@56task-
I noticed in the sig of your intro thread that you're running an edge programmer.
I'd say that you could spend the money for manifolds and uppipes in better places right now...
I'd suggest a lift pump and EFI-Live to start.
Depending on how much power you're wanting, a built transmission should take precedence over manifolds and uppipes as well. Also, you'll want to do the pump rub upgrade in the transfer case sooner than later.
I'd even go as far as to say a turbo and injector upgrade would come before manifolds and uppipes, these diesels don't work like a gasser does, manifold upgrades aren't totally necessary to manage the power and heat like they are for a gas powered tire shredder.
You can fairly safely make about 550whp on the stock LBZ pistons, and at that point once you've got a built trans and you're pushing built engine territory, or building an engine, then you'll really start "needing" a set of manifolds and uppipes. However, there are a ton of guys not using them making lots of power. Take Hondarider552 for example, he made +1000whp on a set of stock manifolds and pipes before he blew out the bellows of an uppipe.
I'm not trying to dismay you from spending your money on mani/uppie's, they're cool and I got a set before I needed them, but take my experience as an example and hear me say they weren't worth the mint at the time and I could've used that coin for a better purpose at that time.
I do believe they make a difference, don't get me wrong. However it's not just the manifolds that make the difference. Diesels take more thought, more science and more thorough measures to make the system sing.
Really, the manifolds and uppipes drive the turbo, that's about it, sure they can help reduce EGT's, but good tuning with bigger injectors and a better turbo can also reduce EGT's. At the point your working at, putting a set of mani/uppipe on and taking drive pressure from the turbo might actually be a step backwards.
You really need to be using more fuel and expelling more gasses before you need manis/uppie's and then, technically you'll be pushing more air, so you'll want to address the charge air plumbing. Like the hot side, EGR system and cold side and the Y-bridge. I'd even say an upgraded intercooler might come before manifolds...
But really everything should be addressed and looked at as an entire system of parts working together to make a difference, rather than a part here or there.
You're in a good place friend, these guys will steer ya down the right path, it takes some time and understanding and as you've already figured out, a good deal of cash to get these pigs to move out, so spend it as wisely as possible:thumb::thumb:
