Aligning the exhaust Y piece and manifiolds?

[pupp]

Ok, what are the dodges? I've tried searching and can't really find much but assume I'm not the only one who always struggles and curses at this task. For the uninitiated (or the plain lucky), I always end up with a tapered gap up to 2mm or so on the leading edges of one or both of the joints and suspect there is an approved method to get it all 'square' for the v bands. Anyone know as I'm not wanting to slacken off the manifold/head joints, as these are silent for once

[GreenV8S]

I think getting the manifolds secured to the heads is the first priority, do that before connecting the Y piece to make sure the manifold seal is clamped evenly.

Getting the two Y piece clamps to seal always involves some brute force. However I do it, one side always seems to drop straight on and the other side needs pursuasion. I just do the clamp up tight, go round it bashing it this settles the joint and loosens the clamp, repeat until it stops moving. Then run the engine and get the exhaust good and hot, give it a big bash and it pops into place.

Judging by the scars on the outside of mine, garages who've worked on it in the past have just put a lever on the outside of the manifold and forced it into place cold while they do the clamps up. I expect that would work as well, but it's a bit awkward to do that single handed.

[pupp]

Thanks Peter... as a supplementary, anyone know if the v bands are a proprietary part and readily available or are they TVR specific? Mine are getting a bit 'used'.

[macdeb]

Quinny said:

The only way I can get my Y piece to join the manifolds is to fit one side, then put a rachet strap across the 2 manifolds and pull the sides together. Tighten the clamps up and jobs a good un

Ditto the method.