"Honey Badger" Miata: Turbo Track Build (new brakes installed)

[CleanNeon98]

In the making.

[blue91lx]

Originally Posted by CleanNeon98

I hear it's basically like a kick to the back of the head spool

http://www.full-race.com/store/efr-turbos/

They stock everything

Gah, that breaks my heart. Last time I spoke with Geoff he said it'd be a long time until he got them in. Good luck with the car!!

[CleanNeon98]

Must have been the days of investment cast. The new process is just fine function wise, if ya wanna hop aboard haha

As far as ceramic coating the new manifold (mild steel) is there a difference of taking it to be coated vs spraying it myself?

[jpalamar]

Hot Jet is way better. Lasts longer and holds heat more. Def worth it.

Also pony up for SS.

[CleanNeon98]

Originally Posted by jpalamar

Hot Jet is way better. Lasts longer and holds heat more. Def worth it.

Also pony up for SS.

He makes the downpipes in SS but uses only Mild Steel for the manifold because apparently the heat properties or whatever.

I got this combo because its said to be basically the best out there. Thanks for the tip on Jet Hot. Where can it be done? I'd like it the same color as the hotside of the turbo, "titanium"

[jpalamar]

Originally Posted by CleanNeon98

He makes the downpipes in SS but uses only Mild Steel for the manifold because apparently the heat properties or whatever.

I got this combo because its said to be basically the best out there. Thanks for the tip on Jet Hot. Where can it be done? I'd like it the same color as the hotside of the turbo, "titanium"

Most places that do powdercoating can do Hot Jet. I believe Bonehead and LCP offer it.

http://boneheadperformance.com/ceram...oating-prices/

http://liquidpowdercoats.com/ceramicprice.html

[CleanNeon98]

Thanks Jason! I might try and book a spot for coating now before the shops get busy in the spring. I dont wanna drag this into June. Engine going back in next week and hopefully the week after the MS will be set up and back on the road. My only fears now are either a leak or uneven compression but I have faith in the shop that built it.

[11secdsm]

Mild steel manifold? Bad idea. It should be built out of Schedule 10 stainless bends.

Build is looking good though, Alex.

[CleanNeon98]

Originally Posted by 11secdsm

Mild steel manifold? Bad idea. It should be built out of Schedule 10 stainless bends.

Build is looking good though, Alex.

Thanks! Not that I'm going to argue, because you've certainly fabbed more stuff than me , but I've heard of both being fine, mild steel more-so when coated. Something about mild being better for heat cycling and a cheaper alternative to an SS, even after coating is done. I'll find out what grade it is, pretty sure its sch40

[11secdsm]

The problem is, if the coating flakes at all, the manifold will rust and then crack. That includes coating on the inside of the manifold. Will it work though? Yes. How much does the manifold cost, if you don't mind me asking?

[CleanNeon98]

Originally Posted by 11secdsm

The problem is, if the coating flakes at all, the manifold will rust and then crack. That includes coating on the inside of the manifold. Will it work though? Yes. How much does the manifold cost, if you don't mind me asking?

Don't they use mild steel for underground plumbing? A lot of guys on Miataturbo.net actually prefer mild steel, but I'm not sure as to why? I guess everything is a tradeoff.

The manifold is equal length and custom made to fit AC and PS. $700

[11secdsm]

Underground plumbing doesn't see the EGTs that your manifold will see....that's were all the stress comes from. Not sure why those guys prefer mild....they're definitely the minority. Regardless, looking forward to seeing your build completed and you finally enjoying this car.

[CleanNeon98]

Originally Posted by 11secdsm

Underground plumbing doesn't see the EGTs that your manifold will see....that's were all the stress comes from. Not sure why those guys prefer mild....they're definitely the minority. Regardless, looking forward to seeing your build completed and you finally enjoying this car.

Maybe that's why he prefers Mild Steel, for the heat cycling. As I quote from his email

"The manifolds are mild steel, and downpipes are 304L stainless. Mild steel is a better substrate for the high temp cycling a manifold has to endure during a track session."

I'm still reading about this stuff too.

[OutToWinPAHC]

shakes my head

[OutToWinPAHC]

and Malaysia

[CleanNeon98]

Its not just some bo bo vendor using cheap metal to save money, there is a lot that goes into this stuff that the maker knows. As far as malaysia, steel of one grade is the same as steel of that same grade no matter where it comes from, or it would be a different grade, no?

Look up ARTech manifolds, he makes some great stuff. Dont get me wrong im not saying that mild is better, im not saying ss is better, because I really dont know. But from what I read, both are acceptable, mild just needs a good coating. Abe (fabricator) has been doing this for years and has a superb reputation, if he says he prefers mild, theres probably a good reason. All I know is I havent found a single bad review of his product, and have read mild steel manifolds lasting for long periods as well, talking 10+ years.

This whole process has been a big big learning experience and is still ongoing. I usually take the advice I get here and research it further, so please dont think im trying to become some overnight expert on the matter. I asked and read, this is what I learned. With a good coating I shouldnt have issues.

[rocknrace03]

700$ seems a little steep? although, he's probably making 75% on what it costs him

[CleanNeon98]

Originally Posted by rocknrace03

700$ seems a little steep? although, he's probably making 75% on what it costs him

That's about what a local shop would charge. It's an odd turbo to place in the bay so it would take some time to fabricate a manifold. He's already made a handful so he can do it quicker. Also his equal length manifold should provide more top end power, and clears AC and PS, not saying a local couldn't make it but I trust him based on what I read.

Spock's Miata manifold














He also happens to have a Miata himself, and I hear much of the work is done on the car to ensure fit every time. Also, if any of the welds break, he will repair them at no charge. There's really no pre-made solutions like I could find for a standard size t25 turbo, basically EFR needs custom work all around it so things can be pricey.

[11secdsm]

$700 is a lot for mild only because a SS version would be in the $800-$1000 range. Not worth the savings in my opinion. Either way it's a lot of work so the price is justified. I've dragged, road raced, and auto-X'd SS tubular manifolds so they've seen very high EGTs / heat cycling and have never faltered. All the top fab shops in the country use SS so i'm not sure why he's going a different route. In the end, it will work, but for $700 plus the cost of ceramic coating, you're in SS manifold $$. Just odd, that's all.

[CleanNeon98]

I opened a thread on miataturbo.net

http://www.miataturbo.net/diy-turbo-...nifolds-71049/

Basically asked to see what those guys have to say. If you're wondering the differences, clicky!