decent k03 manifold

[Paradox1]

Ok so everyone with a k04 has the option of going for a xs stainless manifold. Dies anyone know if there is am equivalent for a k03 style turbo?

[Reesy]

Ok so everyone with a k04 has the option of going for a xs stainless manifold. Dies anyone know if there is am equivalent for a k03 style turbo?

Pretty sure this was covered a short while ago and it was said that a stock or ported OEM mani is more then up to the task. Otherwise I think fknJardo has a holy mani.

[Paradox1]

The ported manifold is what I'm planning to go with if my current one isn't cracked. Was just wondering if there was a stainless one aswell

[Reesy]

Jardo has one, but if my memory is correct it produces good power, but has loads of holes and cracks in it, and he hasnt done loads of miles in it either.. I'm sure he'll be along soon enough.

[16Klappe]

Pretty sure this was covered a short while ago and it was said that a stock or ported OEM mani is more then up to the task. Otherwise I think fknJardo has a holy mani.

FknJardo does have a FknAmazing manifold, but unfortunately THS have stopped making it due to manufacturing costs.

My THS manifold was pretty much the only manifold which is better than the stock manifold when ported, but seeing as you can get over 320bhp out of the standard manifold when ported...and it won't crack...there is no real reason to go for anything other My manifold makes great power and gives a very UN1.8t like drive, all my power is top end and the flow is brilliant at the top end.



The flow on the AGU/large port K03 manifold is excellent, better than even a lot of aftermarket K04 manifolds. They are very well built, and not difficult to get at for tightening.

My manifold is a NIGHTMARE for tightening and requires specially bent and filed spanners.

The THS manifold looks like this -



It is the thickness which makes it so awesome -



THS VS standard ported manifold -


I don't know of a stainless K03 manifold for FWD cars, they wouldn't deal with the heat cycles well at all. Companies used to make them, but then stopped. Cracking would be the reason why I should think. Cast is a much better method for the high PSI and confined space in our cars.

[Alais DJA]

Un-neccessary expense.

OEM - Job done

Marcus

[16Klappe]

Un-neccessary expense.

OEM - Job done

Marcus

I agree to an extent that it is un-neccessary expense, but if you are going for more than stage 2 then it is what will be putting me ahead of everybody elses power and flow. Yeah, it's pointless on a stage one or two map, but when you throw and actuator and injectors on and are searching for 250bhp then it will make all the difference.

This is the exact same as your argument earlier with regards to the boost gauge, but this time on the other side...An OE manifold will do, but I'll be going for the proper perfomance manifold again when I replace this one.

I like the look of this ATP manifold, looks really well designed -

[Reesy]

I agree to an extent that it is un-neccessary expense, but if you are going for more than stage 2 then it is what will be putting me ahead of everybody elses power and flow.

This is the exact same as your argument earlier with regards to the boost gauge, but this time on the other side...An OE manifold will do, but I'll be going for the proper perfomance manifold again when I replace this one.

Although I agree that the k03 mani is a winner (i'll be getting my spare one ported and get it fitted to my A3 at some point) what proper performance mani do you propose to use fknJardo?

EDIT: Your edit answers the question.

[16Klappe]

Although I agree that the k03 mani is a winner (i'll be getting my spare one ported and get it fitted to my A3 at some point) what proper performance mani do you propose to use fknJardo?

I just edited to include that in my OG post.

I've been doing a LOT of reading into manifolds, because I am 100% certain that my manifold is what allowed my car to be mapped in the way it has been. So I'm not too happy about the prospect of going back to a stock manifold with a port and polish...

ATP seems like the winner for me, there is only ONE build thread I can find from a local American forum which I had to join to read...Not seen a log or dyno plot from anything else on the internet. A large port Golf running on american waterfuel, with an FMIC, ATP manifold, Jetex filter, downpipe and decat made 241BHP on two rollers and has great looking logs and airflow readings.

Manifold, 1.8T Transverse, HighFlow stock location, Golf/Jetta/Beetle/Leon/TT FWD : atpturbo.com

[aragorn]

Interesting that the OEM manifold is seen as decent.

It looks pretty similar to the OEM Longitudinal manifold, so i might as well port out my spare one before i swap in the hybrid i've got.

Anyone got any photos of the porting work thats commonly done?

[Reesy]

Interesting that the OEM manifold is seen as decent.

