Other than MX5 parts I can find loads of stainless manifolds for either the 1.6 or Mk2 1.8 but very little choice for Mk1 1.8. I’ve found this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270300886730&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017 and a bit of reading around tells me this guy is well rated for scooby mods and a deecent trader with quality products.
A quick note to ask if he sells Mk1 manifolds and he’s told me this will fit, despite saying it’s for Mk2 1.8 only. Does the Mk1 and Mk2 have the same sized manifold and downipe? For a kick off the lambda sensor looks to be in a different place to mine which isn’t the end of the world but what about the rest of it?
I doubt it will fit.
I have the MX5parts manifold.
Like virtually all aftermarket manifolds, the O2 sensor is repositioned; some will splice in some wiring. I used a plug-in loom extension from Racing Beat. MX5parts supplied a blanking cap for the EGR tube, as there is no EGR on the Roadster.
Major issue is the difference between US/UK cats and Japanese cats. All Roadsters, 1.6 and 1.8, (Mk1) used a 375mm long cat. US 1.8s uses a 440mm cat. UK; 94-96 used a 440mm cat, thereafter, 475 cat. There are differences in the downpipes.
Pretty much all manifolds available, except for Japanese ones, are sized for 440mm cat. If you fit a US/UK manifold to the Roadster, you are left with a 65mm gap between the downpipe flange and the cat. MX5parts will sell an adapter, but its rubbish, as it may force the rest of the system to hit the PPF. It did on mine. I switched out the cat to a 440mm cat. On your 93 Roadster, you can fit a cat pipe.
In the US, the main manufacturers are Racing Beat and Jackson Racing; I would rate Racing Beat as better. Of the others, besides the Japanese manifolds, virtually all of them are made in China, and of variable quality. My MX5parts item is showing signs of cracking (not blowing though).
SAZ, once again you’re a minefield of information. Thanks for the help. You should run your own forum.
Hopefully you mean mine of information. Minefield suggests it’s a bit hit and miss, which I suppose it might be.
I was rushing at work did think that after I’d posted it. Or you could say wherever you tread there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find something.
How about fountain of knowledge instead. Either way thanks. Saved me a few wasted pennies and effort.
The Mk2 Manifold will fit at the engine, but not to the exhaust, you would need a Mk2 exhaust system, or some welding!
And a Mk2 exhaust will also require modifications to the Mk1, to add, or modifiy hanging brackets, and possibly the bumper cutout.