Guys - I need your help/guidance. A few months back I ordered a J's Racing manifold - it arrived last week but the packaging was damaged leaving the manifold prone to knocks and scratches. J's racing have taken it back and are willing to replace it.

Here lies the problem - they won't have another one in stock until the end f the month BUT they do have the manifodl with the heat wrap - it is more expensive but they are willing to exchange it for no extra cost.

My question to you guys is should I hold out for the non wrap version or go for the heat wrap version - I know it would reduce under hood temps but it also places a lot of stress on the manifold leading to fatigue at the welds and also cracking.

Thanks...

 

While wrapped manifold will have a lower life, with the mileage you do I wouldn't have thought it would be an issue. On my Caterham I have the manifold wrapped. It needs some care in the wrapping for best results - even and correct overlap. While it's true that wrap does cause some failures, it's one of those things that's overblown on the internet with far more people popping up to quote the 'fact' than have ever seen a failure due to wrapping let alone had one themselves.

-Brian.

 

Brian - I do around 4000 miles a year but they are pretty hard miles.

Thanks Brian. I'll probably just wait for a coupel of weeks.

Besides I've promised myself that I'll attend more meets and get the mileage up....

 

Get the wrap version, if you dont want it wrapped you can just unwrap it ?

Not going to cost you any more, so whats the problem ?

 

Thanks Ruckus - I didn't think of that doh!!!

 

Is that a fancy term for the heat shields on the manifold. I noticed the Mugen manifold came with just one at the outlet, nothing near the cat. where as the OEM had both.

Apart from deflecting heat what other use do they have, like protecting paintwork.

 

Out of interest, did you unpackage it to see the condition it was in prior to sending it back?

 

Part of the manifold was sticking out and was pretty beat up and there were gaskets missing etc. I expected the packaging to be a lot better considering the amount you pay for it.

The other thing that bugged me was the impact of direct knocks and bangs to the welds.

 

[QUOTE=Tango

 

Watch it in the rain!

I'm with Brian - I wouldn't worry with your mileage