Metro/Ital manifold--separating intake and exhaust

Post by **don58van** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:04 am

Hi all from Oz

This is my first post on this site.

I am wanting to separate the intake and exhaust sections of the cast iron unit fitted to Metros & Itals-- the one with the dual exhaust outlets.

Does anyone have any experience in separating these? I want to keep both parts intact and usable if possible. If it can be done, I am looking for advice on how to go about it. I know about the trick of using two and just preserving the wanted part of each, but I want to avoid this approach if possible (these components are extremely rare here in Oz).

My aim is to use factory parts (to maintain some authenticity) but to get a bit of a power boost (along with an upgraded carb and head). I want to separate intake and exhaust to eliminate the hotspot.

Is there any problem with fitting these to a Minor 1098? I am expecting to have the lower 2-into-1 section custom-made.

Regards

Don

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:10 am

If you want to keep both sections - you will just need to be very careful with the hacksaw! Good luck! I have always sacrificed the inlet section - since the alloy inlet manifold from an MG Metro is a much better item anyway. And they will fit fine - provided you can custom fabricate an exhaust of course.

Post by **don58van** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:00 am

Thanks bmc

The MG Metro manifolds are as rare as rocking horse poo here. I would have to import one. Are they still readily obtainable in the UK?

Cheers

Don

Post by **Lukey** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:34 am

No problem getting them here in UK, there's always a couple on ebay. IIRC I watched one go on ebay for £26 a couple of months ago.

Post by **Matt** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:50 pm

BTW the metro manifolds with twin downpipes did not have the inlet cast in as they used the alloy inlet manifolds

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 2:05 pm

The one shown elsewhere -in another thread - appeared to be one piece ? There are many copies of the MG inlet manifold - they used to fetch about £5 on ebay - wish I had stock-piled them if they now get £26!

linearaudio · Post by **linearaudio** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 8:34 pm

Matt wrote:BTW the metro manifolds with twin downpipes did not have the inlet cast in as they used the alloy inlet manifolds

Only the MG metro had seperate (alloy) inlet manifold. Standard metro had twin downpipe header (except early lc models!) with the inlet cast in. MG metros not so thick on the ground any more...

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:26 pm

But their manifolds live on for ever!

Post by **minor_hickup** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:28 pm

Indeed, and there is a twin downpipe available for these manifolds, even if you don't buy one a picture should be good for some inspiration.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:37 pm

Does anyone still make that twin downpipe for RWD cars ? Still available for EW installation in Mini/Metro of course - but not easily adapted to NS engine !

Post by **don58van** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:47 pm

Thanks all.

Does anyone have a picture of the downpipes for this manifold (north-south engine preferred)?

Cheers
Don

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:49 pm

It's clearly shown on another thread!

Post by **Kevin** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 11:36 pm

Hi Don I can see your problem I didnt realise these types of items made so much money down under this for instance
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/mini-sprite-midge ... 240%3A1318
Might be worth keeping an eye out on ebay over here though.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 12:09 am

This one for example ! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MG-Metro-Inlet-Ma ... 240%3A1318

Or this one - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MG-METRO-MINI-WAT ... 240%3A1318
Although it seems a bit expensive!

Post by **don58van** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 8:29 am

BMC - Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Quite useful as they are rarely seen here. Note however, that I won't be requiring the hammer handle to be welded to mine.

Kevin - Yes prices for Morris/Austin stuff seems quite high here, despite the fact that many models were built here over a period of decades. I guess it must be down to the volumes involved. I'm envious of the availability and reasonable prices of components over your way. Pity you are in such a remote corner of the world

BTW, we never had metros and itals here. We did have early marinas (not with A-series motors).

Thanks to all--it is great to being on the receiving end of so much assistance.

Cheers

Don

Post by **paulhumphries** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:18 am

I've got an aftermarket alloy inlet that I'm going to use on the 1275 A Plus Ital lump after I'd cut the cast iron inlet off the exhaust.
Whats the pro & cons of connecting the water heated aspect of the MG etc inlets ?
I would have though you are then back to square one the same as if the cast iron with hot spot was used

Paul H

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:57 am

Water heating is never as hot as the 'hot spot'! I would connect mine if I used the car in winter - but since it's summer use only , it is not connected. Connected may give slightly better fuel economy but slight loss in ulitmate performance, although it's likely to be hardly noticeable!

Post by **don58van** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 11:01 am

Whats the pro & cons of connecting the water heated aspect of the MG etc inlets ?
I would have though you are then back to square one the same as if the cast iron with hot spot was used

According to Vizard, the water heating is the lesser evil. It does not heat the fuel/air mix as much as the hotspot, but counters carb icing in cold weather. It can probably be disconnected in summer.

I hope I have that right. I don't count myself as an expert, but I have read Vizards book recently.

Cheers

Don

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 11:08 am

It has no effect on 'carb icing' - I'm sure Vizard doesn't say that!! The heat is after the carb - and can't possibly travel back into the carb against the freezing cold flow of evaporating fuel and air! If carb icing is a problem - the incoming air needs to be heated with a 'stove' over the exhaust manifold.
I've had serious carb icing in the past (to the point the car ground to a halt) with a full hot-spot manifold !

Post by **don58van** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 11:18 am

BMC--you are correct, of course.

I'll have to read that chapter again.

I must not pretend that I'm an expert.
I must not pretend that I'm an expert.
I must not pretend that I'm an expert.
I must not pretend that I'm an expert.
I must not pretend that I'm an expert.
I must not pretend that I'm an expert.

Don