Does anyone have a "best practice" advice of how to fasten the standard down pipe to the standard exhaust manifold without getting it to leak? I'm talking about that strange flared connection with the clamp.

I've tried a couple of times but I think there is to little allowance for movement in the exhaust and then the seal goes at the connection. I'm toying with the idea of putting in a short flexible piece right after the bend (next to where the gear change rod enters the gearbox on a magic want type gearbox) to reduce the rigidity of the whole exhaust system. But that still leaves me with that darn-est of clamps to put onto a pipe in an area that will give some people claustrophobia.

Just look at it! 

I'm really tempted to fit 2 up and 2 down spots, similar to this :





Wonder what spots I could use though.

http://youtu.be/xuoNhWuaYf8

The proper way to drive a mini around a car park

As many of you know I bought a 1979 GTS that was advertised on the old forum from Ashley and Stacey not forum members but previous MOCKZN members instead. The car was said to have been in running condition and only needing a few minor jobs doing to get it back to 100% but as with most things mini, one job soon led to another and so the ball got rolling and then it hit a slope heading downhill very quickly. The car was parked off for a period of 4 years under the previous ownership, used with not to many hassles for around 3-4 months under my ownership by Jason(The_Minidude) while his GTS was having some work done to it and then parked off for a further 2 years until I finally managed to get it home where I can tinker on it to get it back on the road. Obviously with a ballpark of 7 years of standing a few items have deteriorated and have either already been replaced or the parts have been sourced and are awaiting replacement, one of these being a good condition second hand fuel tank as mine managed to kill 2 HS4 carbs in as many weeks by getting rust through the fuel line and into the carb, another item sourced off of Rui was a 
beautiful set of twin Dellortos mounted on a Cooper S intake manifold also waiting to be fitted to my 1293 motor.

As Gizmo currently stands, a bit dusty and needing some rust repairs 

Engine bay at present

My awesome Dellortos

Hi everybody, my name is Ed and I'm a Miniac. I mean I am Miniac. 

Anywho, this here is Gizmo my 79 GTS, so named due to his collection of little gremlins that have kept him off the road for quite some time now...

Looking for 4 spacered drums, preferably in Cape Town.

Thanks,
Vinay

Hi guys. ive been collective a whole bunch of Mini related files shared with my CPT MOC guys..
but you could also join in on the useage.


**link updated**

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z4h3taott48r1...14jea?dl=0

I managed to get hold a HIF44 carb. Will be fitting it soon. I already have a Minispares alloy manifold wich I am using with a HS4 carb. Took me some time to sort it out the HS4, fully overhauled it and it is actually running fine.

So I will be giving the HIF44 the same treatment. It is still in very good nick and doesn't need throttle spindle etc. Will be doing the Needle & Seat, and then a new main Needle.

From what I have been able to find on the Interwebs, the BDL needle is the right starting point. It is currently fitted with a BER which seems like it will be too lean. On the HS4 I had to go to a AAM Needle which was a rich needle. I even found a AAA to be a bit lean on the top end.

So I will start with the BDL and if too lean I will go with a BBW.

Would like to hear about anyone else who has fitted a HIF44. Is it easier to fit the carb to the manifold first? Or should I fit it to the manifold after it is already on the engine in the car? 

What needles have you guys found works best etc? Any other pitfalls to look out for?