Exhaust manifolds...

[mgemie]

Why are there so many different types of exhaust manifolds??? I'm looking to get an aftermarket manifold fitted but don't know the best one to go for...

Tips please...

Also, if I get the factory fitted manifolds replaced with an aftermarket should I get the car's emissions retested for tax purposes etc?

[c_me_swim]

I have the GTT manifold for my car and love it. I would say it's one of the best on the market! It comes with a removable CAT for track days 2. I never got my emissions retested after fitting it.

[The Dogfather]

I'm pretty sure the tax is only based on the car as new, any changes you make won't mean that you have to pay more tax.

I mean some old cars run like sh!t with really bad emissions but I can't see their owner volunteering to have their cars retested so they can pay more tax.

[MartinSullivan]

EssentialMini are selling a manifold which has been developed in conjunction with the people at MTH so you know its going to work perfectly with your remap ;)

Check it out here (http://www.essentialmini.co.uk/MANIFOLD.htm)

Martin Page is going to be installing one of these on his Rally Car very soon. Once it is installed and a the remap applied I am sure he will write a review.

[Cooper_si]

http://www.essentialmini.co.uk/manifold.jpg

Yes, My manifolds are in conjunction with MTH and carry the TUV certificate to ensure the highest germany quality. These are designed with power in mind and a special 400 cell high flow cat (most makes are 200 cell) this way the CST/MTH ecu tuning can be fueled in such a way that MTH have just rolling roaded an S with 15% pulley + CST/MTH tuner file + manifold on the dyno at 244 BHP !!!

:D

[Cooper_si]

Just recieved the manifold that shall be fitted to Martin Pages rally MINI. Thought i would share with interested parties what this looks like from a quality aspect. This carrys the german T.U.V. quality mark...this is quite image intensive (9 pictures)...

Picture of full manifold...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/si_g40/CSTManifoldsmall.jpg
Head flange to CAT
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/si_g40/CSTManifoldsmall1.jpg
CAT to Head flange
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/si_g40/CSTManifoldsmall2.jpg
Four Branch manifold...peice of art :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/si_g40/CSTManifoldsmall3.jpg
lambda sensor location 1
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/si_g40/CSTManifoldsmall4.jpg
lambda sensor location 2
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/si_g40/CSTManifoldsmall5.jpg
Sports hi-flow catalyst
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/si_g40/CSTManifoldsmall6.jpg
4 branch manifold to CAT
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/si_g40/CSTManifoldsmall7.jpg
head flange with 4 branch manifold
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/si_g40/CSTManifoldsmall8.jpg

[MartinSullivan]

Here are some pics I just took of my standard manifold for comparison. As you can see the standard manifold is not a perfect solution, note the very short & tight radius bends on the stock header compared to the CST/MTH one. Even worse is the different length of the branches and severe flattening of the 4 pipes where they join into one.As well as losing power it also results in a lot higher temps at the exhaust valves! (Not good)


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/MartinSullivan/Essentialstuff/DSC00063.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/MartinSullivan/Essentialstuff/DSC00060.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/MartinSullivan/Essentialstuff/DSC00061.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/MartinSullivan/Essentialstuff/DSC00062.jpg

[Cooper_si]

The difference is amazing hey !! Its a major bottle neck in the exhaust system.

Oh martin...i think you need some paint on that floor of yours :D

[MartinSullivan]

Would just like to point out that is the floor in our workshop not my flat ;)

[mgemie]

Does changing the manifold alter the exhuast note?

[Cooper_si]

quote:Originally posted by mgemie

Does changing the manifold alter the exhuast note?


It will change the note slightly do to the free`er flowing gasses...but id like to point out this manifold is made specifically for power gains...not to sound really loud like some milltek owners speak of :blackeye::)

[ELFMAN]

I'm running a 'Playmini' S/Steel Manifold with Sports Cat and System on my S. Well happy with it. It's a bit on the loud side when you boot it - but I really love the sound (as do other NMS Run veterans!) at lighter throttle/cruising speeds it's perfectly acceptable and you get free "Snap, Crackle and Pop" thrown in.

Pulls top end really well and plenty of torque. Best thing I ever fitted to the car. Instant "character". Quick "one run" Rolling road with the 'Mini Clan' - 171.5bhp @ 6590rpm, so probably a wee bit more on the open road with better/cooler airflow. Only other engine mod is the K&N Panel Filter.

Comparing the pics, my Playmini Manifold seems to have longer 'primaries', with less of a 'step' ie the outer pipes are much straighter - very much like the old '4-into-1 Mini racing Manifolds. I had to alter the heat shield to clear the outer pipes as they don't curve in like the O.E. Manifold, and to a lesser extent with the performance one illustrated. As mentioned, the O.E. Manifold is constipated in comparison.

I really enjoy the sounds and the way the car goes - and as I mentioned, nothing else has been touched yet and I'm not sure it needs it! Have fun when you decide which way to go.