So it seems that the general consensus here is that the Tacotaco cast manifolds are pretty much the only Ebay manifolds that won't actively try to murder your engine. When using this manifold is it pretty much expected that you need to fab up a downpipe on your own or are there any premade downpipes that can be bought to work with it? I am planning on using the 1.8 T25 manifold on my 1999 NB. I have access to someone who can make me a downpipe, but I'd rather not have one made if I can just buy one premade.

 

The fm elbow fits. Never tested the rest of the down pipe for fitment, but I would bet it fits.

 

The FM 750$ mani/elbow/dp kit is bulletproof. If you already plan on the elbow, save another month and do it right.

 

in theory the begi dp should fit too

however, the chances of the begi unit being made to proper spec are lower than the ebay manifold being made to proper spec, so I wouldn't bet money on it

 

Thanks so much 18.

In theory our dnpipe won't fit. The taco thing was designed by me 26 years ago and copied by ........?? It used an IHI turbo then. Old jig is gone forever.

With the design we made with FM, the turbo moved a bit. New dnpippe needed.

Then the A/O and it moved again.

I do have a fixture that can mount any manifold/turbo combo and build a dnpipe from there.

The proper spec is:
material selection: user choice
turbine exit and dnpipe entry of the same ID
Expansion in diameter as the dnpipe progress aft
putting the wastegate vent back into main pipe (if at all) 18+ inches later
Exit diameter varies according to customer need
Do not weld fully around the outside of the flange/tube joint
Grind flanges flat after welding
debur and buff or paint, matl dependent
decent craftsmanship
adequate clearance to all other items

I remain absolutely certain we built one that was perfect about ten years ago.

corky

 

Corky,

Do you happen to have any of the standard downpipes you used on your older manifolds laying around that hook to a stock exhaust on a 1.8 NA? If I would be willing to give fitment a try on my car. Would pay shipping both way. I will give you a call a bit later today.