Spit 1500 Gap between inlet and exhaust manifolds

[Peter Truman]

I've modified a Spit MkIV inlet manifold with DIY Aluminum Adapters to take Stromberg 150CD carbs, the pedestals on the inlet manifold that sit (bolt) to the exhaust manifold were too long so I've shortened them and now they JUST clear the exhaust support lug, I can slot a 6 thou feeler gauge through the gap between the pedestal and exhaust manifold mounting lug, the bolts DO fit thro and align! but I probably won't fit them.

Is the 6 thou gap adequate I assume the original Spit 1500 H4 SU set up was bolted up tight so it should be!

I just don't like the idea of the stress that's created with bolting the manifolds together where the two mounting and anchored (bolted) faces are at right angles to each other.

[Pete Lewis]

i would guess that as well as support its to create a inlet hot spot to aid atomisation of  mixture 

different expansion rates and varying heat does take some ?????  dont know 

can you shim the gap ??  or you fancy a gap ??

Pete