Re: Custom EM for 10V turbo

["Janet Scruggs" <scruggs@mbay.net>]

I've considered having an improved manifold made for my MC engine and set
about last year to find someone to do same.  Checked with Jack Burns of
Burns Stainless in LA.  He makes headers for Winston Cup stockers and from
the pictures in his catalog they are art.  Said that he was more of a
producer than a fabricator these days and sent me to one of his fabricators
friends that does a lot of street rod custom things.  I've forgotten this
guy's name but I told him what I wanted and as he was not familiar with the
Audi I5 I described the configuration and layout.  Said that he would have
to see it in the flesh before giving me a firm price but for a one-off unit
out of stainless steel he allowed as it would probably be in the range of
$1,800 - $2,200.

Well the next thing I remember was a paramedic leaning over me yelling,
"CLEAR!"  Then I must have gone through this dream sequence because Linda,
DeDe and Mike, all of Carlsen's parts department, were bring me a new
two-piece exhaust manifold with a red ribbon wrapped around it.  At this
point I knew that this must be my heavenly reward... and it only cost $800!

Last summer I scoured the country, using a parts locator service in
Jacksonville FL, for a used two-piece EM.  I bought two: one turned out to
be for an NA 10V engine, and the other turned out to be the OEM one that I
already had.  Returned same.  Bummer.

Should anyone locate a fabricator for an improved EM for our dear 10V turbo
engines that would be willing to make a batch of them for a reasonable
price, I think there is enough interest out there to support the making of
around 20 of them.... IF... the price is close to the cast iron two-piece
and the performance is better.  I hereby raise my hand as one who is
interested.

Regards, Gross Scruggs
'87 5kCSq, OE EM...