In the next few months I am planning on buying an MG Metro 1275cc engine and replacing it with my current engine in my Mini – my 998cc. As I said a while ago, I’ll be doing a few bits and bobs on the engine before fitting it, such as buying and fitting straight cut drop gears (again), a lightened flywheel, new clutch, etc. One thing that I am planning on doing is fitting my Weber carburettor I bought from eBay a while ago which is a Weber 45 DCOE (very nice indeed!…)

I’ve read quite a bit about Weber’s and I’ve come to understand that inlet manifold length matters a lot. The longer the better, so I’ve read. Of course this is not always possible in the case of a Mini since the distinct lack of room in a Mini’s engine bay. I’m hoping to get a Weber box made by a friend once I have my engine out, but even then I’ll still be pushed for room to install a large manifold.

The Minispares manifold pictured above

So, my options? I’m opting for a short-ish Weber manifold, with medium sized ram pipes. This should create a good medium. Which manifold to get though, and from where? I’ve made a small list of possible places to buy them from, their size, and their cost.

• Minispeed’s 3.5 inch steel inlet manifold – £86.00 (ex VAT!)
• Minisport’s 2.5 inch alloy inlet manifold – £75.91 (inc VAT)
• Minispares 3.75 inch alloy inlet manifold including linkage! – £80.70 (inc VAT)

From what you can see above, the Minispares kit is the obvious choice. Linkage kits for Weber’s are often £50 or more on their own anyway, so that’s what I’ll be getting I think. I’ve also emailed Maniflow explaining what I am after and see what they say.