Best flowing exhaust manifolds for SBC?

[Psycho71]

Gonna be 86'ing some emissions crap of a project soon, and want to run cast iron manifolds,as opposed to headers, on it. What are the best flowing manifolds out there for a Gen 1 SBC (350cu. in., mild build)? Oh, yeah, 85'- 3/4ton- 4x4- burb.

[VileZambonie]

Why not headers or at least some nice shorty headers?

[Psycho71]

Although I'm sure I will get experiences completely different than mine, I just don't want to fight with header gaskets on this build if I can find a cast iron manifold that will flow decent.

My last build got a set of Hooker Headers, and while I don't have to replace those gaskets as often, I'm still having to do it about once a year.

Just seeing if there's a manifold out there that will flow OK numbers, and require less tinkering down the road. 

[beastie_3]

I think most headers need attention before install. The flange should be completely smooth, sometimes they are not. That, plus a good set of gaskets should keep leaks away.

As far as manifolds, I really dont think there are comparable differences in flow. Maybe a set from a different vehicle like a camaro or corvette. Im not sure.

[Captkaos]

I have some BBC manifolds for sale.

[beastie_3]

They will work too, because there is a company that sells an adapter kit to mount BBC exhaust on a SBC.

[Irish_Alley]

My last build got a set of Hooker Headers, and while I don't have to replace those gaskets as often, I'm still having to do it about once a year.

What gasket you using, the paper or aluminum one? I haven’t had a problem with the aluminum one on my truck

[autorepr]

I think the old chevy "ram horn" style manifolds are supposed to be pretty good.  There's some oval track race tracks out there that run street stock cars that have to have stock style cast iron manifolds per the rules. That is what those guys run. The front and rear runners curve up and then back down into the 2 center ports then all four exit below the center ports. That keeps them from just following along in a row then exiting in the back and gives it a tuned type of effect.

[Psycho71]

I had seriously considered the ramhorns. But I'm wondering if they will fit and work with my 4wd burb (mid '80's).

I have yet to spend the bucks on a set of percy gaskets, or anything like them, for my old truck. I guess I'll be trying them on the burb with a new set of Hooker Comp's. I will admit, the Hookers do stay sealed better, even with the less expensive Mr Gasket and similar gaskets. I've run flowtechs and other cheapo headers in the past and it seemed like I was changing gaskets every month. It's just a pain to swap them out when you have a/c mounted to the exhaust bolts too. Makes a quick swap turn into a small chore. And being in Tx, I ain't giving up the a/c!


Thanks for the advice fellas.

[VileZambonie]

Shorty headers are the way to go for you. Thick flange and no gasket at the pipes. 88-95 sbc shorty's fit nice but you have to grind a small relief in the frame on the drivers side. I've used 6 sets now on these trucks with great results. Scroll down in this thread and you can see a set I put on an engine I built for this guys truck.

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=6779.0

Here's a set

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/STAINLESS-HEADER-88-95-SILVERADO-5-0L-5-7L-Blazer-Tahoe-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3a5c8e3569QQitemZ250660926825QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[Burban]

I don't have details, but Sanderson makes a set of cast iron manifolds. They look very good. I think I saw them listed in a Speedway Motors catalog.

[Psycho71]

Shorty headers are the way to go for you. Thick flange and no gasket at the pipes. 88-95 sbc shorty's fit nice but you have to grind a small relief in the frame on the drivers side. I've used 6 sets now on these trucks with great results. Scroll down in this thread and you can see a set I put on an engine I built for this guys truck.

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=6779.0

Here's a set

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/STAINLESS-HEADER-88-95-SILVERADO-5-0L-5-7L-Blazer-Tahoe-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3a5c8e3569QQitemZ250660926825QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I think I'll be all over a set of those. I like the shorty aspect too, being able to route the exhaust as tight as possible to the body, within reason of course.

I'll look into the Sanderson Man's too, might find something I like. But if not, those shorties look like they have my name on them.

Thanks again guys.

[Captkaos]

They will work too, because there is a company that sells an adapter kit to mount BBC exhaust on a SBC.

DUH! Apparently I either can't type or was reading the wrong post...

[beastie_3]

When replying, I had to double check to see if you had written BBC or SBC.

[Stewart G Griffin]

i too, favor this concept---i can't really explain why, maybe because they are quieter and feel "better," even though headers will probably give a little more mpg.

But i don't have too much time to research right now.   You might try researching corvette, ram horn(as mentioned above) and believe it or not, monza v-8 manifolds.

Will report back later if i find out anything more.