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MG MGA - MGA manifold

Our A has a 1800 engine, big valve alloy head by Mr. Burgess. Still running a CI manifold. Feel the need for a tubular manifold but which one?
David Brenchley

David,
I fitted a Maniflow tubular manifold when I fitted my tuned MGB engine.
Peter Burgess suggests using these manifolds IIRC and they are also recommended in Steve Strange's incredible MGB B-Series engine tuning book.
Steve says that the Maniflow is worth between 3 to 5 extra bhp in the mid range rev band.

Let me know if you would like to have a copy of "The Book"and I will forward you one. (My copy is dated 2016 and so there may well now be an update)

Cheers
Colyn
Colyn Firth

I take it will have to use the MGA manifold? Manifold do two - is one better than the other...
David Brenchley

David
I think it depends on the state of tune of your engine, I would ask Peter Burgess which one he recommends that suits your particular head.

I know that the alloy head has to run with a much higher compression ratio than a cast iron head and so this could have a significant effect on things.

I have the Maniflow Stage II manifold but this is because my 5-bearing MGB engine is bored out to 1950cc and has 140 bhp.

Whichever manifold you order, make certain that you tell them what diameter your exhaust system is where it connects to it.
Usually they will increase the diameter of the end of the manifold so that the exhaust pipe slides inside.

When I ordered mine we were at we messed this up between us and when I tried to fit the manifold I found that both pipes were the same diameter! I had to fit a sleeve over them both to connect them.

I have attached a pic of the manifolds, both the exhaust and the inlet manifolds are from Maniflow and they are beautifully made.

Cheers
Colyn






Colyn Firth

Sorry David
I don't think I fully answered your question.

Even though you are fitting an MGB engine to your MGA, you need to tell Maniflow (or whichever suppliers you decide on) that it is going into an MGA.

So, whether you get the Maniflow Large Bore or their Stage II manifold, they need to know that it is going into an MGA.
This is to make certain that the manifold lines up with the exhaust system.
Cheers
Colyn
Colyn Firth

Hi Colyn, thanks for all the info, off to drool over maniflows catologue
David k Brenchley

David,
I have nothing but regard for Maniflow I have there exhaust manifolds fitted to my 1500 MGA and 1950 MGA the quality of construction is second to non and if you tell them the specification of the engine they will manufacture the manifold to suit.
Regards
David
D M SPEAK

This thread was discussed between 21/02/2019 and 24/02/2019

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