[Healeys] Downpipes

[Bob Spidell]

Thanks, Alan. I kinda suspected this, but I still can't decide if it's 
needed with rigid headers headers. My systems are bolted to the frame, 
but with a rubber pad which allows some movement (especially when they 
tear themselves in two). Contemporary cars mostly let the exhaust hang 
loosely and don't seem to need any flexibility in the pipes.

If I install the header, and it doesn't line up, I'd have to take it off 
and weld some flex pipe to it (decisions, decisions). WIW, AHS sales 
guy--who's been very responsive--says they don't hear of any problems 
(but likely don't know what customers do).

Bob

On 9/22/2024 6:38 PM, Alan Seigrist wrote:
> Bob -
>
> The flexpipe is there specifically because prior to 1953 or so, many 
> English cars had their exhaust systems bolted to the frame of the car, 
> so the flexpipe was needed to account for the lateral movement of the 
> motor.  The flexpipe also made installation easier.  On my A90 I had 
> to craft  its own exhaust mount system, which works well.  Definitely 
> no need for it if the pipes are custom fit.  I think in the case of 
> the healey, they kept the flexpipe to allow for some give in 
> installing mass produced pipes with varying tolerances.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Alan
>
> On Thu, Sep 19, 2024 at 11:44 AM Bob Spidell via Healeys 
> <healeys at autox.team.net> wrote:
>
>     Listers,
>
>     The exhaust downpipes for both 4- and 6-cyl cars have a section of
>     flexible tubing before the connection to the muffler. I've always
>     assumed this was to allow for the rocking of the engine, and the fact
>     the system is affixed with fairly rigid hangers (at least, until the
>     rubber part disintegrates). I've also heard the flexpipe is to allow
>     easier fitment from the downpipe to the muffler, which won't
>     necessarily
>     be perfectly aligned. Of course, both reasons could be true.
>
>     I'm asking the knowledge-based, LLM model List because I'm
>     considering
>     an aftermarket header from AH Spares for my BN2/100M. The repop down
>     pipe I have now is malformed, and the clutch pedal arm comes in
>     contact
>     with it at full clutch pedal, and I've heard this is common in the
>     repops (yes, I could just bash the downpipe, but that would be
>     tacky and
>     sometimes that can cause a ticking noise, which would annoy me even
>     more). But, the AHS pipe doesn't have the section of flexpipe so I'm
>     wondering if it's really needed. I have a TIG and I'm not terrible
>     with
>     it, but the header and, presumably the flex tubing are SS, which
>     I'm not
>     practiced in welding.
>
>     Thanks for any suggestions.
>
>     Bob
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