Is my exh mani and turbo just scrap?
 

took a look at the turbo for shaftplay, didn't feel a thing, but I did find cracks where it mates with the exhaust manifold. Took a look at the manifold as well and my heart sank. Took some pics to get some opinions on what options I can take...

Here's what I found on the turbo side of things...
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...87463992_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...17919408_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...13210532_n.jpg



And here's what I found on the exhaust manifold...
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...73878542_n.jpg

Thoughts/tips on actions to take?

Typical of cracks on stock turbos...

You might lose a little of efficiency from the cracks, but I bet the butt dyno can't feel a thing.
More importantly, if cracks extend into mating areas of (metal) gasket, it can kill the gaskets prematurely.

The one big crack by the stud on the turbo exhaust manifold will surely kill the metal gasket in a very short time.

Good news is that those S4 turbo parts are a dime a dozen.
Check classfieds, eBay, etc. for good, used replacement parts.


-Ted

Some of the cracks can be welded but the one with the stud would make me think about finding a better one as RETed said .

Is there an aftermarket header you could upgrade to?

Turbo/Manifold --> header = downgrade

I believe you meant an aftermarket turbo manifold/downpipe assembly. Most people build their own or some of the vendors on here have built them for customers. But there's just not much point in it if you're running the stock turbo. As RETed said the stock parts are relatively plentiful and much cheaper than custom made pieces. My FWIW opinion.