I just bought an ATS exhaust manifold to go along with a new turbo and some other goodies. I'm considering gasket matching and perhaps having a ceramic coating applied to it prior to installation. Do ya'll think this would be worth the time, effort, and expense? Any tips? Thanks!

 

I am getting ready to do the very same thing, I think it will be worth it

 

Remember on exhasut side proting you go out to in. Meaning you have to do the turbo if you plan to do the manifold.
A friend from NW Bombers day observed that coated manifolds would base metal corode similar to chromed items. He felt BBQ flat black was the better choice.
RIP Rob Hanson

 

Thanks, I've run a search on the subject, but the results seem to be somewhat inconclusive. I did find a rather interesting and entertaining discussion between Don M and Zino.... It was from a few years ago, so I thought I'd try the topic again to see if opinions had changed due to advances in technology. For what it's worth, it seemed to me that Don was not in favor of the coatings, but I didn't find many opinions on porting the manifold.

 

http://www.nwbombers.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5406

This is the best porting thread. It was written by a pro 3 years ago. The photos got detached from the original posts and you'll have to match them.

If you're spending $400 on a new manifold and $?? on a larger turbo for performance why wouldn't you port it? A little clean up is always good. You don't (and shouldn't) go crazy. Remember, a bad port job is not the same as a bad haircut. It doesn't grow back.

 

Great thread, thanks for the link!