M50 steering coupling / manifold

[paulie30]

I'm considering an M50, however the exhaust manifolds are putting me off. I've searched a fair bit and seen all the combos etc. On one post, I saw a guy do away with steering coupling and replace it with a solid bar with the U.J.'s either end. My questions are, would this work? Does it clear the manifolds ie. is the coupling the only bit that hits the manifold? What does the rubber in the coupling do? If it works why aren't more people doing this?

I've also seen people upgrade to a solid coupling - surely the above method is no different?

Anyone who can help clear my confusion please do! It will be much appreciated.

[paulie30]

bump! anyone get any ideas?

[baptie0]

do it!! m50 is well worth the effort, the manifold is not a big problem. just a modified steering coupling should do the trick.

[monkey]

i think the post you saw with the solid bar with two ujs was done by eko and i think he used e34 bits .

[daimlerman]

Very difficult to get a decent photo of the manifold mod,but both halves of the manifold as standard stick out the same amount,you need to 'slim down' the rear manifold as shown here.I really should have taken another quarter inch or so off the rear one as to fit I had to remove both steering rack mounting bolts and slide the rack/pinion to the offside,easy to do at the moment whilst it is all nice and clean and rust free but a possible problem in the future.More piccies off my exhaust in the photo gallery,hunt out 'daimlerman's folly'.I should point out that my car is still a non-runner,suffering from 'man flu' this weekend so not much will get done.

[SM AUTOS]

This is how I did mine.

Used M52 (2.8 manifolds, rear one cut down and rewelded where it bolts to the head)

Used 525i downpipes which were cut, trail fitted and then welded. The downpipes join the E30 325i system with sleeve joints and u clamps. Probably not the easiest way of doing it, but looks neat and misses everything just about. It also enables the manifolds to be removed if required although it is a right fiddle.

Sorry the pictures aren't great, but it should give you a idea, and yes this is the biggest pain of the whole conversion.







Hope this helps.

Steve

[ed325i]

E34 top uj and a ford ka lower one as I am using a manual rack, if using a power rack use 2 E34 uj's.

[DanThe]

I saw Steves the other day and it looked very neat/tidy with minimal welds

[SM AUTOS]

Thanks Dan.

Was that you with Jason? If it was I didn't recognise you!

[DanThe]

Yeah, ive now got more hair and it seems you have less

[SM AUTOS]

hehe......thats true

I'm so sorry mate, really didn't recognise you the penny is a bit slow to drop sometimes

Now you know where I am feel free to pop up anytime, your always welcome.