Factory SPI exhaust manifold in a Mk1?

[JohninCM]

Will a factory cast iron SPI exhaust manifold with twin down pipes have any fitment issues in a Mk1 running a pre-A+ 1275 and remote shifter?

My fuzzy memory seems to recall on some of the later cars the engine was tilted forward to accommodate EFI or? Is this something I'd need to do in order to fit the SPI manifold?

Why am I considering the SPI manifold? I expect it would seal better, run a little quieter and I like the position of the O2 sensor.

What do the experienced members of the forum have to say?

Thanks!

JohninCM

[rich@minispares.com]

it would fit but it will be tight, the whole engine was moved forwards 1/4" to give it a bit more room down the back on the later cars

the spi manifolds seal lovely - that is for sure, you can do the three nuts up on the downpipe with a long extension from underneath, so its quite a easy manifold to work on


I welded a boss into a C-STR816 freeflow for a lambda - it fitted and worked fine - the only design fault was I have to take the right hand driveshaft and pot joint out to get the manifold out - opps.


if you can wait a couple of weeks, I can try a spi manifold in my mk1 when I refit the engine, at least you will then be able to see the space you have?

[kariya]

>...welded a boss into a C-STR816 freeflow ...- the only design fault...

BTW, I've heard very nice info. from you, Rich.
I also have the same plan with you. Please let me know the more details of fault.
If I can see some your photo(s), that is very welcome.

Thanks for advance,

kariya

[JohninCM]

if you can wait a couple of weeks, I can try a spi manifold in my mk1 when I refit the engine, at least you will then be able to see the space you have?

Rich,

Thank you for the insight and offer to photo fitting one. Turns out the manifold I had my eye on has sold and since I'm located in California another affordable one will be a long time coming. Still I'd like to learn more about this as an option. If you have the time to drop one in for fitment that would be great.

John

[Vegard]

Did the SPI have the engine mount holes moved forwards?
I thought only the Mpi did.

[JohninCM]

Did the SPI have the engine mount holes moved forwards?
I thought only the Mpi did.

Do the SPI & MPI share the same exhaust manifold?

[CooperTune]

I spend to much time on another forum. The amount of miss information there is hard to believe. I have read several times that the very late cars had the lower motor mounts moved 1 inch forward. Not having one to measure, I have not been able to find out for sure. I'd think 1/4 inch is more like it.

I agree the cast SPI / MPI exhausts are a big improvement over a LCB or 3 into one. The first few I was able to buy came with no down pipes and I used Maniflow ones. Some fit perfect others had to be tweeked. The last three I have picked up came came with the OE down pipes which seem to be double wall. Yes, I paid more for inbound shipping but I'd like to see how much improvement in sound deadening they offer.

Sorry JohninCM, I bet I scooped the one in Cal. you were looking at. I felt it was to cheap even if I didn't want one. I port match them, have the O2 port opened up to take a wide band sender and send out for ceramic coating. I also rework the heat shield to remove the intake heater fitting. Steve (CTR)

[rich@minispares.com]

Did the SPI have the engine mount holes moved forwards?
I thought only the Mpi did.

they both did, you can tell at a glance as the front rail of the subframe is bent outwards to clear the gearbox (like an auto, but not the same), where as a normal frame is straight - the only difference between an spi and mpi frame is that the mpi frame has the little mounting cups for the radiator welded to it.

Do the SPI & MPI share the same exhaust manifold?

yes, exactly the same

I have read several times that the very late cars had the lower motor mounts moved 1 inch forward.

Christ, if it was an 1" the engine would be stuck out past the grille

the OE down pipes which seem to be double wall. Yes, I paid more for inbound shipping but I'd like to see how much improvement in sound deadening they offer.

all the later factory double downpipes on minis (and metros) where double skinned, its offers more silencing, heat reduction and a bit more strength - certainly on my kettle metro there was a difference in noise inside the car when I swopped the downpipes to an aftermarket single tubed one.

[coop12g295]

Isn't the dogbone stabiliser longer on injection cars

[rich@minispares.com]

Isn't the dogbone stabiliser longer on injection cars

yes


and the gear selector

and the front stabiliser bar (which is shorter)

always causes amusement when people fit a early rod change to a late subframe and then wonder why they cannot get a full selection of gears

[GraemeC]

I'd always thought it was 1/2" difference.

[rich@minispares.com]

I'd always thought it was 1/2" difference.

it floats around a bit, every single heritage frame I have in stock is different

[GraemeC]

Ha ha! But the dog bones and selector rods are usually +1/2" though aren't they?

[coop12g295]

That confirms I've still got the mpi dogbone then

[rich@minispares.com]

That confirms I've still got the mpi dogbone then

the longer dog bones are easily identifiable as they have five little lumps on them, where as the standard ones are smooth

[IAIN]

I fitted the injection manifold and twin pipe system to my 1000cc pick up and yes it is quieter. But I had to take an inch out of the down pipe to get it closer to the tunnel at the front.
I suspect if you were fitting this down pipe to a 1275 you would still want to shorten the down pipe because on the injection cars it hags down very low at the front. Not a good idea if running 10" wheels.

[JohninCM]

Sorry JohninCM, I bet I scooped the one in Cal. you were looking at. I felt it was to cheap even if I didn't want one.

Someone sure did. The quest continues ... not a must have but more like a bucket list for the Mini. Something I'd like to add at some point.

JohninCM

[JohninCM]

Do the SPI & MPI share the same exhaust manifold?

yes, exactly the same

Great information to know. Thank you Rich!

JohninCM

[JohninCM]

I fitted the injection manifold and twin pipe system to my 1000cc pick up and yes it is quieter. But I had to take an inch out of the down pipe to get it closer to the tunnel at the front.
I suspect if you were fitting this down pipe to a 1275 you would still want to shorten the down pipe because on the injection cars it hags down very low at the front. Not a good idea if running 10" wheels.

More great information. And yes my Mini rolls on 10's and always will.

Thank you!

JohninCM