I have a cheap SS autochrome manifold I got new for $150.
Planning on using that until I breaks then I'll upgrade to something else.

Oh. Guess we're in the same boat. So there's no downpipe with the manifold?

I have the cheap MR manifold and the accompanying cheap downpipe. I use a DSM based turbo as well.

I suppose the problem you face is that if you get a downpipe fabbed then your manifold breaks beyond repair, you'll just have to buy another downpipe when you change manifolds. Likely the new manifold will alter the placement of the turbo causing your downpipe to no longer fit.

have the cash handy for a new one before installing the SSA piece... Mark's lasted 3 weeks.

Ehh. 3 weeks = suck. Do you remember if he tried to repair it? I'll look for the thread..

It's always more expensive to buy the cheap manifold.

Was mark pushing high psi?

yeah... he was/is.

I don't think it would have failed with an internal wastegate. I was pushing 17 PSI.

Mark

Was it the high psi, or simply a few heat cycles that cracked it.
17psi is a lot of boost, but how much more stress is put on the manifold itself over what 7psi generates. I'd think that there wouldn't be all that much more wear and tear on a manifold regardless of boost.

What cracks manifolds over time is the heat cycles. After a dozen or so hot/cold/hot/cold heat cycles, the metal expands and contracts and then the crappy imperfect welds let go.

Am I right?
Does boost contribute significantly to the wear of the manifold?

sorry if i'm a bit late in the convo, but Halcyon have you thought about flyinmiata's Voodoo box? They use it on there basic kits with no other fuel/engine management with stock injectors. Its about $405.

And samnavy i'm not sure if boost contributes much, but i know that boost/heat/and an overhead design can lead to a bunch of cracks from the stress being put on those crappy welds you speak of

just run a fpr and be done with it maybe some WI with a spring to preload the WG or adjustable wG actuator limiting to 6 or so psi is simple