Triumph Repair: Cracked Exhaust Manifold, british car club, spitfire club

Question
QUESTION: WIth such a problem as a cracked exhaust manifold on an 80 Spitfire what would
be your best thoughts on repair/replacement.  Would it be better to move to an
aftermarket performance upgrade along with intake and carb or would you stay
as stock as possible.  Is it likely that I will find a used one in good shape?
Many thanks - Chris

ANSWER: Hi Chris,
It would depend on if your car is a show car it would be better to keep it stock but just for the street headers would probably be as good or better than the stock manifold.
If it were mine I would look for a good used set of SU carbs, manifold and a set of headers if you can find them.
Howard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Howard,
Thanks once again for a speedy reply.  My stock setup is just one carb and all of
the pollution controls along with it.  I am in Canada where perhaps the rules for
emissions are not as strict as in, say, California.  Do you think I could convert
easily enough and any instant thots on where I might find the SU carbs
mentioned?

Answer
You could locate the closest British car club. Most Spitfire club members know of someone who keeps junk Spitfires for parts and you might find a set that way. Or try E-Bay. There are some Weber conversions out there too, although I like the SUs better.
Howard