Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I have the early, single exit, type manifold. Is there a gasket that goes between the manifold and the downtube? Also, is the clamp (part number 7 in the diagram above) available?

Thanks, Joe

Hi, Joe. I have a few of the same early manifolds. Use them on my Weber TC on the engine/gearbox dyno test stand and the 1725 cc Stromberg in the Elite/Elan MK II with the C-4 automatic gearbox.
No gasket between the cast manifold and the mild steel tapered flange. I simply use some valve grinding compound to mate the two surfaces and check that all the surfaces are shinny or use some Prussian Blueing. I have never found any sealing compound to accept the 975F exhaust temps and pressure for this joint.
Certain that someone will have the cast iron double V clamps. I do use them with stainless bolts, washers and nuts and no evidence of any exhaust gas leak. Hope this is helpful. Cheers. Mike.

This type of clamp is used on quite a few of the British BMC Mini/1100 range of the 1960’s
This one for 32mm O/D pipe.
http://www.minispares.com/product/Class ... 0to%20shop

Thank you. The one listed for Minis appears too small. I measured the downtube pipe at 43 mm. The lip on the exhaust manifold where it meets the downtube is 50 mm. Let me know if anyone knows where to find one that size.

Thank you for your help.

Joe

while looking for the proper part, you may get going with a dual cone clamp, such as the one in this kit (here made for 45mm OD pipes) - no affiliation, just for illustration purposes

https://www.ebay.de/itm/Reparatursatz-f ... Sw9QVeXBCK

Thanks for your help. The ebay seller won't ship to the US. I'm looking for a supplier who will. Cross your fingers for me.

Hi, Joe. I have never understood how to post pictures on the formum. I can send you some embedded in an email if you wish.

A reminder the original forged clamps are marked TOP in small raised letters. This alignment is critical for the compression and fitting of the down pipe. Dont forget to lap in both joint surfaces.

Also, if you have to use an aftermarket clamp, please try to find a suitable stamped double rolled edged 1.5 mm thick type. I tried the style shown and they failed.

Happy to help, anytime.

Cheers. Mike, using original clamps on 3 TC's and no exhaust gas leaks.

Craven wrote:This type of clamp is used on quite a few of the British BMC Mini/1100 range of the 1960’s
This one for 32mm O/D pipe.
http://www.minispares.com/product/Class ... 0to%20shop

I had an '81 Mini that had that...and will NEVER forget the night I tried putting it back together in the dark in the wee hours with three tired and cranky friends waiting in the car. I was a young G.I. in Germany and we'd just left the bar after it closed. I'd parked in a place that I really shouldn't have and had to drop off a 4" kerb to exit it. The edge caught on the front silencer and caused the pipe to be yanked off the manifold, breaking away all of the flange on the pipe except for one bit about 1/2" wide. I figured I could get it to hang on that until we got back to base if I was gentle with it. But after 30 minutes of blind fettling there was no joy, so I went round back of the car, grabbed hold of the tailpipe, put a foot into the bumper, and gave it a mighty pull and twist and was free of the whole thing which I tossed into an alley and left there.
Minis were rare in Germany at that time ('88) but I found one in a local scrapyard that had an intact exhaust-system, and it was nicer/sportier than the one I abandoned! Made a nice raspy note. Too bad the car itself didn't last much longer than that, but that's another story for another time.

I used to have a cast iron manifold like that.
I didn't ise a gasket, just a liberal smear of FireGum.