Mk3 Gti 8v Performance Manifold nightmares...

[Larrychips]

I'm an the owner of a 1997 Mk3 Golf GTi 8v.  Been doing some reading up here on how to extract a little bit more performance out of my 8v...changed the panel filter for a K&N one + drilled the airbox.  Next I wanted to get a 4-2-1 Stainless steel exhaust manifold.  I found one on eBay, being sold by a German company...so I bought it.   Once it arrived I took my car down to a local garage to get it fitted...and guess what, it would not fit.  The four pipes that connect to the head were quite badly out of alignment...he still charged me full price as he still had to get the old mainfold off and fit the new one, taking the whole top of the engine apart...only to refit the original one.  Bummer...

So...I sent that manifold back and made this German company send me a new one.  When the new one arrived, being wiser this time, I used a gasket (Bought from VW that week for the AGG engine) as a guide.  The new one was even worse...the 4 pipes that connect to the head were completely out, some as much as 3/4 of an inch.  Accepting defeat, I sent both of these manifolds back to get a refund.

I found a different company on eBay, also from Germany, that were selling a manifold for my car.  After I got the money back from the 1st company, I bought it.  To cut a long story short, it also does not fit however it was alot closer than the 1st 2 I tried.  I took it to several local metalworking companies, most of which didn't want to even look at it...found one that would, and he's quoted me 300quid to put it right.  No ways I am paying 300 pounds to get it bent right, it only cost 170. 

Now... here comes the question:  Where on earth do I get hold of a manifold for a 1997 Mk3 Golf 2.0 Gti 8v (AGG) locally...THAT FITS MY CAR?  Is there anywhere in or around London that makes or sells these?

 ->  I know alot of you will be thinking that I should just save my money, sell my 8v and buy a VR6 if I want performance...I plan to do that towards the end of this year, when I have the funds...   

Any info or advice would be appreciated,
Thanks,
Laurence

Below is a picture of the 1st Manifold I bought...

[salsheikh]

Larry,

sorry to hear about your bad luck with these German sellers. I used a company called Customer Chrome which are local to me in Nuneaton and had one made for me which cost near £150, I have been using them for years so got it cheap. Give them a try and see what quote they give you, always knock the price down as they will hagle for a bit of business!

her's a link:

http://www.custom-chrome.co.uk/

[Mikester]

They are for LHD cars mate.

The company themselves are very good for what they make, coilovers etc. But i have heard that the 8v manifolds are for LHD 8vs, which makes all the difference. But the VR6 manifolds are ok for uk spec cars.

[Petec82]

I bought mine from ebay! Sorry I cant remember the name of the shop and it was a while ago so the details arent on My eBay page but, I remember it was a Belgiun (sp) company and fitted a treat! Glad it did now as I did the work myself and your story made me realise I just took it for granted and didnt check it first  . I'll try and find out if they are still around and post a link!
Pete 

[Larrychips]

Come to think of it, the 1st German company did not state on their eBay add weather it was for a LHD or RHD model.  However the 2nd eBay add clearly stated it was for a RHD mk3...I even emailed him to confirm it would fit my UK spec mk3 before I bought it.

I've had a look at  http://www.custom-chrome.co.uk, there is nothing on their website about manifolds...just "cat-back" stuff.  Should I give them a call to ask about manifolds?

Thanks for your replies...

[Mikester]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Supersprint-VW-Golf-Mk3-8V-GTi-Manifold_W0QQitemZ220427675790QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item335283688e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1683|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

[Larrychips]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Supersprint-VW-Golf-Mk3-8V-GTi-Manifold_W0QQitemZ220427675790QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item335283688e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1683|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

That does look the business...I am just a bit weary of buying one off eBay again.  Had a look though his feedback, all positive...however not one of them have bought this part.  I would also like to wait until I get my money back from this latest pipe-work paper-weight...

Surely there must be a supplier in the UK that sells this? 

[Mikester]

That is a supplier in the uk that sells them! lol.

And your buying performance parts for old old vag cars, hence why it all comes from germany mate.

And if you want to buy one from a company not on ebay, not that i know of any, expect to pay double, and some more probably. As it will more than likely have to be a one off custom job.

[Wayne]

Supersprint make one: http://www.supersprint.com/defaulteng.asp

[Larrychips]

Ah...that eBay add you posted was for a Supersprint VW Golf Mk3 8V GTi Manifold.  The picture he used on eBay is the same one from their site... I just wonder why he is selling it for half the RRP.  Is it possible he's selling it cheaply as its a "factory reject" and wont fit...?  I know I'm being a little pessimistic, but I don't want to be burnt again   :embarassed: