Does anyone here know much about interchangeability of the exhaust manifold (w/ cat) between the various years of R50, R52, and R53? I have an 09/02 production ‘03 R53. I was looking on realoem.com, and it says the part number for the exhaust manifold is 18407533402, good for cars produced until 07/04. I looked on car-part.com at used exhaust manifolds, and it suggests there is some difference in parts between those produced up to 01/03 and those after 02/03. That is to say, car-part.com and realoem.com seem to disagree on interchangeability.

Is there a definitive guide somewhere that discusses which exhaust manifolds (w/cat) work with what year, i.e. an interchange guide? What are the differences between the variations of this part?

 

I do believe the confusion comes from the fact pre and facelift models have different exhaust systems. Mainly being just the hangers and locations, in which companies would generically follow this knowledge and claim the entire exhaust system varies, but it does not. Only the "catback" portion of the system varies.

Factually, you can bolt an r50 manifold on an r53 vise versa. If i remember correctly, the manifold itself does not mount to the car but mounts to the engine and remainder of the exhaust "catback". I dont see in anyway how it can vary, but i am ready to be surprised!

Best of luck!

 

Your explanation that the exhaust system only varies after the cat makes sense to me.

I am sure you are right that they bolt up the same. The only wiggle room for difference I can see would be in orientation of the bits in between, say to clear something that is present on one year but not another. But I’m not aware of anything that fits this criteria.

 

I think your correct on that. I wouldn't hesitate to go with any year manifold.

I say you go for it, we document it, and once proven successful we label it as the WhoHasGotTheBlueS mod. Similar to the Joey mod and such. We can make you famous!

Take care

 

Ha! Well, trouble is there don’t appear to be any salvage exhaust manifolds anywhere near me. Might have to grab an aftermarket unit and cross my fingers.