New ETD-Racing KA-T manifold (group buy?)

[fiznat]

I'm not sure if this belonged in the group buy section or not, cause its both getting the word out and asking about a possible group buy. If I put it in the wrong section I'm sorry.

Hey everyone,

Some of you might know me from NICO, thats where I usually hang out but sometimes I lurk around here. I just wanted to get the word out and see what people think about the new KA-T manifold ETD-Racing came out with. Here's a link to their info about it:

http://www.etdracing.com/manifold.html#240sx

I called the guytoday (Jim) and talked with him for a little bit about the manis and a possible group buy price. He seems like a cool guy- very eager to find out what we think of his product and all that, plus he sounded like he knew what he was talking about.

He said if we can get 10 people together to purchace the 1010 mild steel mani, he can do about $360 each. I'm getting more specific details later, but how many of you would be interested in something like this?

[Bbandit]

fastpace and I are looking for a turbo mani for our KAs
we're interested.. i have a couple of questions about the design though... but i'll ask later

[PANDA]

personally i'd prefer the 304 version...

[fiznat]

here's the full information on the group buy deal - little more information on the mild steel also.



We would be happy to do a group buy on our manifold. We will only be able to do it in one style to make this price effective materials wise. Our most popular manifold material is 1010 Heat treated Mild steel. In our own testing we have found it to be much more flexible and crack resistant than 304 stainless steel and we prefer to use it over any other material. Many other turbo manifold manufacturers use 1010 mild steel as well, it's very common. All manifolds come with a 1 year warranty against cracking. We have been making manifold for various cars now for 3 years and have yet to have one come back cracked. We only offer 1 year however due to the nature of how these manifold are used.

This group buy is for 1010 Heat treated mild steel with our standard high temp spray coating (pictured on our website www.etdracing.com)

Group buy Pricing for 5+ Units is $499cad or $385u.s.
Group buy Pricing for 10+ Units is $475cad or $365u.s.
Shipping fixed for all States and Canada $35cad or $26u.s.

We have no set time frame yet for the group buy to end however 30 days from today would probably be the limit. Interested parties can email us at [email protected] or call 905-473-5022 to order. We will take a $200cad or $150u.s. deposit until the end of the group buy then all remaining money will be charged depending on the number of people who buy in. If less than 5 people buy in the group buy will still proceed at $525cad or $405 u.s. so obviously the more the better!

Thanks again!
Jim
ETDRacing.com




Obviously dont call and place your order just yet, we need to get people together and make sure this can work before we start demanding the group price from him. But here it is guys... watcha think?

[Jeff240sx]

here's the full information on the group buy deal - little more information on the mild steel also.

Obviously dont call and place your order just yet, we need to get people together and make sure this can work before we start demanding the group price from him. But here it is guys... watcha think?

I don't wanna poo on anyone's parade, but those welds look sloppy, and the #1 and #4 runners look awkward. Almost as if there was an equal-length design planned out, but it didn't work. Can anyone correct/talk sense into me. Also, there may be a clearance issue with a larger t4 turbo.
-Jeff

[Torso]

I am very interested in this, Platinum Card is zero balanced and ready to be used, I am also looking at the new ka24de turbo manifold that ssautochrome is putting out. The one year warranty is very nice incentive to go with this one.

[fiznat]

well first, those pics are of the test fit model, not the actual finished product. even still, the welds dont look that bad to me- I donno what you're talkin about. They might not be as pretty as robotic welds, but theyre thick and I think they'll get the job done. ...And even if they dont, theres a 1yr warranty on cracking.

Also the runners is something that Jim said he was fixing, he said he planned on straightening out #1 (it is a little bendy) and moving the wastegate flange a little more over so its centered.

I think it's a pretty good quality peice for the price- and it certanly blows stuff like ssautochrome and all that out of the water with it's thickness. Take a look at it again and compare it to like the unstable hybrids mani... its just overall much better..


EDIT: And for $360 - what the JGS will cost you by the time you're finished having it welded and all that - I dont think you can really complain about it being "not PERFECT." Its not equal length, no, but it's not a log either- I think it's a nice compromise.

[Nathan]

Where would the clearance issue be? That looks like a straight T3 to me and while the T4 compressor housing would be larger, it wont be THAT large. I think the power steering resevoir will probably need to be relocated but thats not a big deal imo. Welds...well, that is kinda a prototype and at least the #1 runner is being reworked just a bit. I dunno, it sure as hell looks better than a JGS and isn't as expensive as som other options.

