Re: stag-digest V3 #38

[Mike Wattam <101714.1343@domain.elided>]

TUBULAR EXHAUSTS

The good news is these have been available for years, and give an excellent
power improvement (anything has to be better than the standard cast iron
design!).  Tony Hart used to claim +30bhp with re-tuned carburettors, but
consumer advertising legislation has made everybody bite their tongues
about this as it is not easily provable.  

But they do make a noticeable difference to power, the engine runs smoother
particularly at tickover and will go much more freely up to the red line. 
The exhaust note is smoother too, but it doesn't quite have that 'Stag'
sound any more.  They do allow an engine which tends to overheat, to run
slightly cooler.  

Finally, you can stick on any alternator that will fit - even though the
standard Lucas ACR18 is perfectly capable of meeting all power demands when
in reasonable condition. 

Available in UK from most Stag suppliers, price around £250-350 per pair.

The bad news is that unfortunately the manifold quality is highly variable,
some with misaligned cylinder head flanges which need packing, others with
poor welds that break, and this applies particularly to the stainless steel
ones which are less flexible than mild steel when they get hot. 

Also, as the curly bits go forward into where the alternator lives now,
which means the alternator can only go in the same physical place as the
aircon compressor, so you'll need to reconcile yourself to losing your
aircon.  I have yet to see a set of brackets and wiring that didn't look
VERY amateur.  So, originality is finally totally busted  - the main reason
why I have never bothered to do this modification myself.  That and not
needing more power - an open 4-seater car which will still accelerate
smartly to 125 and cruise at 100 reliably without overheating really
doesn't need a lot more power, does it?

Hope above helps

Mike Wattam
Triumph Stag Register