OE (original equipment) exhaust systems reproduce the factory-pattern mild steel exhaust, correct in routing, silencer position, and tone for each Midget variant. They are the right choice for owners restoring a car to original specification, or seeking the authentic exhaust note and appearance at a lower initial cost than stainless steel. The trade-off is service life: mild steel corrodes in the British climate and will eventually need renewal.
System Variation Across the Range
The Midget exhaust system changed with the engine and the body across production. The 948cc, 1098cc, 1275cc, and 1500cc cars each use a system specific to their installation, differing in pipe diameter, routing, silencer position, and the manifold connection. Within the long-running 1275cc, the system also changed over time, with sub-systems specified by year band. Identifying the engine and year is essential, as systems are not interchangeable between variants.
Manifold Connection
The 1275cc cars used a bell-type manifold connection on earlier systems and a flange-type connection on later ones, and the correct system must match the manifold fitted. The connection type is a frequent cause of mismatched orders, so it should be confirmed before ordering an OE system for a 1275cc car.
Silencers and Components
OE systems are available complete or as individual sections, front pipe, intermediate, and rear silencer, allowing renewal of only the corroded section where appropriate. Clamps, brackets, and mounting rubbers complete the installation and isolate the system from the body. The mounting rubbers perish and are usually renewed with any exhaust work.
Ordering Considerations
Confirm the engine (948cc, 1098cc, 1275cc, or 1500cc), the year band for 1275cc cars, and the manifold connection type before ordering. Order clamps, brackets, and mountings alongside the system.
Owners wanting to avoid future corrosion renewals may prefer a stainless steel system, while OE remains the choice for authentic restoration.