Cracked exhaust manifold

Last time on Mantorp one of the exhaust primaries cracked completely. I left the car to a Ferrari race team who tried to weld it together in situ, but it was too tight so the result was not very good. No blame on them, they did the best possible under the circumstances.

Unfortunately the only way to get the exhaust system out is by lifting out the engine. So I did, and then dropped the system off to Tyresö Svets, and today the engine is back in. So much easier to take the engine out the second time!

To avoid this happening again, I now have fitted an additional exhaust mounting point in front of the silencer.

There is a threaded bush in the frame 802 mm in front of the rear mounting point. Drill with a small drill through the side skin and you'll find it.

The engine is out

Engine out due to a cracked exhaust primary. Easier the second time - I followed my step-by-step list from last time, and took it out only with help from my 5-year old son.

Cracked clutch disc - engine out!

I always had troubles downshifting at high RPM. Always when trying to engage second gear when going into an hairpin I had to struggle until the revs dropped. My upshifts weren't that fast either, but within reason. After consulting lots of people I just couldn't diagnose what the problem was. Everything went smooth when standing still and at normal road driving.

One day I had enough and decided to take the engine out and investigate what the problem was.

Cracked clutch disc. At high RPMs the centrifugal force would make the loose part of the disc move outward and touch the clutch cover, making it not fully disengage.

So what I learned about taking the engine out was:

• Write down and take photos of all connectors and hoses, and where they should be.
• Take your time and have someone to help you!
• You need a crane.
• Be sure that you put the gearbox mount at the right way when the engine is going back in, or you have to take it out again (ask me how I know this).
• There is a way to get the engine out. The exhaust outlet is really in the way, but if you rotate the exhaust so the cat points upwards/forward there is enough room. Take your time to avoid any damage to the body panels. If your exhaust manifold is not welded together it will be much easier because it can be removed completely.
• You have to remove the steering rod.
• Engine oil and coolant will be all over the floor, be sure to drain as much as you can before disconnecting anything.
• You don't have to drain the engine oil if you take the gearbox out with the engine.
• The engine mounts are hard to put back. Small hands would help.

And what a change! The new clutch completely transformed the car. What a relief!