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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Inlet manifold modification

Long story this. I have an HIF44 on an MG Metro inlet, which is inclined 30º. I found the carb was just touching the Frogeye bonnet, so wanted to lower the angle. I decided to make adapters for the inlet, but found that they could not be short as they clashed with the Maniflow exhaust. Also if too short I could not get bolts into position to attach them. So they ended up 70mm long, as illustrated.

I thought they would be easy to fabricate from aluminium tubing and plate, but they were not! I decided to assemble them using aluminium brazing rods - very difficult as you get one flange fixed and then have to get the other end hot enough without loosening the first one. I got through a lot of gas. I used an old cylinder head as a jig, but that acts as a heat sink when trying to braze.

I had to fit a longer throttle cable - actually a bicycle brake cable!

Anyway, it's all done now and the carb doesn't touch the bonnet. Also, there is noticeably more torque. I remember David Vizard saying that there was no theoretical limit on the length of the inlet tract, the torque just keeps on increasing. Well I suppose there's a principle of diminishing returns, but I'm quite pleased so far.

L B Rose

well done LB brazing alloy is fiendishly difficult. treat yourself to a nice ale
Cheers
Rod
R W Bowers

Hi LB
I think that is a great solution to the carb clearance issue. Given that Titan manifolds are now difficult to find while metro ones are easier it would be great if someone were to produce something like your 'invention' on a commercial basis for us who can't braze or weld! Well done.
Chris Hasluck

x2 Chris and Rod.......

LB your solution is elegant in conception and execution. Great stuff.
One thought though....
Wouldn't it have been just as effective made in mild steel and far and away easier to make?

Not a criticism in any way; just an idea for anyone following in your footsteps.

Cheers.
Greybeard

I've got an A-series HIF44 manifold sitting in my attic. How can I tell whether the angle is correct for a Spridget? What is the optimum angle, and measured where?
Mike Howlett

Mike
Fit the carb and manifold and shut the bonnet. If it dents the bonnet you have the wrong manifold - if no dent you are OK!
Chris Hasluck

If it came off a Front Wheel Drive (BL/Rover) car it will be wrong. It's probably off a Mini or Metro as others (Montego, Maestro) have longer swan neck manifolds and still won't fit Midgets.

Rob
Rob aka MG Moneypit

I can't fit it to a Midget as I don't have one now, although I have owned three previously, a 1964, 1966 and a 1972. I also don't know what car the manifold came from. But here are a couple of photos of it.

Mike Howlett

And the second piccy.

Mike Howlett

That looks like standard MG Metro with 'CAMxxxx' part number.
Dave O'Neill 2

Hi Mike, good morning to you. Somerford Mini site says it is the standard manifold from a 90-91 Cooper
http://www.somerfordmini.co.uk/eshop/index.php?main_page=page&id=158
Actually a good page re manifolds
So I suppose it may be too angled.
Peter
Peter Burgess Tuning

Well done L B, I'm mightily impressed with your solution.
Peter Blockley

Thanks guys for all the compliments. I did consider steel but thought my MIG welder wouldn't be up to welding the thick flanges. I am not offering to do these on a commercial basis - I could not make a profit!
L B Rose

This thread was discussed between 19/02/2016 and 29/02/2016

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