Integrated Engineering Intake manifold review

[houseboy214]

Hi all,

Back in August, I waited 2 months for their new intake for my B7 A4. It was installed per their directions and it looks amazing. fast forward to now, I developed an severe vacuum leak that turned out to be a crack in the manifold. It is where the crankcase gas attachment attaches to the manifold. It came with a NPT fitting that attaches to the hose. Long story short, I called IE today asking for advise on fixing or exchanging the intake.

To my shock, I was treated rudely, talked over and not offered any advice to fix it other than "taking personal responsibility for my mistake". They claim that the fitting was "over-tourqued" causing the crack. I told him that there was nothing in the instructions about "over-torqueing" the fitting and it was installed snug. Further it was installed with their fitting and the crack didn't develop until now, 4 months later. Before calling me a noob or whatever, Ive been working on aluminum parts for many years and have never had this happen...besides it was turned to snug. I am not stupid.

I loved the product and it operated great until it didn't. I just wanted some advice on fixing it or if they would consider an exchange. I paid a pretty penny for this part and I hoped I would be treated better than this. Up until now, IE has been great to work with.

SO, be aware that if you buy this manifold, be careful when attaching parts that are supplied with it. You will get no support and be treated very rudely by the staff from IE if something goes sideways. I have spent thousands of dollars there, I expected much better.

BTW...does anyone have suggestions. Is this something a welder can fix? Do I need to find a specialist of some sort?

[fly300kts]

First, there was no need to start 2 posts
Sorry to hear and surprised from IE for such reaction. I really hope they will chime in before this gets out of control.
I am not familiar with that specific intake but I assume they had to weld some components on it so a TIG repair shall be possible

Phil

[melomandn]

Very surprised to hear that from them. Failure after being installed for 4 months almost guarantees it was a faulty part/casting/weld/etc. Did they provide torque specs with the manifold and fittings? Either way, I'm surprised they didnt want it sent back for inspection and quality control reasons.

Do you have any pics?

[vdubjetta02]

I read many reviews that product does not actual provide any true gains without being stage 3 and have seen some dyno graphs showing a loss in torque. ... With that said, I've never been a huge fan of IE products with exception to their internals.

It sucks they won't stand up to their very expensive manifold. Try visiting a local machine shop and see if they can help

[Okedokey]

That's bs.

[vce1232000]

I would expect then what experience you posted

[chucklando]

What a bummer. This was a product I was really excited to hear the production of and watched the development for over a year on the IE thread. Then it never really seemed to be a major seller for our platform. I'm glad I didn't get one now that I'm converting my car back to stock. It's very surprising you got that treatment from them, I've only had very helpful talks with them. I wonder what changed.

[KJack]

Thanks for the heads up on Integrated Engineering. I had my eye on that manifold but forget it now. Faulty product is bad enough, combine that with lousy customer service = stay away at all costs. If you can find a shop with aluminum welding experience I imagine you can get it repaired.

[aluthman]

It can be welded, but will require removal of the finish in that area and possible pre-heat. You will likely want to get it blasted and re-coated after the repair. That said, cast aluminum is a pain to work with, so make sure whoever welds it knows what they are doing.