280 Cast exhaust manifolds wanted

[Tasmin200]

As the title says I’m looking for a good pair of the original cast manifolds for a 280. Does anyone have a pair (or singles) in the back of the garage they wish to sell?

[mrzigazaga]

Hi mate...I believe they were 2.3 cortina and i have looked for some but had no joy...The only option was to get stainless steel manifolds from ACT...Ziga

[hallsie]

good luck with that!!

I have tried for a year to find a spare, the fabricated ones would be the way to go.

There is a place in essex that do them while you wait. (cue Jack Valliant)

Stu

[Tasmin200]

Hmm, that's the conclusion I'm coming to. I phoned every breaker I could find today and no joy.

I can't afford £3-400 for stainless manifolds off ACT.

Back to plan 'A' I think - fit capri ones back to front so they go forward.

[hallsie]

I think for around £150-£200 you can get some made up mate, dont despair!

[Wedg1e]

At least the offside, if not both, manifolds were cast specially for the original Tasmin: they have TVR logos cast-in which wouldn't be the case with Ford ones.
It's possible TVR changed the layout and went to Ford ones later, however.

[Tasmin200]

hallsie said:

I think for around £150-£200 you can get some made up mate, dont despair!

Yip but when you're 400 miles away from Essex with no exhaust on your car I can make life a bit tricky!

I thought the originals were TVR specials but even if they are off a 2.3 Cotina there are probably more TVR ones left. I don't think they made many V6 cortina's. My Dad had one mind, he hated the way it handled if I remember correctly.

I think I'll get me welder out, I wont cost much to try and if it doesn't work then it doesn't matter.

[Wedg1e]

Tasmin200 said:

Back to plan 'A' I think - fit capri ones back to front so they go forward.

I seem to think that was part of the TVR version's design: they didn't exactly point forward but the 'outlet' angle was significantly different to the Ford ones.

[hallsie]

PM me. i might have a solution

Stu

[GinG15]

Wedg1e said:

At least the offside, if not both, manifolds were cast specially for the original Tasmin: they have TVR logos cast-in which wouldn't be the case with Ford ones.
It's possible TVR changed the layout and went to Ford ones later, however.

yesterday i was tidying my garage and found some manifolds. (iron cast, for ford cologne engine 2.8i)

at least one showed the TVR logo.

anybody interested?

[Tasmin200]

I'm sorted now thanks, but I'm sure someone will bit your hand off as these are rare as hens teeth.

[tvrmk363]

Try contacting Bill Rachel at Dominion Spares in the states. He has a parts car or two and might be able to hook you up.

[RCK974X]

What I know from fiddling around with Cologne engines...

The wedge has ONE Ford manifold, the EARLY one, which I agree comes from a 2.3 Cortina. (yes manuals and autos made in UK)
This is on right side (same as starter motor, passenger side in UK)

The other appears to be a TVR special, the original Ford manifold exits almost horizontally backwards and would foul the chassis (the straight rail chassis that is).

Rumour has it that even the Ford manifold was machined down on the outside of the flange to make it a bit narrower, I can't tell for sure on mine, but it does look a bit narrow on the clamp.....

Later Ford manifolds were made larger for better flow, but they stick out further from head, so probably won't go in.
I think this change was about 1984, and early 2.8 engines (and carbed ones) had same manifolds as 2.3.

ANY cologne manifold is rare now, and hard to find. They could also crack if overheated, which doesn't help things.

or get them made.... only 4 tubes instead of 6 !!

Edited by RCK974X on Wednesday 6th January 20:26