exhaust manifold retrofit- 88 Spider

[AlfaNeely@domain.elided]

       In my not at all humble opinion, opening up the exhaust is the first 
step in making an L Jetronic spider run as it should.
       I have heard, but do not know for sure that the angles at the flanges 
of the 91 manifolds are slightly different.  A test fit to make sure the 91 
head pipe bolts to the early manifolds would be in order.  If they bolt to 
the manifolds, but the incorrect angle is the way they fit the body, then you 
can heat and bend the head pipe to fit.  Please report back on how these 
parts fit your Alfa.
       I am using a 74 head pipe with a flange welded in place of the 
resonator.  The flange came from the front of an old muffler center section.  
And the catalysis I used has a flange front and back.  It was intended for a 
mid 1970';s spider / Alfetta.  A picture of this cat is in the Alfa Ricambi 
ad in recent Alfa Owner Magazines.
       If your O2 sensor screws into the fitting in the head pipe then use 
it.  If not, you may have to have the proper fitting welded in place.  I 
found a large nut the O2 sensor screwed into.  I ground the nut round to fit 
the pipe and to make it thinner before welding to the 74 head pipe.
       Also be aware that the flange at the back of the 91 Catalyst is larger 
than the center pipe on the 88 spider.  You may have to get a center section 
for a 91.  The connections in front of the rear axle are the same, so the 
rear sections interchange.
       I had my 74 exhaust manifolds coated by HPC http://www.hpcoatings.com/ 
 Jet Hot is also good http://www.jet-hot.com/
       I went with silver as it was the least expensive.  They coat the 
manifolds inside and out, which helps with flow and gets the exhaust heat out 
of the engine compartment.  I wish I had had my head pipe coated as well.
       After seven years and about 14,000 miles, the coating is still good.  
It has worn away on a few places where the exhaust manifold casting was 
rough.  I would polish off any high spots or pimples before taking them to 
the coating place.  It cost about $120 seven years ago.  I would recommend 
coating the components.

Ciao,
Russ Neely
Oklahoma City


In a message dated 11/06/2002 7:52:24 PM Central Standard Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:



> Date: Wed, 6 Nov 2002 7:3:47 -0800
> From: "Paul Steffy" <pauls1969@domain.elided>
> Subject: exhaust manifold retrofit- 88 Spider
> 
> I am getting ready to put my refurbished head back on my '88 Spider and
> have some questions regarding upgrading the breathability.  I have an old
> 70's exhaust manifold (2 pieces) and a '91 catalytic converter.  It looks
> like the two should be a good mate.  Questions- Will I need a different
> O2 sensor, or will the stock one be just fine?  Also the exhaust manifold
> is quite rusty and somewhat pitted.  I believe there was a discussion
> regarding treatments such as sandblasting and powdercoating.  What was
> the verdict?  Will the powdercoat eventually crack and blister?  Will it
> compromise the heat transfer or cooling of the manifold?  Your thoughts
> are appreciated. --- Paul Steffy--- pauls1969@domain.elided--- EarthLink:
> The #1 provider of the Real Internet. 
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