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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Exhaust clearance

Hi,

I have a tubular manifold similar to the one in the photo.

Having started the engine recently for the first time I’ve noticed that the passenger floor is getting quite hot. I’m not driving it yet so would expect things to heat up a little.

But does anyone else have this type of manifold and if so what is the gap between the exhaust pipe and the floor?

Also how many of you use a heat shield on your exhaust system including the manifold?

Thanks

James

James Paul

James

I have a similar one on the Frogeye (maniflow) it has to clear the 'lip' at the front of the footwell so the pipe to floor gap is approx 1.5/1.75". Its not a problem and I don't have any shield. Once moving the heat shuld dissapate a bit. The other half quite likes it in fact as it keeps her feet warm!
Bob Beaumont

I don’t think mine is correct then as maximum gap is 1 inch. Even less where the floor slopes down into the footwell.

Thinking best option is to remove the manifold and try to bend it to increase the gap.

Thanks
James Paul

James

Providing the manifold clears the lip at the edge of the floor pan, I would not worry.
Bob Beaumont

James
Not a maniflow but I have a stock cast iron manifold with standard 1275 exhaust on the Frogeye. The front pipe is very close to the floor (maybe because the 1275 engine sits higher than the OE 948) and I had to grind the edge of the footwell welded lip to get clearance. I wouldn't worry about it - after all, nothing fits "properly" without modifying I often found.

Could it be that your new welded in footwell floor panel sits a bit low?
Bill Bretherton

I have the Maniflow version in my 1275 but initially it gave too much clearnce from the floor and not enough from the ground! I modified the manifold, cut & shut, as the 90degree bend was too far below the chassis rail.
But the other thing that can make a difference is how high the engine sits (new front rubbers, too stiff?) and also the overal angle that the engine/ gearbox unit sits. (Does it tilt up or down at the front?)
GuyW

I wouldn’t worry about it, in fact I’d be happy that it was a close fit so it gives good ground clearance. The one on my Sprite does get the floor quite hot (the paint has blistered a bit on the inside!) but that is after extreme driving, normal use and it just gets warm.

If you wanted something to reflect the heat a bit I’d just get some adhesive aluminium tape and stick that on the underside of the floor.

John Payne

This thread was discussed between 20/09/2022 and 21/09/2022

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