Exhaust Manifold replacement

[Chanman09]

I have a '86 c20 that is coming along ok. 

At the beginning of my project, the truck that had sat for almost 30 years, had 2 AIR system pumps and both exhaust manifolds had large stainless steel pipes coming off and into the AIR system.  Due to numerous reasons, the main being that all the hoses and plastic bits were destroyed, I deleted this smog system and capped the stuff not needed. 

I plugged the manifold holes with bolts that ALMOST fit and jb weld with the thought of getting legit exhaust manifolds later.

Now is the time. 

I'm searching the used market and find ther are no shortages of manifolds in all conditions. 

How do I make sure I'm getting the right thing?  Match the 350 8 cylinder part.  Year?  Do i need to look at block number for any reason?

I looked at new manifolds and it looks like a $300 price ball-park.  Facespaces and such show like $50 for a pair of them.  I like the smaller number. 

Thanks for your input!

[zieg85]

Those SB C-20 manifolds are unique.  I am about to use a pair I took off a parts truck a good 15 years ago.  Mine has the AIR smog tubes still on it which I am going to remove and plug the holes.  All the SB manifolds bolt up the same just may interfere with the dipstick or y-pipe mounting

[Captkaos]

Technically any exhaust manifold from 1953-2003 will fit the engine alone, but they all won't fit the chassis configuration. 
For these trucks:
The chassis was the same from 73-87 (assuming 2wd).
The engine and exhaust configuration was basically the same from 73-80 and 81-87
The dipstick location was driver side pre-79, 80-81 BOTH sides with opposite hole plugged, 1982-up passenger side.

If you are starting exhaust from nothing, the only thing you would care about for manifolds are dipstick location.  Being an 86, any manifolds from 82-87 should work fine.

[Chanman09]

Those SB C-20 manifolds are unique.  I am about to use a pair I took off a parts truck a good 15 years ago.  Mine has the AIR smog tubes still on it which I am going to remove and plug the holes.  All the SB manifolds bolt up the same just may interfere with the dipstick or y-pipe mounting

Aww.  Thank you.  I wouldn't have even thought to check dipstick locations. 

[Chanman09]

Technically any exhaust manifold from 1953-2003 will fit the engine alone, but they all won't fit the chassis configuration. 
For these trucks:
The chassis was the same from 73-87 (assuming 2wd).
The engine and exhaust configuration was basically the same from 73-80 and 81-87
The dipstick location was driver side pre-79, 80-81 BOTH sides with opposite hole plugged, 1982-up passenger side.

If you are starting exhaust from nothing, the only thing you would care about for manifolds are dipstick location.  Being an 86, any manifolds from 82-87 should work fine.

Excellent!  So much information here.  Thank you! 

I figured any 350 would work....technically.  But, I'm glad you gave me the info i need to reduce my headaches. 

[VileZambonie]

Dorman 674-278 Left, 674-245 Right

OE numbers 14068667, or 14079295 and 14079296