ACT Manifolds and Spark Plug Access

[WIL35]

I had stainless steel exhaust manifolds fitted last year.

Cleaning the engine today, having a good look at things. With the standard original manifolds, the rear spark plugs were never that easy to remove and fit the HT leads, how on earth is it possible with the ACT manifolds? The gap between the manifold and the water rail is only about a centimetre. I don't need to change the plugs yet, but what is the technique for the plugs nearest the bulkhead?

Thanks!

[CerbWill]

I've got a set of ACT performance manifolds. Poor quality for the price but it is possible to change the rear plugs. I used a 3/8 spark plug socket ground a bit thinner and a 3/8 universal joint and a range of wobble bars Just about doable.

[Jimm218]

I also have the performance manifolds. I don't recall them being any more difficult to change. I also echo the other comment but they are a lot better than the coolant rails...

[WIL35]

Thanks, that's good to know. I have plenty of 3/8ths attachments, flexi joints etc, so should be able to manage.

Wondered if it had been converted to the full supercar experience of removing the engine to change the plugs!

[CerbWill]

The more I think about it I'm sure I remember dropping the plug socket down the hole, then adding the UJ and wobble bar. To remove it I think a magnet on a stick came in handy to drag the spark plug and socket out.

[itsallyellow]

You need some manifolds that give you loads of room!

[WIL35]

itsallyellow said:

You need some manifolds that give you loads of room!

….ah yes and they don't run too close to the chassis rails either, another bonus!

Thanks for the replies, I feel like it will be possible with the right sockets, attachments and some long nose pliers

[lancepar]

itsallyellow
YHM
Cheers

[TwinKam]

For years I used an old offcut of fuel or screenwash pipe to start awkwardly positioned plugs. Then I discovered this beauty...

https://mueller-kueps.com/product-catalog/vehicle-...

Use it on every plug every day now, it is so much better to steer a plug into place without fear of dropping it, and run it in, only using a plug socket for the final nip

[itsallyellow]

lancepar said:

itsallyellow
YHM
Cheers

I don’t receive pm’s......

Email me [e-mail]

[Bogsye]

Standard manifolds on mine, but I also use a spare length of fuel hose to get the new plug started or to quickly take the old plug out. Must be the cheapest most effective tool I own!

[lancepar]

itsallyellow said:

I don’t receive pm’s......

Email me [e-mail]

[Jhonno]

ACT manifolds on mine, plugs pretty easy to change tbh.

[Byker28i]

I wonder if they've changed design?
I have had them on for many years now (around 10?), don't have a problem, but then I've not been at the engine recently having just had it rebuilt and ten services at Str8Six.

It did have to be fettled to move it away from the chassis rails at the bottom when fitted.

I've had the stainless water manifold on now for 13 years, never a problem with it, unlike the original

[tejr]

itsallyellow said:

You need some manifolds that give you loads of room!

Do the tight bends at the top effect power? From that angle it looks like the direction of exhaust flow is being turned almost 180degrees back on itself.

[Byker28i]

tejr said:

itsallyellow said:

You need some manifolds that give you loads of room!

Do the tight bends at the top effect power? From that angle it looks like the direction of exhaust flow is being turned almost 180degrees back on itself.

It was developing great power at the rolling road day. Very impressive and put to rest the thought that a 4.7 didn't offer much more

[WIL35]

Ok, it seems possible then, but I don't think I'll be doing it just 'out of interest'

Edited by WIL35 on Monday 8th June 15:19