[catswhiskers]

Hi Guys,
I've just ordered a complete stainless exhaust system and manifolds for my 308GTSi.
Are there any special tips I should know about when it comes to removing the old manifolds?
I hope I dont have to strip everything off the engine to make room to thread the new one into place.
The rear manifold doesnt look to be too difficult but the front one seems to be quite tight for space. I've been advised that I need to remove the right side fuel tank?
Any comments gratefully received.
Thanks.
**** :-?

 

['75 308 GT4 (Peter)]

Yes, this is a big job...

The front manifold needs the right-side fuel tank out of the way, so it can slip through that area and out the wheelwell. Be careful when draining the tanks!!!

I found that the rear manifold needs to be taken out from the bottom and you need to raise and push forward the entire engine to clear the differential. Now remember, my car is a US version and thus has aluminum heat-shielding on the manifold. This makes it very thick and the reason why it made me move the engine to pull it out. If your manifold does NOT have heat-shielding, it can probably slip out from the top (or bottom) without moving anything (except, maybe the fuel distributor unit if pulling from the top).

I'll warn you that the nuts holding the manifold maybe seized and it'll be difficult to remove - keep alot of bandages handy on the workbench! If your car has the exhaust-gas-analyser pipes mounted on the front manifold, you may try, but I'll bet that they'll be next to impossible to remove. If you break them (which I did), you can substitute with stainless tubing and compression fittings, available at hydraulic-supply stores.

Which system did you get?

 

[adriansoden]

Hi ****. I just replaced the front manifold on my 308QV. Easy-peasy!

Had to remove the right hand tank and bulkhead heatshield, lower heatshields also air intake moulding. I also removed the starter heatshield to make the manifold nuts easier to get to. Don't forget to soak the nuts in WD40 for a few days before starting work. You need very skinny hands too! Be sure to use new Jubilee clips when re-fitting the tank balance pipe.

Took my time and had no problems whatsoever, saved myself over a grand! Don't forget to order a set of exhaust gas analysis plugs as you'll never get the old ones out! Good luck. My car is featured on www.ferrari308.com in case your are interested.

Adrian :lol:[/b]

 

[catswhiskers]

Thanks for the comments guys. You've convinced me that it can and should be done by me.
The labour costs I save will go towards upgrading the TRX alloys.
Thanks again.
Adrian, its nice to hear from a fellow Brit and only about 60 miles apart at that. If you have any other tips about maintanence (such as changing a water pump) they'd be gratefully received.
Send me an e-mail sometime.
Cheers.
****

 

[catswhiskers]

Hi Peter,
Thanks for your advice and helpful tips.
For your reference and anyone else who may be intersted, I've ordered manifolds and a short box sport silencer ( muffler ).
The manifolds are costing £820 for the pair and the sports box £720.
The guys doing the job are well known over here in UK for 'super car' stainless systems such as Maserati, Lambo', Ferrari etc. and have a web site at www.stainless-exhaust.com
They do cater for overseas customers.
The good thing about it is everything is stainless, even the mounting flanges and they cover a Vehicle Lifetime Guarantee.
I guess I'm just lucky they're based about three miles from me.
Cheers
****

 

['75 308 GT4 (Peter)]

Let us know how the job went and if you're happy with the quality of the system itself and importantly, the sound...

 

[catswhiskers]

Hi Peter,
I will post a summary of my experience changing the manifolds and system. If I get the chance, I'll also post a couple of pictures for future reference.
The system wont be ready for collection until mid May so be patient, I'll post again when I collect ready for fitting.
Cheers.
****

 

['75 308 GT4 (Peter)]

I'm looking forward to it...

 

[catswhiskers]

Got the exhaust a few days ago. Took all your advice and removed the right side fuel tank. My air-con compressor is also out for maintenance so I had loads of room.(photo)
With the car on stands, you can actually sit in the wheel arch where the tank goes. This makes working on the front manifold so easy. No problems with the nuts, everything came apart fine.
Rear manifold actually comes out through bottom of chassis, just had to remove the handbrake pivot unit to give clearance.
New manifolds went on in no time, fitted great and silencer(muffler) bolted straight up. With everything back together, a short road test put a permanent smile on my face. What a sound, comes on song around 1800rpm and really starts to sing from 3000rpm. I wish I knew how to load a sound file, I'm sure you would be impressed.
What do you think?
Cheers,
****.

 

[Andrew]

Very cool. Now you just need to take a pic from behind the car and post in the gallery. I would like to see how those tips look on the car. By the way, is this an after-market exhaust or factory?

 

[catswhiskers]

Andrew,
its an aftermarket system manufactured by a small specialist outfit a couple of miles from me in Nottingham. Take a look at their work on
www.stainless-exhaust.com
I'll post a few more pictures during the next few days.