The factory turbo manifold wraps around the front of the engine also, but its double skinned. I'd be installing a heat shield between the pipe & the filter.
The biggest problem with the factory pipes is squashing them when running off-road. The turbo's don't have this issue cos the ipe is higher & then goes over the engine crossmember, not under it.
This should be in the Historic forum as it’s in a 77 2 door
but, it has an EA81 so I guess it can go here….
I was concerned with heat transfer from the headers but, I’ve checked oil temps
and it hasn’t gone up, even if it did I’m running 20W 50 so I can afford a bit
more heat in the oil. I don’t think I’ll hit anything as the pipe isn’t hanging low and it’s not a 4wd
You have to admit it is arguably the best sounding EA81 in
the world……..