Turbo Esprit Exhaust Manifold remanufacture

[stephenwhyte]

Thought I'd throw this out there to see what interest there is........?

It's been 6 years since the batch of cast iron manifolds to fit the early Turbo engine were manufactured - how do I know this.......well I was sensible back then and bought one as a spare, only to go on and sell the car 2 years later and give the damn thing away with the car - oops!!

Roll on 6 years I have as you may have read on here bought another Turbo Esprit and what do you know it's got a manifold with a hole in it!!

Would it be possible to do get a batch remanufactured again if there was enough interest - Bibs probably best placed to answer - please say yes!

still can't believe I gave a brand new one away........?

[PhilW]

May be interested.  My wet sump has a leak but not sure yet if its a crack or gasket.  Engine coming out soon anyway.

Why dont people just go for the S/Steel manifolds as the cast ones seem to be so prone to cracking?

[910Esprit]

They do....   You could fit a stainless one if you get rid of the external wastegate and adaptor, but I suppose you would get zero change from £2k if you go down that route 

Edited January 6, 2016 by 910Esprit

[PhilW]

Blimey.  Didnt realise that. Lets all get a cast one!

[910Esprit]

Yeah - The problem is that you also need a new turbo with an integrated wastegate.

I'm sure there must still be few of that last batch squirrelled away in people's workshops....  Problem is, if they have sold the cars, they won't see this thread. 

[stephenwhyte]

So is that 3 required then.........

sorry I'm getting desperate this end!??

[910Esprit]

Yeah - I can't believe you  gave one away either....   Mine's still OK but at 108k, last changed circa 1990, it can't go on forever.

[hopo]

I need one! plus know a couple of the dealers whom would be interested.....

[910Esprit]

IIRC wasn't it SW Lotus that commissioned the last lot?   If so, I assume they have the patterns and would be the first port of call?

[stephenwhyte]

I remember them being supplied by Stratton Motor Company last time but can't remember who manufactured - they were just shy of £600 I'm sure.

[stephenwhyte]

Details of the last order etc here - it really hurts seeing the photos of a brand new one in its box all nicely packed up.........I remember receiving mine last time! Why did I give it away with my old car - what a muppet!!!!

http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/25011-brand-new-exhaust-manifolds/?page=6

just to up the stakes a tad.......I'd likely be prepared to buy two manifolds if we can make this fly as it would still be cheaper than the going with the S4 conversion alternative.

[hopo]

That thread makes me want to cry!

I have tried several of the "specialists" and no one has anything ..... at all. The only solution has been to convert to an S4 manifold with all the ancillary parts - this includes a new turbo and plumbing and is not cheap - as discussed probably 2k odd.

Has anyone any knowledge of 3d printing? surely this new technology is to be embraced? I know metals can be printed - what types can be printed? would it stand up to the temperatures? possibly a cheaper means of production - no casting, boring, porting etc.....

[stephenwhyte]

Steady Hopo....... you sound like you're going to combust my friend - I feel your pain though

Let's hope we can do what we did last time. I can't really see why the order couldn't be replicated as I'm sure second time round there will be just as many interested even if the are bought for spare use.

[Bibs]

Do a list chaps, get me some numbers and I'll speak to the factory

[stephenwhyte]

Was a bit tentative coming here to read your reply post Bibs.........but shouldn't have been as that's exactly the answer I wanted to see. Brilliant!!!!!!!?

Right folks - who would like a nice shiny new manifold if Bibs can swing it!!!?

[910Esprit]

Yes, but with a new turbo etc

Edited January 6, 2016 by 910Esprit

[stephenwhyte]

11 minutes ago, Buddsy said:

Isnt the Alunox not compatible with our cars?

 

Buddsy

I believe so Buddsy but original style and design is king isn't it so if we can get these cast iron ones made again it would be brill

[stephenwhyte]

Manifold purchase list - please add your name to the list if you would like one

1. Stephenwhyte : x 2

 

[ChrisJ]

Just looked under my desk - and here's mine, still in it's box. Nice patina it has

Thought I'd need it for when I put my car back on the road. However, my original one is still going strong, so this if now for whenever I need it in the future.

Chris

 

 

[stephenwhyte]

Thanks Chris......

[ChrisJ]

You're welcome

 

[The Pits]

Didn't realise they were so rare, I'll take one if we can get some made, just in case. Would prefer to stick to the original design for my car.

[Bibs]

The eutectic point of cast iron is typically 1150C but the manifolds are constructed from HiSi-LoMo-SgGr* iron which raises this to closer to 1300C.

* High Silicon for elasticity, low molybdenum for resistance to temp change & spheroidal graphite for toughness.

Since you asked

[markt]

6 hours ago, stephenwhyte said:

Manifold purchase list - please add your name to the list if you would like one

1. Stephenwhyte : x 2

2. MarkT : x1

 

Yip - I'm sure I'll need one some day

[PhilW]

1. Stephenwhyte : x 2

2. MarkT : x1

3 PhilW  x2