Exhaust support bracket

[65MK1S]

This is the first exhaust support bracket I have ever
installed on one of my minis. I'm hoping it will help
keep it from cracking and help with stability. I'm also
thinking of installing a flex coupling.

exhaust bracket1.jpg

[minibitz]

I would have thought a clamp around the inner down pipe and bracket protruding forward onto one of the diff side cover bolts would be a better solution. This way the bar is pointing in the same direction as the engine rocks back and forth so would be way more sturdy. The bracket in your picture will be able to flex and I would also check the clamp bolt sleeve is not too wide preventing it from fully clamping on the pipe.

There should be no need for a flexi joint.Providing all joints are clamped it will allow a small amount of movement in the exhaust system as the engine moves. Mini exhausts only break when joints are welded. Welding also makes it a PITA to pull exhaust off when removing motor.

[Rubber Sprung]

No need for this bracket ,whats wrong with the bracket that comes with decent LCBs on to the output flange bolt ?

[Peter Laidler]

A support bracket here is of great importance.

[Herbert]

Loks like you also have an extended bolt from an engine steady kit. Ive never fitted a bracket like this as my engine just never rocks or moves.

[Peter Laidler]

Ah....., it's the vibrations that cause the cracking........ and once a crack starts, guess what? It's called cyclic vibration fatigue. There's a lot more to it than that of course but you've got to control the vibration by damping etc etc

I said earlier in an article, that this was the last place that the free-hanging manifold could be damped or controlled. No support here caused the manifold to crack down its length and break. This was the get-out default clause used by Unipart to reject broken manifold claims. Same principle here in this non standard set-up.

65Mk1S's idea looks OK - on the bench. But quite how you'll be able to fit this when the engine is in place is a bit of a puzzle, given the tight space and closeness of the tunnel etc etc

[65MK1S]

In my defense, it's been about 35 years since I've rebuilt
my last mini but after careful consideration and looking
at some pic's of under the car with exhaust installed it might
be a very tight fit or actually no room at all to install this
bracket. If that's the case I can still install the flange adapter.
There's a ton of space before it's installed