It looks pretty similar to the OEM Longitudinal manifold, so i might as well port out my spare one before i swap in the hybrid i've got.

Anyone got any photos of the porting work thats commonly done?

As if by magic:
SEAT Cupra.net - SEAT Forum - View Single Post - Pictures-Porting a standard k03 mani

[<tuffty/>]

...and the full thread...

Pictures-Porting a standard k03 mani - SEAT Cupra.net - SEAT Forum

<tuffty/>

[16Klappe]

Interesting that the OEM manifold is seen as decent.

It looks pretty similar to the OEM Longitudinal manifold, so i might as well port out my spare one before i swap in the hybrid i've got.

Anyone got any photos of the porting work thats commonly done?

The longitudinal manifolds are not as good for flow as the transverse. The turbo sits on the right on ours, and on the left of yours. (looking from the ports)

I'd suggest one of the many redesigned cast manifolds over a ported standard for yours.

As requested, some of Bills good work -















And this is JBS VS Standard -



I DO NOT like the JBS manifold, I don't think it improves flow at all, because it elongates the pipework and must surely reduce flow and spool up.

This picture shows the way that a standard manifold cracks (because it is a common problem), they crack from the inside out so don't lose performance, where as the performance cast manifolds crack from the outside in loosing performance -

[Alais DJA]

when you throw and actuator and injectors on and are searching for 250bhp then it will make all the difference.

The manifold however requires additional parts & expense to benefit.


Marcus

[16Klappe]

The manifold however requires additional parts & expense to benefit.


Marcus

It changes the way that the car drives, the manifold is a key part of our engines. You will notice a difference in delivery with a manifold like mine, but unless you go further than stage two you won't see a power benefit...If you are not going further than St2 then you don't need a manifold really. Most people give up and go for a hybrid or a K04 when they get to stage 2/230BHP. Personally I prefer the sound of getting maximum flow and everything being as smooth as I can and chasing the 250 mark on a K03.

[Paradox1]

I'm planning a ko3 hybrid so I'm trying to get as much info as possible. If the standard manifold ported is the most reliable option then I'll go that route.

[s3dave]

If the correct grade stainless is used there should be no advantage of a cast manni over a tubular manni ever!

[Byzan Pics]

The longitudinal manifolds are not as good for flow as the transverse. The turbo sits on the right on ours, and on the left of yours. (looking from the ports)

Says who? Where's the evidence to suggest this is true?
Mine flows just fine thanks

[16Klappe]

Says who? Where's the evidence to suggest this is true?
Mine flows just fine thanks

Nobody says so, just me and my market research

I would take it that by the flooding on the market of longitudinal "performance" manifolds and the lack of transverse manifolds that the demand of the product is higher for the A4/Passat etc. Where as for the transverse cars it is a widely known fact that the stock manifold with a mild port is more than good enough for 320bhp+ hybrid applications. I'm unsure if that is the case for the longitudinal engines, is it?

I think that the A6 manifold is an upgrade for the A4 over standard, I've just been going by the market trend.

[Byzan Pics]

Nobody says so, just me and my market research

I would take it that by the flooding on the market of longitudinal "performance" manifolds and the lack of transverse manifolds that the demand of the product is higher for the A4/Passat etc. Where as for the transverse cars it is a widely known fact that the stock manifold with a mild port is more than good enough for 320bhp+ hybrid applications. I'm unsure if that is the case for the longitudinal engines, is it?

I think that the A6 manifold is an upgrade for the A4 over standard, I've just been going by the market trend.

The a4/ a6 and pissrat share the same manifold, how it can be seen as an upgrade eludes me,lol

As for market research you must be better as searching than me, i have spent years looking for definitive information and so far failed.

The hybrids are restricted on the Longitudinal engine by the hotside, of the turbo, not the manifold. The manifold is the same dimensions as the one fitted to your car, just with different turbo location. I'll confirm this next week with calipers and the manifolds side by side.
Show me the information so i can see it for myself, otherwise it's just useless misinformation on a forum.

Oh and good luck with that ATP, don't expect it to last long, they never do sadly, they crack like an old persons heals

[Paradox1]

Nobody says so, just me and my market research

I would take it that by the flooding on the market of longitudinal "performance" manifolds and the lack of transverse manifolds that the demand of the product is higher for the A4/Passat etc. Where as for the transverse cars it is a widely known fact that the stock manifold with a mild port is more than good enough for 320bhp+ hybrid applications. I'm unsure if that is the case for the longitudinal engines, is it?

