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Alternative to headers

Moody

Moody

1/2 ton status
Joined
Aug 4, 2005
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Location
Yakima, WA
I had been trying to find a good alternative to headers with my 70 blazer that has a 406. I ended up converting to a sm465 cause I wanted something bulletproof. Finding headers that would fit around the linkage was a PIA and I didn't want to deal with leaking gaskets, warpage etc. I found these hi-performance 2.5" exhaust manifolds that were originally on 62-68 vettes with the hi-po 327. The price is good and they bolted right on. They are not exactly true center dump, but it works out better as they exit just behind the motor mount. Mt muffler guy should have no problem routing the collector pipe from there. These IMO make a great alternative to headers.

http://www.1aauto.com/1A/ExhaustManifolds/Chevrolet/Corvette/1AEEK00035/522774
 
I've got a set of those to go on my K5 also. Did you by chance knock out the heat tube and fill in the holes it goes through? I have heard that recommended but hadn't heard that until after I had them primed and painted.
 
Yukon, I noticed the heat tubes and I'm quite sure what to do with them yet. I was thinking of just closing off the top, I hadn't thought about punching the tube out. Did you just leave yours alone and does it seem to affect anything?
 
I haven't installed mine yet so I haven't decided what to do.

A while back a buddy wanted a set and I was searching for an old post over at the 67-7chevytruck site and noted that a vendor who was selling them mentioned knocking the tube out and either threading the hole and putting an NPT plug in each hole or welding the holes shut. The fear I guess is a bit of restriction, and the risk that the tube might rust out and then you will have a big exhaust leak. If you knock it out, you'd have to plug or weld up both holes in each manifold.
 
I should get a set of them for my 71. The right manifold has a NICE big crack in it. Bad enough I keep thinking I have a bent valve.
 
Looks good. I see you went with gaskets for the manifolds. I'm still not sure whether I'll use any or not. Asked a while back and some used them, some said no need for them.
 
Yea, I had a mixed reponse on using them as well. I had a set from my rebuild kit for the engine so I decided to use them. I'm hoping after I break in the engine and re-tighten everything they'll seal good.
 
What's the issue with the gaskets? 4x4High also had me not use them on my motor, but resurfaced the manifolds to ensure they were flat. I'm just curious what the issues are.
 
Years ago I had ramhorns and did not use gaskets & the head. I used Red RTV, not a whole lot just covered the surface of the ramhorn and bolted them on. The Red RTV is for HighTemp :D
 
I think the theory is the ramhorns seal up exceptionally well without gaskets and adding gaskets may well end up with a gasket blowing out.
 
Can't see any reason's not to run a gasket, mine have been fine for a couple years now.

If you have two perfect mating surfaces, sure no gasket needed, all the gasket really does is even out any irregularities.
 
bringing this back to the top.

I want some of these but don't know what the choke tube looks like to know if I can remove it. I can see how the alternator bracket mounts can be ground off but does anyone know how the choke tube differs?

My thought right now is to just get two drivers side manifolds and grind the extra junk off I don't need. Is that all there is to it?
 
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