cracked exhaust manifolds

So we have a cracking manifold issue with F430s with excess heat not the issue, yet when I show my 575's cracked manifolds, I have burned them up according to Taz, RD etc. I had no outward noise indicating the cracks. They were only found using a listening device. I would suggest that in the interests of fire prevention that all 575 owners have their manifolds acoustically checked at the next service. I will bet there are many other cracked 575 manifolds out there just waiting to be found or burn things up. I will also bet that nobody with cracked 575 manifolds will replace them with the OEM garbage at $20k plus (unless forced to by emissions regs). I also wonder how lean these cars will run if no ECU re-map is done when the manifolds are replaced with headers. The majority 575 owners who are not interested in performance will just have the grin and bear the extra 50bhp after they have to install headers.

Those of you looking at a 575 to buy should insist that the manifolds are checked in any PPI.

 

Taz, how many 575 owners have had their manifolds acoustically checked? I will bet that you haven't either. Cracks will not affect much AFR wise as the manifold is under positive pressure internally so no influx of air to upset O2 sensor readings etc. should occur. Only when the crack is wide enough to jet hot exhaust gases through the heat shields will disaster strike. IMO. I would like to hear alternative possibilities other than heat issues.

I will speculate that my manifolds were like most 575 manifolds and existing cracks were propagated by my driving habits. While testing my modifications I would bet that I have hit red line more times in a few months than 99% of 575s will in their lifetimes.

 

Cheers Fabio, however I am forced to change manifolds so I have gone for the headers. They should greatly compliment my 3 inch exhaust system giving me the feeling of a manual 599 in a gorgeous 575. What you suggest is way beyond my budget.

Fabio, Bosch and others have confirmed to me that these ECUs have a fixed MAP at open throttle under load. That is what needs re-tuning. The self adjusting by the ECUs only occurs in part throttle situations. I am very happy with what DMS in the UK have done by working with me to get my AFRs to the 12.8:1 range from altering the fixed MAP . Hopefully as you say, I won't need a another retune after just installing headers. I am able to adjust the fuel pressure if needed. I think another 50hp will need more fuel however.

My car is many months away. Waiting for headers and leather from Italy.......