6 replies to this topic

[minimikej]

I'm nearly finished with the restoration of my mk1.

I'm running an RC40 twin box system with a Freeflow manifold.

I really want to keep the floor start but there's very little clearance between the downpipe and the exposed electrical connections on the starter switch. The factory single box exhaust had a kink to offset the pipe to one side.

Obviously, if the exhaust contacted the battery feed there would be big problems.

I have moved the switch out to the offside as much as I can (about 20mm) but there is barely 10mm gap between the exhaust and terminals.

 

I have considered:

1. Keeping the switch for aesthetics but running it on a fused circuit to a solenoid so if anything bad happens it doesn't torch the car

2. Wrapping the exhaust in one of those insulating wraps

3. Insulating the whole switch assembly using some massive heat-shrink tubing

4. Separating the exhaust and switch with some physical insulator like high temperature silicone matting.

 

Regarding insulating, I think heat shrink is only good to about 150 degrees and high temp silicone to about 200 which I'm not convinced is high enough.

 

I don't want to take a hammer to the pipe because flow, bodge etc.

 

What have others done to solve this?

 

Cheers

 

 

 

 

[cal844]

Can't you take it to an exhaust shop and get them to modify it to suit?

[minimikej]

Can't you take it to an exhaust shop and get them to modify it to suit?

 

Possibly but I reckon that adding a kink would shorten the direct length too much. Fabrication of a replacement section is an option though for sure..

[cal844]

Won't make much difference if you make the angles shallow enough

[Avtovaz]

just wrap the exhaust, or get some heat shielding from a later type car like a bmw.

[minimans]

10 mm is more than enough gap, just make sure you use the insulator boots on the terminals, and it won't hurt performance if you took a hammer to the pipe and made yourself a little more room if you think it's too close? But I understand your concern. I had a mini Marcos that the battery cable shorted out onto the exhaust one night. I't didn't half burn bright for while!!

[timmy850]

Give it a whack with a hammer!  Mine was arcing to the starter switch before I fixed it