Old Chevelles
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- Thread starter JohnC
- Start date
Whatever bolts you use I think Anti Seize would be a good idea, I'm not too sure I'd use SS bolts in exh manifolds but grade 8 would be a good choice I think, I'd also use lock washers with the ridges all around the inside or outside can't think what they're called at the moment, I just used 2 yesterday lol Some cars needed studs at the front to mount Accs. so you might want to see how your Alt, power steering pump etc bolt on
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I like stock stuff when you can, and have no problem with a bit of patina discoloring under the hood. Chevy sprayed their engines with the intake and exhaust manifolds in place, so a good bit of orange on the upper exhaust manifolds including the bolts would be accurate.
I would chase the threaded holes of the manifold bolts and use plenty of anti-seize on them.
And I would use the stainless bolts like you mentioned.
What about using these ? Rams Horn 2-1/2" outlet. Or is this a big block ?
www.speedwaymotors.com
And I would use the stainless bolts like you mentioned.
What about using these ? Rams Horn 2-1/2" outlet. Or is this a big block ?
Smoothie Rams Horn Exhaust Manifolds, Small Block Chevy, Raw
Smooth exterior finish with no exposed brackets or bolt holes for a clean appearance Fits most factory Gen 1 SBC heads including Vortec heads Ample clearance for both straight and angled spark plug applications 1-3/8-inch by 1-3/8-inch square port design can be port matched to your heads...
cage2592
Administrator
ARP Stainless studs for me. I cant stand trying to align gaskets and headers, and getting in the tight areas to slide a bolt in the back blind tube turn in. with studs its just in and out.
Second for me would be the 1" ARP Stainless (if you had the space and hole depth. that way Id have enough bolt to take loosen the front and rear and plenty of room to hang new gaskets.
Second for me would be the 1" ARP Stainless (if you had the space and hole depth. that way Id have enough bolt to take loosen the front and rear and plenty of room to hang new gaskets.
They make those manifolds by the thousands; that's why they are reasonable.
Stainless bolt kits on ebay for SBC manifolds are $20.
Are your manifolds 2-1/2" outlet ?
Those china manifolds have a pretty good reputation. I personally don't trust china steel, especially suspension parts but the engine heat cycles have killed many oem manifolds, especially vintage oldsmobile castings. It sucks starting your vintage ride and hearing that dreaded exhaust leak and no way to fix it but replace the manifold.
I've used aftermarket iron manifolds from Dorman and found then to be excellent. As a poster stated above, buy the manifold stud kit with the long brass nuts.
I just used high temp RTV only for my headers.
I remember taking some stuff apart long time ago & there wasn't any gaskets on the manifolds.
I would be so tempted to use these ; $400 for coated and $271 for plain.
I agree those gaskets shouldn't need any rtv
www.summitracing.com
I agree those gaskets shouldn't need any rtv
Hooker Headers 8525-1HKR Hooker Exhaust Manifolds | Summit Racing
Free Shipping - Hooker Exhaust Manifolds with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Exhaust Manifolds at Summit Racing.
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71350SS+454
Well-Known Member
AMK sells all the fasteners copied from the OEM pieces :
www.amkproducts.com
The major problem with Chevelle small block exhaust manifolds is there were never any 2 1/2 sized exit exhaust manifolds made to fit the Chevelle chassis. Yes, the rams horn manifolds do have the 2.5 exits but they only fit Corvettes and full size B-bodies not the A-body Chevelle's chassis.
The solution to this problem for most people is to spend cubic dollars (more $$$) or use headers (less $)
*just saying this not suggesting headers*
Chevrolet Individual Fastener Kits for Restorations - AMK
Chevrolet individual fastener kits for 1964-1981 models like Chevelle, Camaro. Covers AC, body, brakes, engine, interior, steering, suspension.
www.amkproducts.com
The major problem with Chevelle small block exhaust manifolds is there were never any 2 1/2 sized exit exhaust manifolds made to fit the Chevelle chassis. Yes, the rams horn manifolds do have the 2.5 exits but they only fit Corvettes and full size B-bodies not the A-body Chevelle's chassis.
The solution to this problem for most people is to spend cubic dollars (more $$$) or use headers (less $)
*just saying this not suggesting headers*
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I seen those at the local speed shop Gearhead Performance but they were the ones for an LS engine, Very Nice, Remflex are the best gaskets
71350SS+454
Well-Known Member
Sure I think they'd work for you if that's what you want. There's one other thing to be aware of when you're switching back to cast iron manifolds. As I said before all the Chevelle's had smaller 2 inch exhaust outlets so all the pipes that fit those exh manifolds had corresponding 2 inch head pipes.
That means you will have to find head pipes that are 2 1/2 inch too, as all the pipes that fit stock manifolds are 2 1/2 inch wide but are necked down to fit the 2 inch exhaust manifolds. I'm sure someone sells them but its something you should be aware of.
Exhaust Size
www.chevelles.com
In post #17 Tom Parsons explains and pictures the way the head pipes are factory modified to fit the smaller 2" exhaust manifolds outlet that fit the Chevy A-bodies. That may explain it better than I can.