MSM repairs Minisport’s World Rally Car

MSM’s CAA approved MRO department were given a different challenge recently when approached by classic mini specialists, Minisport. The exhaust manifold on their World Rally Car had cracked and the heat insulating thermal blanket was heavily damaged by the hot gases from its turbocharger.

The car was originally manufactured by Prodrive and used in the WRC championship. The high temperature manifold is made from aerospace specification Inconel. It has therefore much in common with aircraft bleed air and anti-ice ducts, components very familiar to MSM’s team.

The manifold was stripped back, cleaned and the damaged insulation removed. NDT penetrant flaw detection exposed the extent of the crack in the pipe which was subsequently drill-stopped and TiG welded. Following further NDT, new insulation material was cut to size and welded into position.

The repair was completed in three days and returned to a happy customer, who had saved thousands of pounds on the price of a replacement part. The car is now back in operation and in time for the Argyll Rally, where it was driven by Daniel Harper. Congratulations to Daniel as he came a very close second in the event.