Exhaust

[dalebernstein]

Hi folks. 1976 Spdier with a '77 1800 motor. Found a 4-2-1 exh manifold that should bolt up, was off a 1980 FI motor. Can anyone tell me what year exhaust 4-2-1 down pipe I can use that will fit the '76 chassis. i.e. do I purchase a down pipe from a 1980 spider, and if so, does anyone know if it will need modifcation/s. thanks for your assistance!

[narfire]

Yes you will need a down pipe from a FI car as there are 6 studs on the manifold compared to the 4 on previous years. You'll need a plug for the O2 sensor as well,most jobber stores have them.
I don't believe it will need mods, however the flange at the back of the down pipe is set up for a 4 hole cat or by-pass pipe.(three hole previous years)
Take a look at the vendors web site/ cataloge, IAP or Vicks for example. I believe they have the various pipes and sections for sale.
Chris

[BEEK]

the head pipe is also taller, it might hit the crossmember, but i cannot remember, i am sure that it is longer in the upright section, and the exhaust will hang about a inch lower than normal

[pastaroni34]

It will clear the crossmember (or at least the one on my car did) but will hang lower due to the shorter block/deck height.

[vandor]

Hi Dale,

Assuming your '76 is not a California model, then you will have to have en exhaust shop modify the downpipe.

On Spiders with no catalytic converter, like a non-California '76, the exhaust system runs close the the driveshaft tunnel. On cars with a converter, like the '80 that the manifold came from, the downpipe turns toward the outside of the car, as the converter is under the right seat.
Just take it all to an exhaust shop and ask them to cut the downpipe before it make the right turn, make the 2 pipes go into one, and connect it to the rest of the exhaust system. I've had it done several times.
BTW, those downpipes are pretty expansive new, I'd try to find a used one first.
bye,