im new to boosting and i've searched around but i cant find anything about the diffference between cast and tubular manifolds. Is it just different designs for clearences or is there performance differences between the 2?

 

Yes, there are performance advantages to tubular manifolds because of the flow characteristics. Way better flow through individual runners rather than just cast "log" manifolds, been covered many many times. There are many very knowledgable people here when it comes to this subject, just PM them.

 

for some reason, i think he might be referring to ebay manifolds.

in the case of ebay manifolds, a cast will be better than the tubular, as the tubular will crack. (not if, but when), while a cast won't crack. Obviously won't have the best flow, but that can be extrude honed out to help, or simply ported, etc.

 

^haha yes i didn't think of that, I'm used to discussing well-built quality products. But yes if they are an ebay vendor the cast will not crack as easy as the paper thin tubulars they sell.

 

tubular is better but it really depends on what your set goal horse power is. there is no need to spend a thousand dollars into a tubular if your goal is only 300hp. although i have seen cast manifolds make over 450hp, a tubular will give you better results at the same amount of boost.

 

oooo k thanks for the info guys no i wasnt referring to ebay turbo. so is the concept pretty much the same as like an intake manifold and individual throttle bodies except for the fact that its exhaust manifold

 

no, it's not a similar concept to intake manifolds.

Cast manifolds will last forever. They won't crack, but they don't flow the best.

Tubular manifolds cover a broad spectrum. You've got equal length manifolds, ram horn manifolds, and pulse converter manifolds.

Pulse converters vary the length of the runners based on the firing order of the motor so that each "pulse" of energy from each cylinder reaches the turbo at the same time, essentially creating one smooth "pulse" stream into the turbo....faster spoolup, stronger top end, all around the best design.

Equal lengths are very good designs as well, as are ram horn manifolds. All depends on your budget and your goals.