Technical SBC ramshorn exhaust manifold ( Update )

If you use the flat flange make sure you have flex in your exhaust mounts I have seen rams horns break at the flange

 

A little late , just saw this thread , but a friend had a similar problem in an OT truck engine swap and we milled the exhauset manifold at an angle , 5 degrees if I recall, this tilted the manifold in tighter to the head and solved the problem.

 

I have used the cast iron versions of these manifolds on 2 builds and both have performed great. No leaks, no cracks and they look great. IMHO.

 

good to hear that id like a set,any issues with plug leads burning

 

I haven't done this since the 60's but you can saw cast iron and section an inch or so out, angle the flange and braze it back together. Or doesn't anyone gas weld anymore?

Used to do split manifolds that way and never had one fail.

 

I ran the plug wires off the distributor, behind the heads and behind the manifolds. Lots of room.

 

If you were in Rockmart GA, Bones Muffler Shop would take care of it, make the system look like it grew there, and get you out the door for a fair price. If you just want to get the parts, I'd send you up to Powell's Auto Parts in Rome which features gray-haired old parts guys who predate computers. They know their stuff, will come up with what you need, and treat your right on the price.

 

good info here as i was about to chunk my block hugger headers and run manifolds . I have to admit, i thought you were screwed with location of steering box/shaft. FYI folks might try ecklers late great chevy club for exhaust parts for this style manifold.

 

It would be easier to do with the new manifolds instead of trying it with a used one but I thought he had a chrome manifold that he wanted to use.

 

I had bought those chrome ones a couple years ago or so. Since then I had read about those imports where the chrome would peel off after some heat cycles. So I decided to use them for mock up, then to the swap meet .
I bought some black ceramic coated ones. Bill

 

Good thread
I have a set of 1970 Corvette ones that measure 2.25 across
Bought a set of tight tuck headers but decided to keep the Rams
Ignore the non era correct engine accessories

 

I sand blasted mine and painted them with POR15 manifold paint, bake in the oven @ 400 for 2 hours. A very durable finish.