[fiznat]

I am very interested in this, Platinum Card is zero balanced and ready to be used, I am also looking at the new ka24de turbo manifold that ssautochrome is putting out. The one year warranty is very nice incentive to go with this one.

Excellent man! I was also thinking about using ssautochrome myself, until I saw this picture:

http://www.full-race.com/images/techinfo/fullsize/gauge.jpg

This is from the Full Race site, but the one on the left is about the thickness of ssautochrome, while the one on the right is the same thickness as this manifold. Case closed.

[kazuo]

If everyone else is in... so am I!

How can I resist? ;)

[Jeff240sx]

well first, those pics are of the test fit model, not the actual finished product. even still, the welds dont look that bad to me- I donno what you're talkin about. They might not be as pretty as robotic welds, but theyre thick and I think they'll get the job done. ...And even if they dont, theres a 1yr warranty on cracking.

I hope the final model has better welds. Yea, they are thick, and hence, ugly.

I think it's a pretty good quality peice for the price- and it certanly blows stuff like ssautochrome and all that out of the water with it's thickness. Take a look at it again and compare it to like the unstable hybrids mani... its just overall much better..

So many people simply disregard the fact that no matter what the manifold is made of, and provided the welds can hold fluid (no pits or holes), then a simple $120 trip to the ceramic coater makes your manifold stonger, lower temperature, rust and discoloration proof, and most importantly, thickness is no longer an issue. Under these conditions, a ssautochrome ceramic'd manifold is my #1 choice, and it's probably the same price.

EDIT: And for $360 - what the JGS will cost you by the time you're finished having it welded and all that - I dont think you can really complain about it being "not PERFECT." Its not equal length, no, but it's not a log either- I think it's a nice compromise.

Like I said.. I just wanted to know what was up with it. You're right. It's not log, and it's not equal length. What the hell is it?

These are just my thoughts. If somebody posts something on a message board, they should expect criticizm. I didn't pee in your shoes.. it was constructive.
-Jeff

[Jeff240sx]

Where would the clearance issue be? That looks like a straight T3 to me and while the T4 compressor housing would be larger, it wont be THAT large. I think the power steering resevoir will probably need to be relocated but thats not a big deal imo. Welds...well, that is kinda a prototype and at least the #1 runner is being reworked just a bit. I dunno, it sure as hell looks better than a JGS and isn't as expensive as som other options.

It might be photography magic, or it might be bad eyesight, but it looks to me like the inlet tube will go straight through the distributor :bite:
-Jeff

[AceInHole]

Excellent man! I was also thinking about using ssautochrome myself, until I saw this picture:

http://www.full-race.com/images/techinfo/fullsize/gauge.jpg

This is from the Full Race site, but the one on the left is about the thickness of ssautochrome, while the one on the right is the same thickness as this manifold. Case closed.

Interesting... the piping on my manifold looks a bit thicker than the one on the left..... the one on the left looks like mild steel exhaust piping.

[nightwalker]

have you guys seen the KA SS autochrome manifold? a lot of us were hoping that they would make one to position the turbo underneath, and in the same spot as the SR, so SR aftermarket products could be bolted on. Except they went the Revhard replacement route (really close to master cylinder). I like the ETD manifold, really nice placement, and room for a nice bit downpipe. I still want that SR position manifold, but eh, whatever,

[ass15]

So now that Ace has done it i guess we will all see the Quality of S/S manifold. if it cracks or NOT ! cuz i think ace is into autocrossing meaning abusing your Manifold .... how Will S/S manifold hold or will not?

[AceInHole]

lol... not just autocrossing, but competing in 3 different club's seasons with co-drivers (meaning the equivolent of 6 to 8 seasons, as some events I do 3 drivers). if it's gonna crack.... I'll crack it. :p

My friend (kaje) has the same thing as I do but with a T3 turbine flange. So, we've already got 2 modded SS autochrome manifolds testing.

[ass15]

right on .. did you get my email?

[nightwalker]

ace, where did you get your KA flange. I ment to ask you on FA, but forgot.

[Torso]

Here is a link for ka flanges http://www.jgstools.com/turbo/trbmnf.html, I have been reading about Aces setup and it is what has inspired me to pursue turboing my ka instead of doing a swap and I respect his assessments. It would be nice if the input and concerns posted here can be conveyed to ETDR..I mean hell...we are his market. If this is a prototype then maybe changes can still be made to the design that increases it's desirability. I do have to say that the SS maninfold is a pretty little thing :p

Torso

[fastpace]

cool. i am in only after i see the finish product

[fiznat]

First of all:

These are just my thoughts. If somebody posts something on a message board, they should expect criticizm. I didn't pee in your shoes.. it was constructive.

I know man, no hard feelings or anything. I actually appreciate the decenting opinion- I'll be trying this manifold out for the first time just like everyone else, not like I'm privy to any special experience or information that you guys dont have. In my own interests, I would certanly like to discuss the merits (and the fallbacks) of this design. So yeah, piss away ;)




So many people simply disregard the fact that no matter what the manifold is made of, and provided the welds can hold fluid (no pits or holes), then a simple $120 trip to the ceramic coater makes your manifold stonger, lower temperature, rust and discoloration proof, and most importantly, thickness is no longer an issue.

This manifold IS ceramic coated as well... Seems the best option to me, if you're thinking about longevity, is to have both the coating AND the thickness..



Like I said.. I just wanted to know what was up with it. You're right. It's not log, and it's not equal length. What the hell is it?

It's a middle ground manifold. It doesnt quite have equal length runners, but then again it has the benefit of a streamlined flow. It moves away from a huge collector and sharp angles (as seen in log manis), and more towards the more free flowing designs that give equal lengths their popularity. True, it doesnt have everything, but it does have some characteristics that I think are valuable above the log style.




As far as the distrib in the way, pics of the final version, actual thickness (schedule or ga) and power steering missing, I emailed ETD all of these questions and I imagine I will have answers for you shortly.

[fiznat]

Guys: email me or IM me (AIM: foosternit, email: [email protected] ) if you are seriously interested. I'm keeping a master list of the people who are for real, so I can get a good estimate of how much people are going to have to pay before they send in their $200 deposits.

[Jeff240sx]

As far as the distrib in the way, pics of the final version, actual thickness (schedule or ga) and power steering missing, I emailed ETD all of these questions and I imagine I will have answers for you shortly.

Post those here! I'd really like to know what the final product looks like, and know how to get a 3" inlet tube between the turbo and the distributor. But the positives of simply moving the turbo forward to give brake MC clearance, and not heating up fluids is a great benefit.
-Jeff

[fiznat]

okay guys- I have some answers for you.

It IS in fact the camera angle that makes it look like you're gonna hit the distrib. Here's a better pic:

http://people.bu.edu/fiznat/angle.jpg

and here's what Jim said about it:

It is definately the camera's angle that is making it look like that. A picture is worth a thousand words so have a look at the attached. Yes you can use a straight pipe if you wanted to it will clear, though a 45deg pipe might look a little nicer and point the filter towards the spot behind the headlight a bit better. Either way will work.

Also, the manifold is designed to have the turbo top mounted OR bottom mounted with no modifications, so if youre still not convinced for some reason (I dont know why you wouldnt be...), you could bottom mount your turbo as well.

Jim says:

We made the manifold so that the turbo can point down or if you want to move the resivoir point it up, it's your choice. We notice that some guys point down some point up so we made it so that you can do both.

And lastly, concerning size, I'll just quote Jim right here:


The material is 0.127 thick which if I remember correctly is equivelant to a sechedule 80 pipe though I would have to go back and look at the chart to be sure. Most manifolds that use crappy material are maybe .070 to .080 which is why they have problems with cracking etc.



I hope this answers everyone's questions. If there's anything else, please dont hesitate to get back to me, I'll figure out anything you need.

And remember, IM me (foosternit) or email me ([email protected]) if you want in on this deal.

[IKu]

find out how well it fits when bottom mounted, pics would be nice.

[AceInHole]

from the pics... it looks like it wouldn't fit well bottom mounted. the manifold is clocked slightly, so if it were bottom mounted, the compressor inlet would point slightly towards the block, and the downpipe slightly out (instead of to where the stock downpipe should go).

[LanceS13]

Here's a question.

Won't bottom mounting clock the compressor towards the block? How's the clearance with a T3/T04 in that orientation?


*Edit...beat me to it. :)

[fiznat]

That's true, AceInHole, there are those difficulties- but it WILL fit if you wanna do that. I dont think this is the most ideal bottom mount mani you can buy, but, for me, its just nice to have that option.

I called up and placed my deposit today guys - this is definitely on. As for pics of the final product, he will have the new manis in in about a week or so he said. He told me that they're pretty much going to look identical except with the #1 runner straightened out a little bit and the wastegate flange more centered.

I donno if I can get pics of the bottom mount, but I guess I'll try. Dont jerk me around though if you're not seriously interested. I have no problem chasing down valid questions for people who are on the edge of buying, but I'm not here to settle peoples curiosities.


Once again - IM me or EMAIL me to be on this list!

