4 into 1 exhaust manifold

[DavidW]

I'm thinking of installing Rimmers 4 into 1 stainless steel exhaust manifold.....but I have heard that it will foul the steering colum and the offside interior wing panel needs beating out. I was just wondering if anyone has experience of fitting this manifold (while engine installed) ? Any advice would be appreciated.

[new to this]

when I fitted mine they had a small flat spot cut out of them to clear the steering column,regards the inner wing mine was okay but we're very close to the chassis leg,I fitted mine when the engine was already in the car,the only bolt that was hard to get at was the one near the steering column,your need a small spanner to get to this one
hope this helps got mine from Robsport,think they all come from the same place

Dave

[DJT]

Shop around. Phoenix supply several retailers and the price varies depending where you look.

[Seaking]

I popped down to Phoenix to buy mine . I can say it was a slow job fitting with engine in. make sure you get the link pipes as well.

http://www.phoenixexhausts.com they sell direct cheers Glenn

[mike@thenook]

Another word of advice is to get some heat shield on the sides to cover all the cabling that runs along the lower chassis side, it gets damned hot with those pipes and hot enough to melt the cabling, I know from experience!
I got mine from eBay, stick on heat shield and very effective.
i originally got my manifolds from Monarch around 12 years ago. - they were Phoenix then too.

[KOY 23]

Worst job I’ve had to do, performance gains are probably minimal when using standard inlet manifold. I agree with above comments, N/S is straightforward but O/S a pain, steering shaft may foul, there are 2 diameters of shaft, 15mm and 18mm from memory, I had to fit the smaller one. Rear manifold bolt is difficult to get to. Dipstick fouled manifold so had to remove manifold to cut away manifold flange.
Easy job with heads off.

[PJB]

The entire exhaust on my car was replaced just before Christmas - including fitting headers. All supplied by Rimmers.

Headers do not put out any more heat than cast manifolds - but they sure cool down a hell of a lot faster. Mine are HPC (ceramic) coated. Protecting parts/wires etc from heat is a good idea regardless.

To my ear the car sounds better - but i replaced a very old soot filled stainless system so ...

The headers fitted around the steering column - just. Apparently there is a thinner column part some have used or maybe it could have a mm or two skimmed off on a lath (if brave - dunno what that'd do to its strength)?

Otherwise no fitting issues whatsoever.

Now i should admit we took the engine out. In the long run i think it took less time and was certainly easier. The manifolds hadn't been off since 1988 ...

[mike@thenook]

Headers do not put out any more heat than cast manifolds

Disagree - as they run nearer to the surrounding areas and (as I said I know from experience - in simple terms it means it's happened to me) that is why I used heat resistant material.
Ceramic coating will stop so much heat

[Hughesy]

Have a read of this thread:

https://socforum.com/forum/forum/stag-owners-club/soc-forum/33111-fitting-tubular-manifolds

If the steering shaft is close then you may need to move the steering rack over to the RHS. You will need a wheel alignment if you do move the rack.

[DavidW]

Thank you everyone - this gives me some very good advice to think on.