didn't say you said they were better. You asked me how much aftermarket or OEM manifolds were compared to the ebay manifold and I told you...along with the reason why they are so much. I mean if you are just looking for a replacement, by all means get it. If you are going for performance, you are doing the total opposite. It's one thing to search for deals on used parts, but it's another thing to buy a cheap product with high expectations. Just don't want the OP to get upset if things don't go as planned. Also not all exhaust companies offer a flex section with their products right off the bat. I had a Corksport exhaust and they don't come with a flex nor do they offer an option for one. As far as affording parts, it doesn't take much effort to save a little change off of each check and set it aside. If you own a protege, it should either be paid off or getting close to being paid off. I can understand if someone just bought one, but even then, they are cheap. It's not like you are going out and buying a $20-$30k car. Most of the people on here are enthusiasts, their cars are modded in some way, shape or form. If they can afford bolt ons, they can save up for a quality made manifold. I know for a fact it's not hard to save up for something if you really want it. I was recently discharged from the military and between jobs. Im married, pay rent and have a kid. But once all the bills are paid, groceries bought and gas tanks filled, I still managed to save up for a Haltech sprint 500, GT3071R, P.E.P dp, and other things without digging a hole in my finances. Also, owning a protege says nothing about parts affordability, there are several members here who can easily go out and buy a new car. They just choose not to because well...why buy another car if I already have a perfectly running car. Plus some people enjoy living within their means. Like they may be able to afford a new car, but they enjoy not having a car payment even if having a payment barely puts a dent in their pocket.
