Pinto 2l manifold

[rust5038]

I Have a 1986 Mk3 Transit camper with the 2 l Pinto NAT engine (rated a 55kw) . Sadly, when the manifold gasket was being replaced the mechanic manage to crack the manifold. My question is, the factory manifold is different to the Cortina type, but I have seen one down here in NZ with a NAT engine, and the more familiar Cortina manifold. Can I put this type of manifold on my Transit? I hope so, as the original manifold will be hard to replace in this part of the world. Thanks, Russ, NZ

[Kjeles]

You can get a new, correct version from Transit Center:
https://www.transitcenter.uk/exhaust-ma ... -4700.html
They send. Quick delivery.
I bought one from them a year ago.

[V184]

I Have a 1986 Mk3 Transit camper with the 2 l Pinto NAT engine (rated a 55kw) . Sadly, when the manifold gasket was being replaced the mechanic manage to crack the manifold. My question is, the factory manifold is different to the Cortina type, but I have seen one down here in NZ with a NAT engine, and the more familiar Cortina manifold. Can I put this type of manifold on my Transit? I hope so, as the original manifold will be hard to replace in this part of the world. Thanks, Russ, NZ

They were prone to cracking

[Kjeles]

A relatively small crack in the manifold can be welded if done carefully. Check Youtube videos.
I welded one of mine, and it is fine after two years of use.

[rust5038]

Thanks for that. Unfortunately freight and exchange rates plus delays due to Covid, I have welded the crack so I hope this will work for a while. I would be very interested to know if I can use a more common Pinto type manifold, as used on other Transits (Cortina) etc, as these are easily sourced down here. Maybe the low compression NAT engine needed the different manifold, although, I have seen another Transit with the same engine using the more common manifold. Any information will be great, as the Mk3 Transit was never sold in NZ. (MK1&2, always petrol, then mk 5 onward, always diesel ) Thanks in advance.

[Kjeles]

To my knowledge, the main problem with a manifold from a passenger car would be that the manifold outlet would not match the Transit exhaust pipe (different positions and angles).
One of my Transits have an engine and manifold from a Sierra. The former owner has solved the mis-match problem by making an adapter pipe welded to the exhaust pipe.
I can't imagine that Pinto engines with different compression rates will require different manifolds. Are you thinking different steel qualities?

[Chug]

The cortina manifold will work but you will need to modify the transit downpipe to fit it.

[rust5038]

Thank you to the above helpers. It is good to know that I can get away with using the Cortina manifold when the welded repair gives up. It wont be hard to have an exhaust specialist alter the existing pipe to fit. Great to get the help from this forum, as any information on this model transit is a bit thin down this way.