Abstract: A preform for metal matrix composite material comprising: inorganic particles, small-diameter inorganic fibers, and large-diameter inorganic fibers. An average particle diameter of the inorganic particles is 1 to 50 &mgr;m. An average fiber diameter of the small-diameter inorganic fibers is 2 to 5 &mgr;m, and an average fiber length of the small-diameter inorganic fibers is 10 to 200 &mgr;m. An average fiber diameter of the large-diameter inorganic fibers is 4 to 20 &mgr;m, and an average fiber length of the large-diameter inorganic fibers is 10 to 200 &mgr;m. The small-diameter inorganic fibers catch and disperse the inorganic particles in a process of forming a formed body, and the large-diameter inorganic fibers create voids in cooperation with the small-diameter inorganic fibers in the process of forming the formed body.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold system is provided for a transverse V-type engine including front and rear banks, each having a plurality of cylinders. The exhaust manifold system includes a front exhaust manifold for conducting the exhaust gas discharged from the cylinders of the front bank to an exhaust pipe, and a rear exhaust manifold for conducting the exhaust gas discharged from the cylinders of the rear bank to the exhaust pipe. This exhaust manifold system may be produced by welding stainless steel pipes for the front exhaust manifold and forming the rear exhaust manifold of cast iron.