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MG TD TF 1500 - Skyhook Transmission Exhaust Bracket

Anyone with a Skyhook 5-speed figure out the exhaust mount provided, or devised their own bracket? As the builder says, it's complex, and you can drive without it. I just left it off when I installed the 5-speed years ago, but as I am installing a new Bell SS system, I would like there to be a bracket/mount in place at that point. Any input specific to the Skyhook will be appreciated.
L Karpman


L.K.
On my TD, all I can say is the aluminum bracket at the gearbox mount on My Skyhook gear box broke in half about a year after fitting it, Metal fatigue. I removed it as it rattled.
If you have access to some 1/16" s/steel plate you could make a replacement and fabricate a hanger there. Same way Steve did and use the two bell housing bolts to locate it.
So far I have not thought it necessary.
Rod.
Rod Jones

Thanks Rod. If the bracket doesn't have to be "completely" rigid, I'm thinking of using one of these horizontally. Also, if you have a picture of which two bolts were used, I'd appreciate it. It's been a long time since I put the Skyhook in, and I don't recall which two bolts.


L Karpman

The only piece in the kit that Steve fell down on the job. It does work but's pretty w*nky...stack a bunch of washers in there to take up the space...:-(

Mines still in there holding up.
MG LaVerne

Well it shows you how good my memory is :)

The point of attachment is the back of the 5 speed gearbox. Picture attached. You can see part of the replacement bracket still in place but broken off.

I think the original bracket on the TD was ridged. The triangular plate hung off the gearbox also. Sort of held the whole front pipe solid to the engine at both ends.

I have driven my TD for the past 10 years without the bracket following the failure of the aluminum without any adverse issues.

You could modify this part of Steve's supplies bracket easily with your proposed hanger.

Hope this helps you.
Rod




Rod Jones

Thanks Rod & LaVerne! Don't know which route I'll take yet, but I have all the info now I need (I believe) to get the job done.
L Karpman

One more thing. The two screw that hold the Skyhook bracket to the gearbox are described as "Cap Screws." What is their purpose, and are there any potential issues removing these screws at this time? Appox. how long are they?
L Karpman

I believe Hex Cap Screws feature a washer face under the head. They can also have thread all the way up to the head.

I am pretty sure they do not go through the casting of the transition. You should be able to remove one and find out how long it is without any issue.

Rod
Rod Jones

Thanks again Rod. Should I decide to use Steve's entire set up, I just need to confirm that I've got it right, as his directions are a bit confusing in this area. See pic below.

L Karpman

I think you got it.
That set up is a tad different from the one I received. I only had the plate that mounts to the gearbox and it was bent or welded to form the right angle to take the U clamp. Thats where it failed. Your set up with bolts holding the angle bracket to the gearbox plate may survive the vibration better.

If it fails, just make it out of mild steel instead.

Rod.
Rod Jones

I was not happy with the furnished bracket so I made some modifications that seem to work OK. Nothing special, just a little extra work and a hunk of angle iron..


Jim Merz

Thanks Rod and Jim!!!
L Karpman

Didn't edit my last post in time. What is the purpose of the cap screws on this gearbox? What are they securing, if anything? Just really curious.
L Karpman

I think they and others at that plain are holding the rear part of the gearbox on.

I can't tell looking at mine now, as it is mostly hidden.

Rod
Rod Jones

Larry, I dunno.
Jim Merz

Thanks guys. I sent Steve and e-mail but was not deliverable. The email address I have is from 2008.
L Karpman

Well, I made contact with Steve by email and phone and got my question answered. However, in the end I opted not to install the bracket I spent all evening drilling and assembling. The cap screws do indeed hold the tail section to the main gearbox. However, the part of the tail section they engage is less than 1/2" thick. The bracket is 1/4" aluminum meaning only 1/4" of thread would be engaged. This was out of my comfort zone. If the bracket were thinner steel, then maybe.

So instead my neighbor and I fashioned a setup using a Walker 35103 exhaust hanger, a handy L-bracket, and the U-bolt clamp provide with the Skyhook gearbox. Everything fit perfectly. It's not elegant but it sure is keeping the pipe tight, as the walker hanger is quite robust. It is attached to the gearbox mount left nut and bolt. Everything else assembled well also. Now when I get my carbs back, we'll check for leaks, and hopefully hear a beautiful exhaust note. Here's a pic, and as I said it's not elegant but it works.


L Karpman

Nice one larry,
Just make sure it does not touch anything or you will feel and hear the rattle :)
From the picture it looks very near that right hand bolt.
Rod
Rod Jones

Thanks Rod. Just camera angle/compression. The L-bracket and the U-bolt clamp keep the setup about 1/2" behind the gearbox mount and bolts.
L Karpman

LARRY,
I have used the Walker Hanger a few times,, it's quite handy,, but in one application, the distance between the mounting bolt and the pipe was short, and vibrations caused the hanger strap to fatigue and break,, I found it necessary to put in an extra "flex Bend",, as shown in the attached pic,, Never had the problem again,,
You probably will not have the problem on your TD, but if you do, try the "Flex bend"
SPW

Steve Wincze

Thanks Steve, good to know. Does my distance look "short?"
L Karpman

This thread was discussed between 24/10/2014 and 27/10/2014

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