Is my exh mani and turbo just scrap?

[r4itei]

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/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/549896_10150679842843305_502678304_9367629_1687463 992_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/549896_10150679842873305_502678304_9367630_2117919 408_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/549896_10150679842883305_502678304_9367631_9132105 32_n.jpg



And here's what I found on the exhaust manifold...
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/549896_10150679842888305_502678304_9367632_6738785 42_n.jpg

Thoughts/tips on actions to take?

[RETed]

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

[Garfinkles Motor Works]

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 .

[Ma7daPow3r]

Is there an aftermarket header you could upgrade to?

[Sharingan 19]

Turbo/Manifold --> header = downgrade

[GySgtFrank]

Is there an aftermarket header you could upgrade to?

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.