Manifolds for ital engine

[tomlucke]

Hi
Im looking for advice on manifolds.
I've just fitted a 1275 ital engine.
At the moment it's running on the standard 1098 carb and manifold,
I have a standard ital carb (HIF 44 I think) and the standard ital combined inlet and exhaust manifold with twin down pipes.
Is this the best set up or should I use a carb and inlet manifold from a metro (GTa from a scrap yard which is also in my garage gathering dust).
how easy is it to get an exhaust system for either of these options??

Many thanks as always

Tom

[bmcecosse]

I think you would need to make up something to use the twin exhaust - but that is the better manifold. I believe there was (is??) a large bore exhaust available suitable for the single outlet. You should however chase down an alloy inlet manifold for that HIF44 - the idea being to eliminate the hot spot on the cast manifold. Actually - for a standard 1275 Ital engine - a single HIF 38 is fine, the 44 being a bit too large.

[chrisd87]

ESM (and probably others) do a larger bore exhaust system, and also twin downpipes to meet up to the Ital/Metro exhaust manifold.

[bmcecosse]

Ohhh -that's good - then that twin manifold on a reasonably standard engine is arguably better than an LCB manifold.

[tomlucke]

I contacted ESM and they don't have any in stock but will get some in fairly soon,
Can the minor air filter be used with this carb or do I need something different?

[bmcecosse]

It's too small for the standard carb - never mind a larger one !

[daveyl]

It can be fitted it to a hif 38 or hs4, if you're on a budget. But you will need to open up the inlet hole and mounting bolt holes on the mounting/base plate.
Also, drill an extra hole that is needed for the 1.5".

I made a gasket out of card, outlined from the 1.5 carb, and used that as a template.

You will also need to file/grind off the rear abutment boss(!?) on the rear of the plate so that it is flush with rest of the plate. And perhaps a thicker gasket between carb and plate if you're 'filing' is not perfect.

It should take about 40mins. OR you can buy an after market filter.

[bmcecosse]

Yes - it can be fitted - but is far too small........ It's airflow capacity is pathetic. I tried extra holes in the side - but the engine still ran poorly. Changed to a K&N type taper filter (note - NOT a pancake...) - MUCH better....

[linearaudio]

Or use the angled inlet from any Metro, and fit the MG Metro type aircleaner which fits horizontally around the dashpot. Flows well (especially with a K&N filter element) and is quiet!!