Keep the 4 branch or go standard?

[timmo]

Hello
So, I have a shiny four branch stainless manifold on my rocco. Trouble is that it touches the steering rack gator, and it needs a new mid section to make it line up. In addition to this I hear that you should upgrade the engine mounts to reduce the risk of the manifold cracking.
Having the manifold reshaped, plus engine mounts, exhaust etc etc sounds expensive and time consuming.
Anybody think it's really worth while on limited time and a limited budget?
It does sound rather nice right now in it's bodged form though!


Edit: oops, meant to put this in the exhaust section, sorry!

[mr.brown]

Moved for you

Regarding your exhaust question it sounds as if the 4 branch you have isn't all that well made so you may be better off selling it. I suppose it also depends on how much the replacement standard parts are going to cost you.

[timmo]

Thank you mr.brown!
Yes I must admit it does seem that way. Shame, it looks well put together, but perhaps the jig they used to form it isn't quite suitable for the rocco. Perhaps its just mine?! lol
Any suggestions for an alternative? I guess the only affordable option is the OEM cast iron-type manifold eh?

[Chaps]

What make of manifold is it out of interst? and is it for a 8 or 16v?
An uprated rear engine mount is only £30 , and you can get those flexible exhaust sections which would stop it cracking.

[timmo]

I believe it is a "Hottuning" one (presumably a standard thing only with a label), like that sold - or was sold at least- on ebay. It seemed expensive at the time!
A friend of mine has said he might be able to reshape the tubing so it doesn't touch the steering rack gator. Maybe there is some hope after all.
I'll look at that rear mount and flexi bit too!
Cheers :)

[ChrisPears]

My supersprint manifold just touches the boot, or very almost does. But its a "race" manifold, so the pipes are a bit wider than other ones, so that might be a factor.

[timmo]

Interesting, do you think it might be a problem? I wonder what are the chances of it causing a fire are? I ran mine only once for a long-ish drive and there was a distinct smell of warm rubber by the end! :s

[ChrisPears]

Very much doubt it would start a fire. Certainly not had any fire related incidents yet (touch wood), and its got plenty hot in the past.
I guess the UJ connecting the rack and column could become a concern over time.

[Mr Funk]

I've got a full custom built stainless steel system and it's fine. Doesn't touch anything.

Surely if the pipes are wider whoever built it would ate that into consideration and compensate?

[timmo]

Ok, I feel a bit dim now. Having taken the whole thing to bits and removed some rather over zealous heat wrap it now seems fine! Just several turns too many of wrap and it stuck out enough to touch things. All sorted :)
Bodged the mid section together after much effort and sent the car out for the first MOT in two years. Passed with no advisories! All that work has fiiiiinally paid off it seems :D
Happy days!
Thanks for your help everyone.
Now to find someone to manufacture a stainless mid section for me. Any suggestions for south/west Devon?

[Mr Funk]

As long as its sorted, that's the main thing