Yes, unfortunately it also happens with me, this week end. It's confirmed by my mechanic, and i have some questions I hope you can answer: 1. what do you recomend, rebuildind the manifold or buying a new one? 2. An OEM or an aftermarket manifold? If you say a not original one, I suppose I have to buy both manifolds, what is much more expensive, isn't it? 3. I have a capristo level II with hiperflows and the exhaust valve wired opened. Is there any relation with the manifold getting very hot and crack easily? Or this was going to happen independentely of any care or the modifications of the exhaust I've done? 4. I've done a long trip (more than 300 miles), and I stop only twice (for 10 minutes may be). Could it help the manifolds to crack? Well...I know it doesn't matter, bur I have to ask.... As I have my car being inspected, right now, I hope you can help me, with suggestions and advices. I've done a search on this matter but it didn't help much. Thanks. Nuno
Look for posts that mention the QV (Ascot UK) manifolds which seem popular and reliable although with all the currencies currently who knows if UK or USA is cheaper for you
Get it refurbished. I had mine done, and they worked perfectly after that. Usually, there is no need to buy a replacement.
This is a pretty typical 355 exhaust manifold failure. I'm not sure how you would weld this back up... Image Unavailable, Please Login
I had mine done at QV London: http://www.qv-london.com/home.htm This place also does them, or may even be the place that does it for QV London: http://www.jpexhausts.co.uk/Site/Features.htm I believe both offer exchange units, so you can purchase a pair of rebuilt units, pay a deposit, and your deposit is returned when they receive your damaged units back. That was how I did mine through QV London.
WOW---Had no idea it was that much to refurbish them----I would rather have aftermarket ones---I guess if someone is concerned about concours events this would be the way to go... I'll take my Fabspeeds with the lifetime warranty!!
I think that welding a crack in one area would tend to transfer more heat stress to other nearby areas in the header. This would cause increase in rate of cracking in the other areas. I'd replace the headers. JMHO.
Since all of the guys who know what they're talking about haven't answered some of your questions, I'll give you the layman's version. 1. what do you recomend, rebuildind the manifold or buying a new one? A). I assume that you're talking about QV-type rebuilds - please don't put OEMs back on it. You'll hear good cases for QVing the originals as well as aftermarket headers which may give some additional power. Dyno sheets, Fabspeed? Make sure you get a life time warranty. 2. An OEM or an aftermarket manifold? If you say a not original one, I suppose I have to buy both manifolds, what is much more expensive, isn't it? A). QV is in the area of $2000, Fabsppeds $2400, Tubi and Stebro are considerably more expensive. Replacing one stock manifold at a dealer ($3500???) will cost more that QV or Fabspeed - and it will eventually - potentially - fail yet again. 3. I have a capristo level II with hiperflows and the exhaust valve wired opened. Is there any relation with the manifold getting very hot and crack easily? Or this was going to happen independentely of any care or the modifications of the exhaust I've done? 3). This is a well known F355 problem, and probably doesn't have anything to do with your mods, although some will caution about the effects of wiring the crossover valve open. 4. I've done a long trip (more than 300 miles), and I stop only twice (for 10 minutes may be). Could it help the manifolds to crack? Well...I know it doesn't matter, bur I have to ask.... 4). Only if the trip was on the autobahn at 183mph. Sustained heat is what causes the problem, . Track day, maybe. Road trip, nah. Now, the experts will tell you the real deal.
thanks for all replays. I'll try to rebuild the cracked manifold, but I'm meditating on buying an aftermarket one. Which one, that's the question.
Call Daniel or David at Ricambi, I beleive they are dealers for Fabspeed now. They are top of the line.... (Ricambi and Fabspeed headers!!!)
Indeed we are pleased to be Fabspeed resellers now: http://www.ricambiamerica.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=FS355
Repairing manifolds on this type of car would be absolutely ludicrous. Bandaids at best. Get new ones. -Billy
Agreed, but rebuilding is definitely possible, when done correctly with the right materials. http://www.jpexhausts.co.uk/Site/Features.htm
This are two sections of my left manifold, with two big holes. I can imagine the flames getting out from there a few inches from the fuel tank. I'm happy I had decided to stop and have the car towed I was told by the man who towed my car that last year, in the same place, a 348 exploded and burnt after some kind of misfire has been listen. Well, the manifold is repaired. The car is apparentelly OK, but I'm meditating on buying an aftermarket completely new manifold. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Now it's working... must have been the 'net in Kuwait...sometimes good, sometimes ... well ... you know. Mike in Kuwait
Hello Nuno, we recommend that the valve must work correctly to provide any danger for engine, manifolds an cats. It's not good to fix the valve with wire. Regarding OEM or aftermarket manifolds we have tested manifolds from many suppliers and we recommend the OEM's because there is no loss of power if they are build in. Best Regards, Wolfgang (for Capristo Exhaust Systems)
Thanks for the replay, Wolfe. As a capristo customer can you tell me if you supply a by-pass valve for a 5,2 355 suitable for my capristo level II. Nuno.
Hi guys, I know I'm a newb here so no one knows me and most won't even read this post because of it. I'll just say that I love Ferraris and aspire to own one in the next few months. I've wanted a 355 since they came out. This thread has got me thinking though. There are no places in the States that I know of that can fix the cracked manifolds. I have built stainless headers before and replacing the primaries on 355 headers would be a walk in the park for me. Does anyone have a cracked set that they would like to sell me? I need a set to make a jig. I'm sure I could even work something out with an Fchat member if they just wanted them fixed and sent back. Please PM me if anyone has anything. I assure you that I'm not on here trolling for business. I joined the forum because I love these cars. Now it seems that I might be able to help some people out with this problem. Tim
