Sump guard/exhaust protection

[SADLOTUS]

Hi all

Just a question to the wide world really.
I've had a couple of problems with the exhaust grounding even though it's nicely wedged up close to the chassis - maybe only a centimeter or two along its length and a little skid plate on the rear box.
The problem the other day was a direct hit on the manifold downpipe to centre pipe join on a double hump on a country road! Off it came and promptly scooped up gravel and tarmac into the centre pipe. Easy to fix but a bugger all the same and not something I'd like to fix in a suit!!
The question is: a sumpguard would reduce clearance even more, heat the clutch slave and surrounding areas, also, there's the risk of chassis damage, but what about a slider/protective sid plate?
Suggestions?
I'm off to RSR exhausts in Bromley to see what they can suggest. - apparently Escort RS Turbos are the worst.

PS - please dont suggest slowing down - it's a complete anathema to me

[Elanintheforest]

Speed up...that way you'll fly over the bumps and not fall into them

Mark

[cabc26b]

use/ run oval tubing .
What spring rates are you running in the rear ?

[zog]

It is quite common for the front springs to get weak over time and the car gets lower and lower without you noticing it. Check your ride height against another Elan. Dave Bean sells spring upgrades that stiffen things up a bit and help keep you from taking chunks out of the road.

[oldelanman]

Obvious I know but if you are using the U bolt type clamps rotate them so that the hardware is not at the bottom - better still use band clamps.

[tdafforn]

Sue miller (and others) sell superior jubulee clip style clamps that can give you and extra 5 mm over the standard exhaust clamps!
Tim

[SADLOTUS]

OK, it's a fair cop... time to come clean...
I'm now going to be as unhelpful as possible...

All new adjustable springs and shockers all round - TTR front and rear, 100lb (I think), 2" centrepipe, flat exhaust clamp bands and Mikalor stainless clamps.

I'm running quite low ground clearance and gradually winding/adjusting the suspension up.

This is where you all throw your hands up in despair and scream:
'WHAT DOES HE EXPECT!!'

I've a feeling I may have to live with minimal clearance and try to optimise by gradual adjustments.
The original question was, i suppose, whether it was practicable to have a front skid plate or whether this would do more damage than the occasional pipe scrape?

[Lincoln62]

You could put hydraulics in it like the LA guys put in ther Chevys.

Seriously, the best thing I did for ground clearance was going back to 80 series tyres. I am amazed at the difference it made. I don't think the handling has suffered at all. I don't drive it on the track though, that would be another matter.

Peter
66S2

[cabc26b]

I assume you want a low ride height - so , you might want to go up on your spring rates. I run 2.5 tube that has been ovelized and have also run a boom-tube the later is a pretty stout piece that is designed a little heavy for an elan , but won't mash flat. I think an ovalize 2" will be about 1.5 tall.

here is a repost of the boom tube picture -

[steveww]

My Elan is also running TTR adjustable suspension and a 2" exhaust system. Ground clearance is an issue, especially speed ramps. I have the suspension set slight lower than standard. Originally it was using the TTR supplied rear bump stops but I found these to be too short for road use and grounding was a common problem. I have switched over to longer bump stops see http://www.steveww.org/index.php?id=32 for full details.

I also run the Elan on 80 profile tyres - Michelin XAS of course

I agree going slower in an Elan is never an option. I drive mine like I stole it

[Foxie]

Hi all

The problem the other day was a direct hit on the manifold downpipe to centre pipe join on a double hump on a country road! Off it came and promptly scooped up gravel and tarmac into the centre pipe. Easy to fix but a bugger all the same and not something I'd like to fix in a suit!!

Suggestions?

Happened to me too, (in Milan ) but the pipe then pulled the a*** out of the the car at rear silencer mountings, so a substantial fibreglass repair was also needed.

I since fabricated a bracket which mounts on the gearbox bottom casing bolts, with a band type clamp to secure the main pipe. It's got quite a few scrapes, but it's still there

Sean Murray

[SADLOTUS]

A couple of pics showing how tucked up the exhaust is - the rear box could do with a rework to lift an inch. The front downpipes are maybe half inch - one inch lower than the chassis cross bar, which isnt that different from standard. So really it's all down to being too close to the road (doh!)

Sean, got any pictures of your exhaust mount mod?

[CBUEB1771]

I since fabricated a bracket which mounts on the gearbox bottom casing bolts, with a band type clamp to secure the main pipe. It's got quite a few scrapes, but it's still there

Are these different from the standard gearbox bracket and main clamp set (026 F 0010 and 026 S 0088)? If you don't have the Service Parts List handy you can see these items on the parts manulas posted at RD Enterprises: http://www.rdent.com/manuals/index.html

[Foxie]

Are these different from the standard gearbox bracket and main clamp set (026 F 0010 and 026 S 0088)? If you don't have the Service Parts List handy you can see these items on the parts manulas posted at RD Enterprises: http://www.rdent.com/manuals/index.html

Yes, it's different, I fabricated the bracket, and I don't know what the standard parts look like that you mention/

I've failed to find the parts nos. you quote on the RD Parts Manual (great resource !) can you point me in the right direction

I've just been looking at my original 4 speed GB (it's in the back of the garage) and realised that my bracket is on the T9, but it should be possible to do (but different ) on the 4 speed.

Will photo as soon as I get the present incumbent out of the garage.

Sean Murray

[CBUEB1771]

I've failed to find the parts nos. you quote on the RD Parts Manual (great resource !) can you point me in the right direction

Sean,
From the link I posted, click on "Elan" and then "Exhaust" The standard clamp and gearbox bracket are items 20 and 21, respectively, seen at the upper left corner of the drawing. These of course are for the three-rail Cortina box. I didn't realize you had a T-9 derivative. Your brackets are probably very similar in concept but would not fit directly to the four speed box.