Currently 3rd quickest Ecotec on the .org - 10.949 @ 131.50 MPH!!!
Not bad, manifold should work much better! Dont expect that vht to hold up though.
Good work.
Alof of ppl assume the need an equal lenght long tube turbo header, when something like this on a street car is all you need.
11.92 @ 122.69 MPH Rotrex Blower / Intercooled / Water-Meth / 100% Daily Driver / 381 WHP
Ya, I'm just curious to see what i can get out of the El-Cheapo log manifold. I'm suprised that the guy doesn't make it anymore, considering that they sold relatively well. I've yet to actually see one of the cast iron manifolds now available in person, but they look interesting.
As far as the VHT, I ran it on the old setup, and honestly it was damn near indestructable. I'll more than likely be putting out a couple hundred more degrees of heat on the new setup, so we'll see what happens.
Currently #4 in Ecotec Forced Induction horsepower ratings. 505.8 WHP 414WTQ!!!
Currently 3rd quickest Ecotec on the .org - 10.949 @ 131.50 MPH!!!
It's better than bad, it's good.
2002 Cavalier 2200 5spd
Nice work! A little ingenuity + cheap mani = win!. You should update your profile though. I'm curious how much you have into your engine build by now
get it jet hot coated!
1989 Turbo Trans Am #82, 2007 Cobalt SS G85
oldskool wrote:Nice work! A little ingenuity + cheap mani = win!. You should update your profile though. I'm curious how much you have into your engine build by now
I don't even want to begin to think about it! I can tell you for sure that i've got at least 4 grand in the bottom end, and I haven't even started on the cylinder head yet!!! Of course, that includes forged rods, pistons, balance shaft delete, sleeves bored .020" over (Why bore the sleeves you ask?? Bigger is better!!!!), a couple of things done to the crank
, and the improved timing chain set.
The head is gonna have the Supertech dual valve springs, stainless steel valves, COMP turbo grind cams, complete port and polish, and all new lfters and followers. I'm going with the Garrett 60-1 turbo with the stage 5 compressor wheel, 80 lb/hr Siemens Deka injectors, 2.4 ECO intake manifold, and a bored out throttle body.
Like I said, I'm hoping for around 400 horsepower to the wheels. I've already got the full 3 inch exhaust, underdrive pulley, Fidanza flywheel, and I just need the SPEC stage 3 clutch, LSD and a couple of nickel and dime things. Wish me luck!!!!!!
Currently #4 in Ecotec Forced Induction horsepower ratings. 505.8 WHP 414WTQ!!!
Currently 3rd quickest Ecotec on the .org - 10.949 @ 131.50 MPH!!!
Get a bully clutch, you wont be dissapointed...
I would also get a intake mani made. The 2.4 mani is nice but personally I would much rather have a metal one.
