N54/N52 Exhaust Manifolds

135iTX

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Dec 1, 2017
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Does an N52 header physically bolt up to an N54 head? I’ve gotten mixed answers on this one.
 

PUTC

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From what I understand the answer is yes but the ports are off making it incompatible. But that’s going from something I read long ago. And I’m old, so I’m probably wrong :-/
 
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135iTX

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Dec 1, 2017
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Hell no lol. Just wondering if I could use the N52 exhaust manifolds as a basis for a diy N54 Turbo manifold
 
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Torgus

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Hell no lol. Just wondering if I could use the N52 exhaust manifolds as a basis for a diy N54 Turbo manifold

Be better off using the stock N54 manifold and cutting them off at the turbo. It has been done before on another forearm.

uS4uvWc.jpg
 
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PUTC

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When I first read this I assumed it was intake manifold. Looks like I’m too old to read too!!
 

doublespaces

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The problem is welding through the double walled portion of this, right? How did that project turn out anyway?
 

Torgus

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The problem is welding through the double walled portion of this, right? How did that project turn out anyway?

Thanks for fixing my picture.

He said it ran fine and used it for over a year. It was a true garage build using left over turbo from another project etc. I think he said he invested under 2k into the whole thing. More like 1600 IIRC.

I also wonder about welding the double wall. My guess is you weld right after it.
 

The Convert

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Thanks for fixing my picture.

He said it ran fine and used it for over a year. It was a true garage build using left over turbo from another project etc. I think he said he invested under 2k into the whole thing. More like 1600 IIRC.

I also wonder about welding the double wall. My guess is you weld right after it.
Even at that price, you'd be better off just buying upgraded twins.
 

doublespaces

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We've cut the manifolds off from the housing right below the weld. This means you have a layer of solid turbine housing intact to weld too, meaning the double wall is sealed up. Not an issue.

Rob

Is there a reason in your opinion we don't see more backyard builds using this?
 

Rob@RBTurbo

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Is there a reason in your opinion we don't see more backyard builds using this?

It is likely that many do not have the time, patience, or general knowledge. Then if they do they may not have a welder accessible. This aside they are not going to be the most pretty of kits out there either. But if one has this all on their side and are ok with the less than desirable aesthetics they certainly could build a mega cheap ST kit.

Rob
 
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135iTX

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Dec 1, 2017
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Once you factor in all the costs:

Old N54 manifolds
Welder
Tubing/flanges
Miscellaneous Single turbo accessories
Turbo

You are pretty much at the cost of cheap twins or the lower end single kits. That’s probably why more people don’t go this route