Astra VXR - Blown exhaust manifold?

[Diablos-666]

Mate has just got his car back from a VX service and been told his exhaust manifold is blowing.

Is it worth replacing this with a sports manifold? Would it give any power gains?

Thanks

[HellDiver]

VXR's turbo is part of the exhaust manifold, so there's no such thing as a "sport manifold".

Chances are it's the exhaust manifold gasket that's gone, or the studs have snapped in the head.

[Diablos-666]

So there isn't an updraged exhaust manifold avaliable for the VXR then? I was just thinking if it needs to be replaced then way not upgrade instead of changing like for like.

If it is just the gasket then that should be an easy/cheap fix, no?

[Havoc856]

There is, but you need something like a GT30 to fit on it... Good excuse for an upgrade!

As HellDiver said, most likely mani bolts have come loose or sheared, i had mine come loose, was a recall, some cars were missed.

[Zoobeef]

They are known to crack but first port of call would be to check all the studs are there and give them a nip up. Bearing in mind they're only torqued up to 8nm though so be gentle.

The manifold is an integral part of the turbo.

[neiljohnson]

Common & known issue im afraid there are upgrades available look up a dbilas (may be wrong spelling) manifold not sure what turbo needs to be fitted with it though try pming crisisjez he is a helpful chap whos other half kicked my arse in her vxr!!!

[RicharlVXR]

it might be worth giving a tuner a call to see if they have any OE ones. I know Regal Autosport in Southampton (http://www.regal-shop.co.uk/vauxhall/acatalog/Regal_Find_us.html) do have these from time to time. One of the lads off VXRonline.co.uk had them send one to him (as he lives in the west mids) and they sorted one out for him pretty sharpish.

It is a well known problem that VX do know about but still are unwilling to do anything about lol.7

Hope this helps

Charl

[Davie]

They are prone for cracking around number four branch. Try Autovaux for a GM replacement including fitting kit... around £600 all in the last time I bought one.

Not uncommon