Hi all, bit of a question really regarding exhaust manifolds…
My car has the S/S 6 branch manifold as sold by Robey, and whilst I understand the benefits of this type of system I actually prefer the aesthetics of the std vitreous enamel manifolds. I have heard that they crack if not run in properly etc, and know that non enamelled versions are available of course. The 6 branch on my car is also linked to a full SS system.
I wondered if anyone else has the same 6 branch manifold and has ever considered doing the same?
The downpipe section of mine is touching the torsion bar I think as it knocks on start up, and that’s easily remedied by moving the engine on its mounts but it does seem tight. Am I right in assuming that if I were to buy standard exhaust manifolds and down pipes that they will match the existing system?
Anyone got any thoughts or had experience of the same?
Best regards,
Steve.
Exhaust
-
Stevemorris
Topic author - Posts: 67
- Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2025 7:59 am
- Location: Wiltshire

#1 Exhaust
1973 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
1965 Jaguar ‘E’ Type FHC
1965 Jaguar ‘E’ Type FHC
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#2 Re: Exhaust
Hi Steve....the original type cast manifolds do give a performance enhancement over the SS headers....info on the forum if you search....assume that no aftermarket part will be a perfect fit....and match up exactly to what you have....enamel does crack....does the warm up work...maybee for a while...what guarantee does the supplier give?....the exhaust is close to the torsion bars and takes fiddling with to get it all fitting ok....Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
-
Gfhug
- Posts: 3796
- Joined: Thu Jun 19, 2014 3:08 pm
- Location: Near Andover, Hampshire,in D.O. Blighty

#3 Re: Exhaust
As was stated in previous times, if the manifold enamel was still in good condition after a few thousand miles then the car wasn’t being driven properly 
S2 FHC Light Blue
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
#4 Re: Exhaust
We're planning to use our original exhaust manifolds. I've learnt that a solution to the rain problem, and the heat damage to the bonnet problem, is to add a bolt-on (eg removable) "shield" over the top of the manifold and under the louvres that diverts water away from manifolds. Need to work out a pattern then make it (happy to share details once proven out!). Our plan is to get the manifolds re-enamelled... does anyone know a good UK enameller? Ideally in the Midlands, but for a reputable supplier, further afield is fine. Kingfisher are close by but I have no idea as to whether what they do is any good or not.
Thanks all
Rebecca
Thanks all
Rebecca
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |
-
bitsobrits
- Posts: 572
- Joined: Tue Dec 27, 2011 2:09 am
- Location: Omaha, NE area

#5 Re: Exhaust
So...what's the point of having them re-enameled if you are hiding them under a rain shield?
Steve
'65 S1 4.2 FHC (early)
'65 S1 4.2 FHC (early)
| Link: | |
| BBcode: | |
| HTML: | |
| Hide post links |


