Which manifolds???

[IanFS]

Hi

This may or may not be appropriate here, however I'm not asking for anyone to disrespect a manufacturer, only to give honest opinions of their findings, if they have any.

I have to change the manifolds and elbows on my Mercruiser 4.3L V6, which in the UK is no cheap exercise. There are lots of companies in the US who make them but we only have distributors. I can import from the US but the shipping costs don't make it worth while.

Therefore I would like to ask general opinions if anyone has any on which make manifolds are better or equal. The question arises as the cost difference, for a complete kit, seems to range from ?504 to in excess of ?700. Consequently, if a kit costing more is better then it's worth it. if they are similar or not much in it, then I can save money to buy on other things.

Aftermarket suppliers seem to be GLM, Osco, Barr, HGE or Sierra.

They all seem to be equally as good as each other, except that today I found out that some GLM manifolds are made in China, where the mould process is not as good, however they are cheaper and there are an awful lot of them sold.

Any idea's?

Cheers

 

[Bondo]

Re: Which manifolds???

They all seem to be equally as good as each other, except that today I found out that some GLM manifolds are made in China, where the mould process is not as good, however they are cheaper and there are an awful lot of them sold.

Ayuh,.... So are the HGEs, 'n I believe the Sierra line...

I've personally had Issues with GLMs....
I fixed 'em, by remachining the gasket surfaces flat...

 

[dingdongs]

Re: Which manifolds???

there's some ally ones here which are a substantial weight saving over cast iron ones.they say there are manufacturers/dealers in europe but worth a phone call if your changing everything anyway.http://www.perfprotech.com/store/articles/marine-exhaust.aspx

 

[IanFS]

Re: Which manifolds???

So are the HGEs, 'n I believe the Sierra line..

Yep, found out today that HGE's are made in China too. Very surprised to here that Sierra may be as well.

dingdongs
I've looked Perfprotech several times. I would steer clear of the Aluminium ones only because Aluninium against Steel will warm up/cool down at different rates, possible leakage issues.

Their Electro deposition coated units look good but the cost of shipping to the UK puts them way above the cost of say the HGE's.

Does anyone know if Barr are US built? Are there any manifolds which are US built?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Which manifolds???

Does anyone know if Barr are US built? Are there any manifolds which are US built?

Ayuh,... I believe Osco, or Barr, or both are made in Pennsylvania....

 

[rick3452]

Re: Which manifolds???

I just used Barr, Made In USA very good quality, but use only OEM Gaskets....