I think that the A6 manifold is an upgrade for the A4 over standard, I've just been going by the market trend.

The a4/ a6 and pissrat share the same manifold, how it can be seen as an upgrade eludes me,lol

As for market research you must be better as searching than me, i have spent years looking for definitive information and so far failed.

The hybrids are restricted on the Longitudinal engine by the hotside, of the turbo, not the manifold. The manifold is the same dimensions as the one fitted to your car, just with different turbo location. I'll confirm this next week with calipers and the manifolds side by side.
Show me the information so i can see it for myself, otherwise it's just useless misinformation on a forum.

Oh and good luck with that ATP, don't expect it to last long, they never do sadly, they crack like an old persons heals

Like a old persons heals hahaha.

You CRACK me up lol

[16Klappe]

The a4/ a6 and pissrat share the same manifold, how it can be seen as an upgrade eludes me,lol

As for market research you must be better as searching than me, i have spent years looking for definitive information and so far failed.

The hybrids are restricted on the Longitudinal engine by the hotside, of the turbo, not the manifold. The manifold is the same dimensions as the one fitted to your car, just with different turbo location. I'll confirm this next week with calipers and the manifolds side by side.
Show me the information so i can see it for myself, otherwise it's just useless misinformation on a forum.

Oh and good luck with that ATP, don't expect it to last long, they never do sadly, they crack like an old persons heals

Sorry, I was on my phone! I meant B6 not A

I came to think this by searching for a transverse manifold for my car, every good looking performance manifold I can find is for a longitudinal engine. My mind tells me that the lack of manifolds for the transverse engines and the decent stock of varyingly designed longitudinal manifolds that it is more beneficial on one of yours than on ours.

To me it looks like the manifold has more differences that just the location of the outlet. They also look a bit deeper.






To me it looks like the manifold is differently designed in terms of the runners AND the collector. It doesn't take much to alter the efficiency of a manifold as you know, but what is the most power that's been had out of a standard but ported manifold on a K03 powered car of your breed?

[Byzan Pics]

we only get a ko3 no S so its hard to compare as the comparison wouldn't be a fair one. K03 remaps are around 210 BHP max As for anything larger the yanks have us licked as the k04 is off the shelf over there and they see around 300 on those. The k04-15 designation is actually about the same size as your k03s. It's not as easy as comparing them directly sadly.

[16Klappe]

we only get a ko3 no S so its hard to compare as the comparison wouldn't be a fair one. K03 remaps are around 210 BHP max As for anything larger the yanks have us licked as the k04 is off the shelf over there and they see around 300 on those. The k04-15 designation is actually about the same size as your k03s. It's not as easy as comparing them directly sadly.

Ahh fair enough I guess not many people get up to the hybrid route on them and switch out to a K04 etc? For us, 320BHP+ is a proven figure and readily achievable on a standard manifold which has been ported, running an S hybrid. Which IMO is a VERY good figure for what is a stock fitment item.

What are you running then Mark?

[<tuffty/>]

Ahh fair enough I guess not many people get up to the hybrid route on them and switch out to a K04 etc? For us, 320BHP+ is a proven figure and readily achievable on a standard manifold which has been ported, running an S hybrid. Which IMO is a VERY good figure for what is a stock fitment item.

What are you running then Mark?

320hp from a K03 hybrid? not from normal hybrid you won't... if you are on about the one Bill runs on the lupo then thats a differnt beast altogether... and its using a Frankenturbo exhaust mani (looks a bit like the THS etc)...

No K03 hybrid has come close to 300hp let alone 320hp

<tuffty/>

[16Klappe]

320hp from a K03 hybrid? not from normal hybrid you won't... if you are on about the one Bill runs on the lupo then thats a differnt beast altogether... and its using a Frankenturbo exhaust mani (looks a bit like the THS etc)...

No K03 hybrid has come close to 300hp let alone 320hp

<tuffty/>

Ahhhhhhhh right, I thought Bill was using a stock ported mani

I have seen a CR hybrid on a stock manifold which made 268bhp, but that's the highest figure I've seen then. (seeing as Bills doesn't count!)

