norton MK3--MK2A header pipes

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hershey

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I have a 1975 MK3 roadster and want to replace the header pipes. It has the crossover header pipes. I found a very good deal on a new set of MK2A header pipes. They look the same as what is on my bike including the way they seal in the head with the copper sealing ring and the two small split retaining rings. Will the MK2A pipes work on my MK3 ? Thanks for any info. Hershey
 
hershey said:
They look the same as what is on my bike including the way they seal in the head with the copper sealing ring and the two small split retaining rings.
Click to expand...

Mk3 pipes would normally have flared ends with spherical seatings and collets, not (copper) sealing rings.
https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-details/20631/exhaust-pipes-pair-850mk3-balanced
norton MK3--MK2A header pipes
 
I recall that some non-specific Mark3 pipes will foul the primary case drain plug bolt head.
 
I know the MK3 run on a MK2a with the spherical seats as that is how I went back in the 90's when MK2a balanced pipes went missing. However fitting MK2a to MK3 risks fouling the primary case as the MK2a pipes did tuck in better than the MK3's, not an issue on a MK2a to have the extra clearance.
 
The subject cropped up in a recent discussion as the Mk2A pipes listed in the 2/2A supplement have the same part numbers as the Mk3 pipes (RH 065256/LH 065257) however, the LH Mk3 065257 would seem to need a different bend to clear the Mk3 primary case as mentioned.
 
I bought some generic 'Commando balanced pipes' from Armour exhausts back in the day (no longer listed) and they were as the pre Mk3 square collet fitment.... No issues with fitting or primary clearance (Mk3 Roadster)
 
L.A.B. said:
Mk3 pipes would normally have flared ends with spherical seatings and collets, not (copper) sealing rings.
https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-details/20631/exhaust-pipes-pair-850mk3-balanced
norton MK3--MK2A header pipes
Click to expand...

i have these Mk3 flared type pipes on my Mk2 (late build - august 74, VIN 319523) can't swear they are OE to my bike, but I have no reason doubt the otherwise. one thing I noted, they have the letter "D" stamped in the muffler end. don't know what the "D" is, but I suspect, some sort of date code.
 
Mine is 319416 so it was built within a day of Joe's. Same pipes. Same D on muffler end. So likely this was the original configuration.
 
As you can see in my avatar the MK111 original system I use clears the primary drain plug so I can't see why the MK 11A wouldn't either.
 
Got my new mk2a crossover header pipes from england and have them installed and they do fit my mk3 with no problem clearing the primary drain plug and aliened up with the peashooter exhaust. So mk2a and mk3 are the same except for the way they seal in the head and the mk2a pipes were much cheaper in price then the mk3 pipes !! Hershey
 
Can you advise where you purchased them from as I will be looking to purchase a set shortly and have not had a great success rate with English suppliers.
 
I bought them on ebay from wynnen 2 . they were $118.08 and 43.57 shipping. I just looked and he has one more left. Very fast shipping and very good quality !! Hershey
 
Actually it says “A lovely quality product, made, chromed and finished in England”.

Not that that’s any guarantee of fit or finish of course !
 
Thanks for the link, I am reluctant to buy exhaust pipes off RGM as a few years ago I purchased a set for my 650SS and they wouldn't fit, it took heat to bend them so they would fit and then a rechrome I advised RGM and their reply was " we have not had that problem before". I would be interested to hear if anybody has used the Wassel pipes on a Mk3 as I suspect they may be souced from Asia.
 
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