A recap Huw of our previous elsewhere discussions...
...to keep it all concentrated !
Hi Huw.
Ist tricky bit is an exhaust manifold that fits rh and lh drive S130s.
Then ALL models so those with steering boxes and those with rack and pinion.
I think I've cracked that (subject to a fitting confirmation) with my new street-sport manifold.
Next is the line :
Series '79-'81 = to the rear and then across and out
Series '82-'83 = straight out
Then add the 2+2 versions of each so effectively 4x exhausts needed for a minority market.
Hey 20 exhausts is still money!
Would it really be 4 different exhausts? Just add an extension piece for the 2+2 and the extra cross bit for the earlier cars can slot on to the rear silencer where a tail pipe would be for the later cars. I've changed my rear valance panel to accommodate the straight through exhaust and the exhaust hanger point is good for both types of exhaust system (early car and later car).
The 280ZX suffers a bit performance wise if there is no back pressure, or correct amount of it, in the exhaust and I've been warned off most aftermarket manifolds because of this. Is your 'Street Manifold' good to use on a 280ZX?
Happy to test one for you mate
Huw
Hi Huw.
I see it thus :
2 seater exhaust
2+2 (a 2 seater exhaust but with an extension (A) as I'm doing for the S30 2+2s which is inline under the transmission tunnel)
Late version exhaust with a 'straight-out' demontable* silencer.
Early version exhaust with an rhside elbow*, extension pipe and then a silencer (B) with another rh elbow and tip.
*Therefore for the early versions, the late silencer would be removed and the elbow fitted passing behind the rear valence (with silencer) and then elbow again to exit the valence.
You perhaps see that an 1x exhaust with some optional pipes, both of which will incorporate a silencer (A+B).
I see that as 4x different exhausts for which all will need a seperate prototype made up and therefore at least two cars :
a late and early version, one of which must be a 2 seater and the other a 2+2.
20x exhausts will probably just about pay for the time and tooling.
I'm still inclined to serve the older S30 market with its 'simpler' design and single extension pipe for the 2+2s.
I'd love to do S130s as I believe that there is a market developping but I need the cars on my ramp over here !
The manifold won't affect back-pressure** but the exhaust might......however, most (are there a lot ?) after-market S130 systems don't appear to have a centre (front and first) silencer which may explain the symptom found.
Mine would have but we'll wait and see** as there are two currently being fitted to 280Zs which share the same injection and air-flow meters.
I can't use yours as you have no rhside exit (or do you ?) and I'd still need a 2+2 to calculate the extra length and where to insert it in the line.
Still not you do need four separate systems variants but I can see where you are going.
Any road will be interested to see how you go, as I would love to try one of your manifolds but would really need the rest of the pipe!
And no my car no longer has a right handed exit, didn't see the point in the extra superfluous bit of pipe.
Cheers
Huw