Does the Frankenturbo manifold look much better than the ported AGU manifold? (having never seen a Franken mani myself)

[<tuffty/>]

The collector and runners look pretty big from what I remember... not sure if Bill has any pics of the one he is using but found a couple on Frankenturbo's website





<tuffty/>

[Byzan Pics]

The FrankenMani is a clone log manifold similar to what you have already found. Like the ATP, but a quarter of the price. Flow well but eventually crack, but given they are cheap bin them and go again.

On transverse changing the manifold is a bit more fiddly.

[<tuffty/>]

The Franken due to its larger runners etc does make it a pain to fit... not as bad maybe as a K04 mani but then most A3's don't have the joys of the bevel box etc so you can get to stuff easier..

Removing std K03 manis though I could happily do all day long LOL... :D

<tuffty/>

[16Klappe]

The FrankenMani is a clone log manifold similar to what you have already found. Like the ATP, but a quarter of the price. Flow well but eventually crack, but given they are cheap bin them and go again.

On transverse changing the manifold is a bit more fiddly.

Haha, you're telling me?!

Mines been off a couple of times -

This is how it was when I bought it...



And then this happened -



Doh'!

Frankenturbo manifold looks a bit heavy and like it's pressed together out of slag, but if it flows well and is stronger than my THS I wouldn't complain lol!

[<tuffty/>]

...


I DO NOT like the JBS manifold, I don't think it improves flow at all, because it elongates the pipework and must surely reduce flow and spool up.[/IMG]

I think you will find the runners to be the least of your worries... the collector (or more accurately the large lump of cast metal that is in the middle and nearly flush with the flange face) is not exactly helping here...

<tuffty/>

[badger5]

FknJardo does have a FknAmazing manifold, but unfortunately THS have stopped making it due to manufacturing costs.

LOL
Warranty costs more like as most of them cracked....

[badger5]

Ahhhhhhhh right, I thought Bill was using a stock ported mani

I have seen a CR hybrid on a stock manifold which made 268bhp, but that's the highest figure I've seen then. (seeing as Bills doesn't count!)

Does the Frankenturbo manifold look much better than the ported AGU manifold? (having never seen a Franken mani myself)

280bhp is highest I have done on a k03 normal hybrid on stock (ported) k03 mani... (with wmi helping it get to 280bhp)

[16Klappe]

280bhp is highest I have done on a k03 normal hybrid on stock (ported) k03 mani... (with wmi helping it get to 280bhp)

At that point would you say the manifold was holding it back? Did it achieve more power with an aftermarket manifold?


And megalol at the THS manifold, shame really because they are brilliant right up until they crack!

[badger5]

At that point would you say the manifold was holding it back? Did it achieve more power with an aftermarket manifold?


And megalol at the THS manifold, shame really because they are brilliant right up until they crack!

nope.
I dont think it was no.

[Alais DJA]

SO.

Would it be fair to say that.....

250 bhp and below -> OEM manifold with KO3 / KO3s / KO3 Hybrid is adequate

250bhp and above -> xs powermanifold p&p needed to benefit the top end of the turbo's potential


Marcus

[Paradox1]

Xs manifold is for the k04 not k03 turbos. I don't think there is any point porting the manifold unless going for 250+

Or you could order the Franken manifold that bill used on his hybrid plus?

[16Klappe]

SO.

Would it be fair to say that.....

250 bhp and below -> OEM manifold with KO3 / KO3s / KO3 Hybrid is adequate

250bhp and above -> xs powermanifold p&p needed to benefit the top end of the turbo's potential


Marcus

Bill doesn't think the stock manifold was restricting flow at 280bhp, so I would up that figure to 280bhp.

MOST hybrids don't flow enough to warrant the upgraded manifold for a true BHP increase. The slightly different characters of flow should be more of a factor IMO, using a certain type of manifold to give a different torque curve and achieve different types of maps. That's just my opinion though, and nobody seems to take a blind bit of notice to what I say.

[badger5]

SO.

Would it be fair to say that.....

250 bhp and below -> OEM manifold with KO3 / KO3s / KO3 Hybrid is adequate

250bhp and above -> xs powermanifold p&p needed to benefit the top end of the turbo's potential


Marcus

We are talking K03 fitment manifolds here right?

XS one is K04.... so as not to confuse things?