Anything and everything Spitfire.

Hi there,

I'm looking for an exhaust manifold to pop on my MkIV 1500 over Christmas or around New Year, and just wondered what the general consensus was about which is the best. I know its a bit of an opinionated question, but I've heard that both the Bell and the Pheonix systems are 'the best' and I'm sure there's probably more makes out there too. A bit of clarification would be great!

Thanks

Andrew

Andrew, I've got the complete Bell s/s twin pipe sports system (including 4-2-1 s/s header) on my 1500 which I fitted over 5 years ago and the car is driven every day. In my opinion it has been money well spent!! The system comes apart very easy (not of its own accord I might add!) and that's even after thousands of miles of driving!! There's no real wear and tear on it and it cleans up very well. Like you say, different people will have their own views but thats my tuppeny worth!

regards

I've got 1 of each on my spitfires, swings and roundabouts really.

Just make sure you a decent carb heatshield as the extra radiated heat makes a very big difference.

Colin

I have the Bell/TSSC manifold - and I have to say it's very well made - and it's all in one piece rather than the 4-2 and 2-1 like a lot of others. I know a few people who have had problems with the two piece ones leaking. Yes you can probably stop it with a bit of fiddling - but I know mine doesnt even have the chance. Although the separate ones are easier to fit - the Bell one just wiggles in there on a 1500 - or you just jack up one side of the engine on everything else. (which reminds me to do that when I put it on the new one)

Another advantage of the Bell system is that it mates up with the standard pipe... so if you want you can just replace the manifold. (until you have a chance to replace the rest of it) Though this also means that the pipe isn't as large as others... however I don't really think that is a big deal. Althought I don't like the twin box systems on Spitfires - I think the Bell ones sound best - or at least mine did on the 1500 - I put that down to higher pressure making it less farty.

However that said - Im not sure if the Bell is worth &163;50 more than the Phoenix ones that a lot of places sell.

Watch out that one company's manifold will often not match up with another one's system (hence 2' of flexi on my car)

Van

Hi Van,

Yeah I have heard about that before - luckily I think I'll be getting a custom midpipe either way - at the moment I have a motorbike can replacing a very ugly backbox ( see http://www.methinksperchance.com/gallery/categorie...) and when I get my manifold will probably hop down to the same place I got some of the SS piping for my 'bike can adaptor and get them to bend a midpipe for me too! My only concern with the Pheonix manifold is the length of the 2-1 piece - if I seal it well and truly with a weld will the extra length make it too cumbersome to get off, or am I going to have to take a blade to my new manfold!?

Andrew

JC had a mad moment of key bashing and wrote... "Althought I don't like the twin box systems on Spitfires - I think the Bell ones sound best"...

I don't like the twin systems either (many people have heard my arguements on this subject) so opted for the semi-sports back box from Bell... I've now purchased a louder stereo as a result!

Some systems look good but can you live with the noise?

Cheers!

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