Sound Performance. Do not recomend. "Edit: Issue resolved"

"EDIT: Larry corrected the issues and I am now very happy with my manifold!"

I ordered a Sound performance F1 manifold for the 7MGTE in my 84 (pretty much the only company that still builds manifolds for the 7MGTE). I chose a twin scroll, and the individual runner EGT bung option. Since my engine is in a MK2, they asked me to send them a motor mount and bracket, which I did. I informed them I would be running the turbo oil drain to my custom oil pan, and using an external oil filter mount, and that the MK2 has more room in the engine bay than the MK3 as it has a McPherson strut front suspension instead of a double wishbone, so it should clear the body fine if it clears in a MK3. I informed them I am using a Borg Warner S366 SXE with a 0.91A/R divided turbine housing, and 44MM Tial waste gates, with a 2JZGTE 3in vband down pipe.


They sent me these pics of the progress, and recommended that I test fit it to make sure it fits properly before coating, but I would have to pay the round trip shipping for this. I agreed. They sent these below pics of the manifold to show progress. Note that it is bolted to a 7MGTE while they fabricate it.Mock up pics are on the old 7MGTE in my 84, not the one currently being fully built.


Manifold01 by

williamb82, on Flickr


Manifold02 by

williamb82, on Flickr


Manifold03 by

williamb82, on Flickr


Manifold06 by

williamb82, on Flickr


In this last pic, you can see there is obviously no clearance for the oil sending unit or Turbo oil feed. I pointed this out to them before they ever shipped me the manifold to test fit it.


IMAG6698~2 by williamb82, on Flickr



They did not fix that issue before sending it to me to test fit. When it arrived, I noted that the lower waste gate pipe is absurdly long for no reason. They stated it is to allow the waste gate to clear the frame.


IMAG6333~2 by

williamb82, on Flickr


I liked the angle of the turbo, which is one of the reasons I opted for this manifold.


IMAG6334~2 by

williamb82, on Flickr


To my surprise, it has a billet collector, and not the fabricated collector shown in the photos on their website when I ordered it. I pointed this out and they have since updated their site.


IMAG6339~2 by

williamb82, on Flickr


I mocked up the 2JZGTE down pipe, my 44mm waste gates, S366 SXE turbo etc.. on the floor in the house to see how it would lay out before bolting into the car for mock up.


IMAG6349~2 by

williamb82, on Flickr



Once in the car, the lower waste gate could not be bolted up because it hit the stiffener bracket that bolts from the block to the R154. Now remember, they built this on a 7MGTE in their shop, and have done this for MK3's that use the R154 and have the same bracket in place etc.. as it is a stock 7MGTE bracket.


IMAG6398~3 by

williamb82, on Flickr


IMAG6429~3 by

williamb82, on Flickr


The base of my hand is touching the frame. That is how much room is between the frame and the waste gate flange.


IMAG6435~3 by

williamb82, on Flickr


Here you can see there is literally no room for a m12x1.25 to 4AN turbo oil feed fitting, much less with a 4AN hose fitting connected to it.


IMAG6403~3 by

williamb82, on Flickr


IMAG6450~3 by

williamb82, on Flickr


There is barely enough room for the tip of my finger between the port and the runner.


IMAG6405~3 by

williamb82, on Flickr


I sent the manifold back to them with these pics and the info on the issues. I also included an oil sending unit, a power steering pump with bracket, and 1 of my EGT sensors as I informed them all EGT bungs could face straight up except for the #3 runner due to the turbine housing, and I sent them the turbine housing as well to ensure proper clearance.

They then sent me these pics. It clears the oil sending unit and turbo oil feed now as it should have the first time.

IMG_6820 by

williamb82, on Flickr


Notice how they shortened the #3 runner so it is no longer equal length and has very sharp bends. It could have gone down lower for a more swooping bend to keep the length correct and improve the flow for that cylinder. I pointed out my concerns on that runner shape in regards to the other 5 when I got these pics.


IMG_6821 by

williamb82, on Flickr


IMG_6879 by

williamb82, on Flickr


The lower waste gate clears, though should have the first time around.

IMG_6878 by

williamb82, on Flickr