what LCB exhaust?

[Hans Efde]

Can anyone give me advise on which LCB exhaust manifold I should order for my Midas? Are there SS LCB's available? The engine has a turbo head which will be skimmed to get a high compression back (cheaper than new pistons). Does that have an effect on the type of exhaust manifold?
On the subject of inlet manifolds, is it necessary to connect the water cooling? I have to buy a new one as well, so was looking at an alloy intake manifold. Are there any specific brands (Mini sport, minispares, janspeed) that are worth the extra costs?
Cheers, Hans

[Rich]

I have a Maniflow LCB on mine, I'd buy another one though next time I'd be tempted to spend extra and get the stainless version.

[wolfie]

There are various LCB's depending on your engines state of tune (the bore size is different and you want the big bore one if the engines got modified head or been bored out). You can get a stainless steel one. Your best bet is to get the lot from minispares as their inlet manifold is probably the best on the market but make sure the exhaust manifold isn't a cheap copy, you want the real deal (the Maniflow one). As for connecting the water hoses to the inlet manifold it's personal choice. I don't because the cooler the inlet the better fuel/air mixture and atomisation (more power) but in cold weather the water will help heat the manifold thus helping cold starts

[manifold]

Hans,

I have a stainless Maniflow LCB exhaust manifold. It works fine on my 7 ports and will be great on your head. Make sure you fit the exhaust bracket at the base of the gearbox and ask Maniflow for the metro variant, which is a slightly different length to the mini one.

As far as having a water heated inlet. I used to use a MG Metro inlet and didnt bother with the water heating bit. Same as wolfie says, waste of time to be honest. I'd much rather have a cooler charge going in the head (water heating doesnt help that does it). Only slight benefit is in mid winter. Cant imagine you driving your convertible mid winter.

[mikeeskriett]

Maniflow actually do a specific LCB for a Midas as the angle at the bottom is slightly different to the Metro one. They fit well but cost more than the cheapo Mini ones but you do get what you pay for these are very well made. They are quite knowledgable about the Midas as they have done a few bespoke systems over the years.

Cheers,

Mike

[Hans Efde]

Thanks for all the info. I didn't know they had a specific Midas LCB! That's worth a few extra pounds, prevents me from cursing while lying under the car trying to hook up some inflexible steel pipes.

[Rich]

I wish I'd known that too! The flexi joint means it isn't really a problem to fit but it would be nice if it tucked up a little and made it less vulnerable.

[Hans Efde]

I got a quote from Maniflow that a Midas LCB in SS will cost 350 pounds. I asked for a price incl. shipment and VAT, but they did not say that specifically. 350 pounds sounds a lot to me since a mild steel LCB is about 70 pounds from Maniflow.

[manifold]

sounds a lot to me too. i think they must have mixed something up as I paid about £180 for mine, shipped... Although 3 years ago I dont think the price will have doubled.

[Rich]

I got a quote from Maniflow that a Midas LCB in SS will cost 350 pounds.

I hope that's a mistake!