2285 - Body Off

[Bigb]

Yes, everything up front is pretty much loose

[Bigb]

Updated Photos of rolling chassis #2285
IMG_3122.jpg IMG_3124.jpg IMG_3126.jpg

[Bigb]

Update chassis with motor now in! IMG_0058.jpg IMG_0059.jpg

[Mark Norris]

Looks great!

With everything so accessible now would be a good time to fit the exhaust header bolt extension tubes.

[Egenolf]

Yes, looks great!

It would be nice if I had already done so much on 2503.

[Bigb]

Is there something on this I should be aware of on fitment? I do plan to attach the entire exhaust just for the sake of proper placement of the hangers. As it sits right now I don't believe the exhaust is hung correctly, it just docent seem to have the right lines. I am going to install the system from the motor back, that way I know exactly where everything sits. Any past experience is appreciated. Heck, I though this would be one of the easier things to accomplish, but given that its a Mark II nothing is normal about it.

[Bigb]

Thank you,
I wouldn't want to do 2 of these cars! Its always cheaper to purchase them done, however IMO not nearly as fun as doing it yourself, and knowing once its done that "everything" has been attended to. Its all good...

[Mark Norris]

Is there something on this I should be aware of on fitment? I do plan to attach the entire exhaust just for the sake of proper placement of the hangers. As it sits right now I don't believe the exhaust is hung correctly, it just docent seem to have the right lines. I am going to install the system from the motor back, that way I know exactly where everything sits. Any past experience is appreciated. Heck, I though this would be one of the easier things to accomplish, but given that its a Mark II nothing is normal about it.

Each exhaust header is attached by 2 bolts (front flange) + 3 bolts (middle flange) + 2 bolts (rear flange). The front and rear flange bolts (4 off per side) are longer by approx 7/8". They are fitted with steel sleeve tubes (approx. 7/8" long) that slide over the threads. There has been some debate on the forum as to why they are arranged this way. I would expect its got something to do with building elastic stretch into the bolt when tightening them up so that repeated heat cycling does not end up with a) loose bolts, or b) snapped bolts. Note originally in the factory the headers were fitted without gaskets so the bolts had to be relied upon the stay tight (I think most people fit gaskets now). Here is a photo of how bolt and sleeve arrangement looks from a period photo;

Exhaust header bolt tubes.jpg

You'll need 8 tubes for both headers (or manifolds as we would call them over here in Europe). I've seen them on Ebay once or twice (if I recall correctly Holger got the last ones!) but I simply bought stainless steel spacers (the sleeves were lost on my engine), again on Ebay.

You can certainly fit them when the body is back on but it'll be a bit easier before.

Apart from that the fitment of the headers looks just fine.

[Bigb]

Ah Ha! I have those spacers, they were in a box of parts that came back when the engine was rebuild. They plated them with other hardware, but did not install them.

Thank you!

[Egenolf]

Here is another picture with the installed spacers:

679B045C-5800-418D-8441-2C0129DD4985.jpg