While i was mounting up the radiator i was a little bit worried about the clearance between the dump pipe so it was imperative that i had to install the dump pipe to be sure. I had originally intended using one made by Speedvisions in the US but after receiving it and trying to fit it, it was obvious that it wasnt going to fit, fouling on the mini body and front spar. So it was my only option to make up the dump pipe. My mate Alan was having some flanges cut up so i quickly jumped on that train.
The next part was buying the steel pipe which i found was cheapest from Undacarparts in Welshpool. I ended up buying nine 45degree bends in 2.25" for roughly $16 each, that would do the whole exhaust the way i was planning to run it. My exhaust system was going to be 2.25" straight through. I dont really like loud exhausts, and from reading a few starlet forums, 2.25" was the happy medium.
The pipe mounting to the flange was cut up and tacked, while i played around with the angle of the pipe and the distance from the gearbox for a few hours. It was one of the jobs where you look at it for ages figuring out the best way it could be done. I opted for two 45degree bends over one 90degree bend as the elbow coming down the front to the bottom of the engine because it would give the full exhaust a much cleaner look - It was an idea my mate from work showed me one afternoon so i went with it. The dump underneath would then have to avoid the rear gearbox mount with which i used more of the 45degree bends and a 3 bolt flange welded on the end.
The dump was TIG welded by another mate at work. Cheers Karl.
Underneath.
Dump height with radiator mounted.
Here is the clearance i ended up with between the dump and the radiator.A lot closer than i wanted but I am planning to have the dump ceramic coated just in case. It may be a little overkill but theres no harm in doing so.
While making up the dump pipe i had ordered and waited for some exhaust parts from Summit Racing in the US. Reason being its a whole lot cheaper there for the same muffler or catalytic converter here. You compare $250 here vs $100ish over there. The shipping does bump it up a bit more but i ended up purchasing some AN-10 fittings and hose for my oil relocation kit as well. The exhaust was going to consist of a 6" stainless steel flexible bellow, to allow for movement of the engine, followed by a spun type catalytic converter, super clean looking, and finished off with a magnaflow muffler and stainless steel tip.
With the work hoist being unavailable to someone elses project car, my next option was raise the mini and slide under. Two metal horses, a fork light and an overhead crane later i had it almost floating.
Playing around holding the exhaust up and making tacks here and there, i had only finished half of it. Fitting the muffler and making up a bracket to hold the rubber exhaust mount was again even harder. Took all afternoon getting it right, but she ended up looking pretty nice and snug.
Ignore the tape on the muffler, it was to protect the stainless steel from being scratched up.
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