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Hey gang,

Depending on fore/aft placement of the engine, a stock Miata manifold can put the exhaust path quite close to driver's footwell. I was looking at different options to move the manifold outlet forward (with the least effort possible). There's the turbo manifold route, but they're a little spendy, and I'm not sure what the super-short runs do to power.

I started looking into the 1.6L Miata engine to see if it was used in other vehicles. It turns out that the Mercury Capri XR2 from 91-94-ish used it too. I found a manifold on eBay for $45. I checked the exhaust manifold gasket part number, and it's compatible with both 1.6L Miata and Capri XR2 engines. I'll see how the part fits up when I get it here.

Essentially, because the XR2 is a transverse engine, the manifold points straight down, rather than back, so that would move the down pipe flange forward in our cars. Hopefully it doesn't hang too low, then. If not, I'll weld up some headers.

It's also an easy solution for a turbo 1.6 Miata... Appx 140 hp or so?

I'm not standing over my car at the moment (seeing how it's in a different state...) but when this engine is mounted in the chassis North-South doesn't the driver side motor mount go about right there?

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Miata based, custom chassis build in progress. First Drive!!! http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=2269&start=375

Yeah, I'm a little worried about that, but I'm hoping that that flange is high enough to clear the motor mount once an elbow is welded on. I'll know next week when it shows up.

If it doesn't work out, here's an inexpensive source for mild steel Mazda B6 exhaust head flanges.

http://www.weir-tech.com/mazda/mazda-1.6l-b6t-exhaust-head-flange-3/8-mild-steel/

EDIT: Sorry, just noticed that Ford piece looks to be fabricated! Anyhow, I'll leave the link in case it's of value to someone else.

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Steve

Well, never mind--rust_bucket was right. The flange ends right above my motor mount, so an elbow certainly won't fit. On to a different solution...

Also, it's cast so it's as heavy as the makeup on Joan River's face*. I bought it for $45 on eBay with free shipping, and the shipping came out to be $31. Apparently, the seller didn't make too much money on this transaction.



*I'm slightly tispy, so I googled "as heavy as" and found this list.

Based upon that last picture, it looks as if you could move the motor mount forward to the next section of 4 bolt holes and use that header.

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mobilito ergo sum
I drive therefore I am

I can explain it to you,
but I can't understand it for you.

If you can find a stock xr2 turbo manifold, should work no problem. You don't have to use the turbo...

+1 It doo look that way... Can you move the motor mount? Might have to tap the other set of holes...

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JD, father of Quinn, Son of a... Build Log
Quinn the Slotus:Ford 302 Powered, Mallock-Inspired, Tube Frame, Hillclimb Special
"Gonzo and friends: Last night must have been quite a night. Camelot moments, mechanical marvels, Rustoleum launches, flying squirrels, fru-fru tea cuppers, V8 envy, Ensure catch cans -- and it wasn't even a full moon." -- SeattleTom

Also, if you're looking for 1.8L (BP) manifolds, the Ford Escort GT/Mazda Protege also had a FWD version of that engine.

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