>
QUOTE(frosty @ Nov 8, 2007 - 7:26 AM) [snapback]612294[/snapback]
>
Hey, I appreciate it guys. Nice read on the thread you linked too.
I've always read where it's said manifolds built like this will crack, but never read a reason for it. My educated guess would be that due to the heat changes and the metal constantly expanding/contracting would cause the crack where as the stock cast manifold would do this less.
(still, they look cool

lol)
Thin-walled stainless (or, almost stainless like much of the chinese crap) is much weaker than a big cast manifold. When it gets hot, it gets soft and can crack/break. Heat cycling is also an issue (like you mentioned). It might be ok if you were able to keep the turbo support bracket, but I doubt it fits with a manifold like that.
The stock manifold with the turbo support and a wrapped/coated downpipe with a support would be your best bet for reliable performance. The questionable gains, extra engine bay heat (if not wrapped/shielded) and reliability issues just make most aftermarket manifolds not worth it.
-Charlie