Going in the bin is this exhaust section from an Opel Manta A series which I had been keeping it as a pattern for future reproductions of exhaust systems for the Opel Manta, but that won't be happening now.

UK version of the Opel Manta A series exhaust
The exhaust on the UK version of the Opel Manta differs from the European versions because of the compromises necessary to rework the design to suit a right hand drive vehicle.
The downpipes have to merge much closer to the exhaust manifold than on a European car, in order to clear; the steering column, clutch cable and brake servo. Whether or not this restricts the flow and reduces horsepower is a moot point.
To complicate matters further, automatic variants of the Opel Manta A series require a couple of extra kinks in the downpipe in order to clear the much bulkier gearbox. I have even heard that on the last of the Opel Manta A series, produced from August 1974 onwards, had a different design of engine mount, moving the engine slightly further forward and requiring a marginally longer front pipe.

Ian Dove has built a replica of the TransEurope Engineering TE2800 for use at classic rallies. If you haven't heard of a TE2800 before and think it looks like an Opel Manta A series on steroids, you'd be correct. TransEurope Engineering bought partially built bodies from Opel, re-engineered the body and suspension, then squeezed a tuned (142 bhp) 2.8 litre Opel six cylinder engine and gearbox into a Manta shell with appropriate modifications to the running gear. Performance was: 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds, 0-100 mph in 22 seconds, and a standing start kilometre in 29.2 seconds. Top speed was 130mph. Bodywork was similar to an Irmscher body kit with a bonnet bulge. A rally version was also produced with an engine tuned to give 230 bhp. Some other special parts fitted were Recaro rally seats, 7" alloys, vented discs, LSD, Nardi steering wheel and uprated suspension.

I was able to supply Ian with an assortment of bits and pieces during his build up. He mailed me because his servo had packed up and I knew there was one in the loft, but could I find it? It had somehow got into a box of cables!
Once found I was able to get it boxed and sent off by courier the next day.

Ian Dove's TE2800 Replica - source Ian Hardy

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