Exhaust Manifold gone again within 2 years

[waynef]

Two years ago I replaced the manifold on my S4.

18,000 miles later and the manifold has gone again. It is an original Lotus manifold and was not cheap. Is this normal on the Esprit as everyone I have spoken too e.g. Southwest Lotus, Sportomotive and mates that have Esprit's tell me its unheard of.

Do you reckon its worth me trying to contact Lotus and seeing if the part has some kind of guarantee. The manifold plus the labour is extortionate so i'm hoping that Lotus will indeed either tell me the part was defective or will let me know if this is common.

Anyone else had a manifold go so soon?

Waynef

[matk]

I'm afraid manifolds do go regularly. The theory is it's something to do with the extreme hot and cold temperatures it cycles though being close to the turbo. SJ apparently do an uprated version in a better made metal, but I've also got to say I've heard of at least 2 people who haven't been happy with the quality of work on the SJ manifold.

Don't think you're going to get anywhere with Lotus..................

[caulkhead68]

I know that SWLC also do an uprated manifold.

I bought one for mine and it looked like a pretty good lump of metal - not that I'm an expert on manifolds.

Troy is currently fitting it - hopefully it'll last a while.

Existing manifold lasted 42000 miles

Matt

[peter_england99]

South West Lotus Centre make an upgraded manifold. I think that they now supply the part to Lotus (certainly have in the past).

Regards,

Peter.

I'm afraid manifolds do go regularly. The theory is it's something to do with the extreme hot and cold temperatures it cycles though being close to the turbo. SJ apparently do an uprated version in a better made metal, but I've also got to say I've heard of at least 2 people who haven't been happy with the quality of work on the SJ manifold.

Don't think you're going to get anywhere with Lotus..................

[OwenGT3]

Hi,

My cars got a mild steel manifold fitted. The previous own said he made it, but it did have a problem not long after I purchased the car. A bracket that was welded on wasn't strong enough for the turbo and broke more than likely due to vibrations.

It took me one afternoon and two evenings to remove it, fix it and refit it, but it's alright now. The guy did give me the old cast manifold which didn't have a fracture, only a blow hole from water errosion possibly. My plan is to get it shot blasted, have the hole repaired so I have another to refit when the other one goes, knowing how much they cost.

I would like to fit one similar to the steel one fitted, so I might have one made when the time comes beings I already have a pattern for one. with the new bracket I made it has loads of support now. Also if I have a new one made it would be nice in stainless steel.

Considering the throughbred of the car, I would have thought there were more after market manifolds available than what there are.

My manifold.

Owen

[Jonathan]

Question - do you warm down after a drive ?

When ever I've been out and had a look at the manifold afterwards mine is always bright red, let it tick over for a few mins and it soon goes back to an idle temperature - then switch off.

My 36,000 mile GT3 is still on #1 (although it's rusted to HELL)

My 90,000 mile SE had it's replaced aout 30,000 miles ago

I also don't make a habbit of driving in the rain which will be an issue if water splashed onto it.

[rocket63]

In answer to your original question "Is cracking a problem?" In short.........Absolutely.

Have to agree with Jonathans points. Especially avoid BIG pudles. Manifold is susceptable to water and WILL crack.

To overcome some of the issues with the Lotus manifold:

The SWLC manifold is made of a different grade of cast iron compared to the original Lotus manifold. IIRC it also is devoid of the webs that add to stress of the manifold when it contracts through heat build up, then shrinks again when cooling.

They are made from S.G. Iron which is Spherodine* Graphite. They are 420-12 grade as opposed to Silicone Monobidium* Iron.

They've told LEW that the main difference between the two manifolds is that the S.G. grade will range from -20

Edited February 14, 2008 by rocket63

[dazmans3]

Hi

Yes, well known for having a short life spane, but two years I'd say is a bit too short. It would also depend on usage, weather conditions ect.

I had my Ex manifold done on my LC engine a while ago. Current one is still ok at 10k, however is badly pitted round no 4. I rarely take her out in the wet, but have been caught out a few times. I fitted a low milage 2nd hand one to my HC engine, when I did the conversion, whcih I had as a spare & looked in far better condition then the other one. I have also fitted a splash gaurd, which I hope will help lengthen its life a little.

Daz

Edited February 15, 2008 by dazmans3

[Mark Blanchard]

Ditto what Jon said.

Had my car 6 years on the same manifold and it's never cracked (I'm sure I'm tempting fate by says that!), but as Jonathan mentioned, let the car tick over for about 2 - 3 minutes before turning the engine off. This lets the manifold cool down slowly.

2 years ago coming back from Club Lotus track day, drove for 2 hours in torrentual rain (could hardly see the road, anyone remember?) and the manifold got soaked. So let engine tick over for a good long time before I turned the engine off.

[sanj]

Have to agree with Jonathans points. Especially avoid BIG pudles. Manifold is susceptable to water and WILL crack.

The SWLC manifold is made of a different grade of cast iron compared to the original Lotus manifold. IIRC it also is devoid of the webs that add to stress of the manifold when it contracts through heat build up, then shrinks again when cooling.

They are made from S.G. Iron which is Spherodine* Graphite. They are 420-12 grade as opposed to Silicone Monobidium* Iron.

They've told LEW that the main difference between the two manifolds is that the S.G. grade will range from -20

[rocket63]

Are you saying the SWLC manifold has a problem?

Hi Sanj.

Categorically NO.

The reference is in answer to "Is cracking common"

I have the SWLC manifold and I have no issues with it what so ever. Mind you, I have only just fitted it LOL. Zero miles. That should keep it in tip top condition

Edited February 14, 2008 by rocket63

[lotus4s]

Any pics of the SWLC manifold?

[Vulcan Grey]

My manifold has 19 years and 74,000 miles, through all kinds of weather (including insanely large puddles), and some track driving.

I've driven through 6"+ of water.

it's fine for the most part, but I do need to investigate this

Rust isn't too bad in Colorado

Edited February 15, 2008 by Vulcan Grey

[red vtec]

2 years seems a short time to me, they are not that cheap to buy and fit.

With regards to water splashing does any one have the dimensions for a shield? I want to make one up but it would help if there are some drawings of a shield.

[dazmans3]

Hi

I made one up using carbourd as a templet first. I have pictures on the last pages of my thread, see ref Splash Shield . This should give you an idea. was easy enough & cheep to make up. Demon Tweeks do the Alloy sheets for about

Edited February 15, 2008 by dazmans3