17 replies to this topic

[Bigfoot]

'99 Rover Mini MPi with Centre Exit Exhaust

Hey all, wondering if anyone can help me out here. I got my Mini a couple of weeks ago, and it came with a centre-exit exhaust fitted (afraid I've no idea what sort).

Anyway, it seems to be mounted a bit weird. It's only supported by one mount at the tailpipe end and by the downpipe at the engine end, and it's very close to the ground (scrapes even when I take the tightest possible angle into the drive).

First thing that bothers me is the one mounting - the rubber is cracked and perished, and isn't supporting the weight properly, so the whole thing hangs squint.





Second thing is the fact it's so low to the ground. At the engine end, there's a squiggly section of pipe to take it round the gear linkage box thing, but instead of running along the exhaust channel in the chassis, it kind of hangs underneath it, which is no good. Another photo should do a better job of explaining it.



So, I'd like to get this sorted, I've no problem with taking it to a Mini-friendly garage if necessary, as it's probably a bit beyond my capabilities to sort it myself. I'm guessing it needs another mount in the middle of the car, and probably the rear one replaced, but what parts will this involve, and will simply remounting and clamping up sort it?

If I can, I'd like to source the parts myself, then take it to a specialist and get it fitted, but to do that I need to know exactly how it needs sorted and what bits to get.

Anybody an expert in this field?

Cheers
Roy

[Alexanderx]

sorry dude i can't help you but if you keep checking on here someone will be able to sort you out,
i'm afraid i'm still learning all about the engine and body work my self,
i've got to do my head gasket soon because mines leaking at the mo witch is maing my baby overheated witch ent good =[
but gonna get her all sorted soon though.

good luck anyways,
and reply to ur own post people call it a bump and u'll
get put to the front of the list so more people will see it.

talk soon,
Alex.

[Jackman]

That system looks completly wrong to me... there should be two rubber bobbins on the rear mount of the exhaust and mid join looks like its just a threaded bar welded to the box.

I think this is just a box which has been modded to fix the exhaust system Not sure if you can fix it without making new exhaust mounts.

[Ro8bieg]

isnt it suppost to have one of them rubber hangers on both sides?

[Ouster]

There should be a bracket with cotton reel type mounts either side to support it properly.

[Sleepy Stu]

Oh my god that is desperate!!

Yep as every body has said the very rear should have 2 of those rubber bobbins at the rear with preferably a metal bar bewteen the two that they hang from this metal bar then just screws directly to the subframe!! Im trying to find a pic for you at the moment.

Next back there should another mount. Take at look at the picture below. Now not all exhaust have the same mountings and hangers but this will give you an idea of what a good setup should look like!!!



Ok ive found this as well not using the rubber bobbin setup that you have but uses the fixed set up for the rear mount!

[minikenning]

hi i have a different system on my car but it has the same kind of mounting that you need on your system, it has a bar that goes under the pipe and coes to two bushes in your case you have a rubber bush, mine are bright orange, worthwhile, these are poly bushes (much stronger) hope this is some help
Dom

Attached Files

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[Bigfoot]

Cheers everybody (especially Stewart)!

Evidently, this is a bigger bodge than I thought...

Anybody any tips on how to go about sorting it? Assuming it's an RC40 (I wouldn't know, it looks like it could be though) would this kit contain all the bits I'd need?

Also, is this something I could conceivably work on myself, or would I be better taking it to an exhaust specialist? As far as I can see, it shouldn't need any welding or major alterations.

And lastly, if I'm better taking it to a garage, is it cheaper to buy the bits (about a tenner) and get them to fit them, or let them source parts?

Thanks

[WiredbyWilson]

i can sell you a used but fairly new RC40 kit for £5 posted (changed mine now).

with a bit of thought you should be able to use an rc40 kit to make it fit better, you may also need a bracket at the front on the gearbox housing to hold it up at the front too.

Wilson

[Bigfoot]

Does that mean it's not an RC40? As far as I can see, I'll need a centre mount and a rear mount (with two bushes) and whatever clamps that'll be needed to hold it up. The downpipe end seems fine.

How nearly-new is your kit?

Also, and completely unrelatedly, the arches in your sig - am I right in thinking they're Group 6s? If so, where did you get the rubber seal that's sandwiched between the arch and the body, and did it have to go on at the same time as the arch?

Thanks for humouring me

[minikenning]

hi i dont see why you have to take it to a garage and do it, you can do it on your own really depending on your system some parts you may need two people to hold the exhaust up in the right place but i fitted my exhaust myself and it is working fine so it is all up to you

[WiredbyWilson]

i think you could get an rc40 fitting kit to do the job you want it too, you may have to drill some holes in the centre of the frame to mount the bobbins and the hanging plate - nothign too serious. you have the mounting holes for the mount on the front of the rear subframe so that is ok.

the kit has done about 400 miles, my mini is a fair weather toy lol!

i got the arches from huddersfield spares, they recommended them to go with my 6x12 revs and the rubber strip came with them. i had the arches painted then fittted the rubber trim and then bolted them on

[mini_kel]

The rear box is a Peco Big Bore silencer bodged to fit on! Probably best to take it to a garage and get them to fit properly or buy a new exhaust that is designed to fit the car and fit that yourself as it`s not to hard a job!

[Bigfoot]

kel: Yup, that sounds about right - a Peco Big Bodge. I phoned a couple of places today (Kwik-Fit, National) and they just told me they couldn't help. What exactly needs done to sort it? I mean, it seems to run fine, what work does it need aside from being mounted properly? I'm planning to get an RC40 mounting kit, which has the two rubber bobbins, the centre mount, and some U-clamps, then take it into a garage and see what they can do. Unless it's realistically possible to sort it meself.

wilson: Yes please, then - Paypal ok with you? Actually, I'll PM you. My arches were from Huddersfield too, I got the outer lip trim but nothing for sealing the join between body and arch. I might just be imagining the seal I'm seeing on yours...

Thanks!

[WiredbyWilson]

hi bigfoot.

sorry i hadn't heard from you and have sold the kit to a neighbour, although i might have some other bobbins/brackets and hangers that might help you.

you're not imagining it, there is a rubber lip between the arch and the bodywork, it is like a U and pushed onto the arch and stayed there on it's own.

really sorry again mate, if your interetsed in the other bits i might have cheap let me know and ill rummage in the shed.