GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: maximous on 27 June 2007, 13:40

Title: Ashley 16v 4 branch mainfolds
Post by: maximous on 27 June 2007, 13:40
Hi there people I’ve just ordered a Ashley 4 branch manifold for my 16valver, has anyone here used an Ashley and what did they think?

http://www.ashleyexhausts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=5205_1163_1240_1274&products_id=1411382
Title: Re: Ashley 16v 4 branch mainfolds
Post by: tom26 on 27 June 2007, 13:51
looks great for the money! i have a mild steel 4 branch on my valver, works very well. You can notice a tinny noise through the centre console though :smiley:
Title: Re: Ashley 16v 4 branch mainfolds
Post by: maximous on 27 June 2007, 13:59
I think i should be able to live with that  :grin: did you heat wrap yours for faster flow and lower under bonnet temps and did it make any difference?
Title: Re: Ashley 16v 4 branch mainfolds
Post by: tom26 on 27 June 2007, 14:12
nah. didn't bother in the end.
Title: Re: Ashley 16v 4 branch mainfolds
Post by: rubjonny on 29 June 2007, 10:42
check the ashley site for your 4 branch, it specifically says not to wrap my mild steel 8v one :)
I hope it fits, I'll find out tomorrow  :grin:
Title: Re: Ashley 16v 4 branch mainfolds
Post by: maximous on 29 June 2007, 12:05
Yeah the salesman I bought the manifold from said not to wrap it as people are having troubles with premature failure (cracking) but I’ve always wrapped mine as standard procedure.....?

What’s the performance like on these manifolds; I’ve had very good experiences using them on mk1 escorts but never on a VW?
Title: Re: Ashley 16v 4 branch mainfolds
Post by: perryqhill on 30 June 2007, 22:19
Hmm, I'm on the look out for a manifold - not sure what to go for though.
Title: Re: Ashley 16v 4 branch mainfolds
Post by: VW_valver on 30 June 2007, 22:50
I really wouldn't wrap the manifold as I did this on my Ashley manifold on my old Escort GTi and within 6 months it had cracked in 5 places. Wrapping - Not recommended on Ashley manifolds  :smiley:

Cheers,
Andy
Title: Re: Ashley 16v 4 branch mainfolds
Post by: rubjonny on 01 July 2007, 06:49
ok guys, if you do buy an ashley MAKE SURE its long enough, mine was too short by 5 1/2"!!!  Went to all the zaust places in Bracknell trying to find a length of pipe, in the end I had to chop off a bit from my mates spare miltek front pipe :cry:
Plus they dont include bolts or a gasket for the flexi joint!
Title: Re: Ashley 16v 4 branch mainfolds
Post by: maximous on 01 July 2007, 14:30
Thats not very cool being a good 5" short but what were the gains like from using it?
Title: Re: Ashley 16v 4 branch mainfolds
Post by: j_s on 02 July 2007, 11:03
John will be back later tonight to answer that but he told me over the phone his car was running rather nicely but then we also put on a new flowed/ported rebuilt head  :tongue:

As for the Ashley build quality and the size issue etc, really really disappointed. I know they are cheap but my god  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Ashley 16v 4 branch mainfolds
Post by: rubjonny on 02 July 2007, 17:37
have to say the build quality isnt that great, the welds are really messey and the mounting face had some inperfections that needed filing off. Plus a random chunk of metal was stuck inside one of the ports?  Also my zaust now hits the side of the centre tunnel, seems its a little off centre!

But it does fit a 2e lump OK without hitting the firewall, which was my main concern!
Title: Re: Ashley 16v 4 branch mainfolds
Post by: maximous on 02 July 2007, 19:39
and the performance what was that like?
Title: Re: Ashley 16v 4 branch mainfolds
Post by: rubjonny on 02 July 2007, 19:52
It does seem quicker, but as j_s said I also fitted a flowed head and I have reason to belive my old head & manifold/downpipe were totally knackered, plus the inlet manifold bolts were only finger tight.  Hardly surprising really :grin:
Title: Re: Ashley 16v 4 branch mainfolds
Post by: maximous on 02 July 2007, 20:06
Cool well i got it today and I’ll install it in the week & have a rolling road tune done by next month (payday), so I’ll let you know how it all goes – I must say so far I am very impressed with the build quality.
Title: Re: Ashley 16v 4 branch mainfolds
Post by: j_s on 03 July 2007, 12:44
Well we can safely say my Milltek 4 branch was a work of art in comparison with the Ashley but it works and was cheap, as long as it doesn't crack then it's all types of awesome then, hey John ;)