[Kookaburraz]

It IS in fact the camera angle that makes it look like you're gonna hit the distrib. Here's a better pic: Keep in mind that's an S13 with an external coil. The S14 distributor is physically larger and would defenitely not allow a straight intake pipe.

[fiznat]

Bump. Anyone interested please email me. I sent in my deposit already and I have one other person sending in a deposit on Monday. This is definetly a go so let's do it!

[RedlineRacer]

What size turbo is that? Is it a 50ar T3?

[Gladman]

good usage of gas weld-els... nice mani's....

one question... why do they always mount the turbo onto of the manifold with KAET's?

http://www.jgstools.com/turbo/stg1thk.html

[fiznat]

one question... why do they always mount the turbo onto of the manifold with KAET's?


I'm sorry, what? I dont understand what youre asking...

[Gladman]

the turbo is sitting ontop of the manifold, as opposed to hanging below it... i would think it would be better to have it under the manifold to keep heat off the hood and brake master cylinder.

[NooKa]

the turbo is sitting ontop of the manifold, as opposed to hanging below it... i would think it would be better to have it under the manifold to keep heat off the hood and brake master cylinder.

Like it says in your signature, it's a bling bling factor of having the turbo clearly visable.

[fiznat]

Its also much easier to work on, when the turbo is up and out of the way of everything else. And actually this manifold puts the turbo a LONG way away from the brake MC stuff. Farther than many of the other manis I've seen. Its bling too I guess, but it simplifies a lot of stuff for ya as well.

[RBS14]

wait........... so will it clear the PS reservoir or not?

[fiznat]

CORRECTION:

This manifold does NOT bolt on both top mount and bottom mount!! I misunderstood Jim and I'm sorry... Heres the deal from the man himself:


It's positioned so that the compressor outlet can be pointed sideways towards the power steering reservoir like some guys do and they move it, or point down and run under the intake pipe. The turbomanifold is not ment to bottom mount the turbo, it will not work that way. Nobody would want to bottom mount the turbo anyways, we have designed the manifold to give more than enough room for a 3" downpipe and lots of clearance between the turbo and the master cylinder.



Sorry about that guys, I hope this doesnt change anything for anybody.


As far as clearing the P/S reservoir I dont think it will in its stock location. It's VERY easy to just move that thing over though, and I think its worth it to get the compressor that much farther away from the brake master cyl.

[fiznat]

we now have 5 people in with deposits paid

[fiznat]

currently 6 people in.

[fiznat]

SEVEN people have now paid their deposits. Only 3 more to go!

[fiznat]

were up to EIGHT now! no more excuses! ;)


This group buy ends during the first week of march , so make your decisions everyone!

[Bbandit]

man i dont know why but im crossing my fingers on this one... lol

[fastpace]

man same here. everything is working out pretty good so far. There has to be more people who want a nice, good price, and functional turbo manifold like this one.

[GlacierFreeze]

I'm highly considering it... just haven't totally made up my mind.

I think I'm going to get a compression test done tomorrow and I'm sure that'll make up my mind.

[element240]

i don't know why some people are looking down on this manifold... it looks great if u ask me.
however i'm still undecided if i want to go ka-t or sr20......

[dvdevo]

too bad no sohc... arg

[fiznat]

NINE PEOPLE!!!! comeon guys, who's gonna be #10?!? March 6th is the end of the group buy, that's next Saturday everyone: 8 days left!

[GlacierFreeze]

Had to move compression test to early next week... hold on to your seats kiddies!! haha

I'm expecting good enough numbers, just want to make sure.

[misnomer]

Soo tempting with a decent mani at that price. . . If only I weren't broke (and my KA didn't have 170k miles on it :P)

[fiznat]

hey guys, WE DID IT!!!

we got the 10th person in with his deposit today, it's all clear sailing from here on out!


just a reminder that the GB ends on the 6th for anyone who still wants to be in on this deal, and to everyone that is already in, dont forget that you are going to need to call up and pay the remainder that we owe once the GB ends.

Thanks everyone!

[fiznat]

hey guys I just found out from Jim that you dont have to call up to pay the remainder, it will be automatically deducted from the cards you already gave him. so all you gotta do is just sit back and wait!

[fiznat]

for those of you still wating to receive your manifolds (right now that's everyone...), check out this thread over at NICO:

http://www.nissaninfiniticlub.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=613130#

All the current info is over there, and Jim even posts there himself sometimes (although he hasnt recently, which is dissapointing). I'm sorry this is taking so long everyone, hold on and we should have our manis decently soon.