Best option for inline 6 exhaust manifold
 

My 68 50th short bed needs an exhaust manifold. What is the best option out there? Skeptical of old used and the Chinese aftermarket ones. Seeing what way is the best option. I love my stock inline 6 and three on the tree set up as it’s different than all my other stuff and runs like a sewing machine. Not looking to do a header or anything like that.

Re: Best option for inline 6 exhaust manifold
 

I know you said you didn’t want used but your best bet is a used 292 manifold, it has a larger outlet.

Re: Best option for inline 6 exhaust manifold
 

I agree. Your options are limited.

Re: Best option for inline 6 exhaust manifold
 

Right on. Just worried I’ll get an original one and it cracks again. I’ve had more than a few cracked exhaust manifolds on different trucks over the years. Worse one was a 1991 V3500 with the TBI 454. Just curious if the reproduction ones are decent.

Re: Best option for inline 6 exhaust manifold
 

Is your timing off and over heating the manifold? Given poor selection of available replacement, is the crack in a repairable location?. Remove for prep, Drill each end of crack to contain it from running. V grind, reinstall, heat cycle a few times. Retorque, clean, then weld while warm.

Re: Best option for inline 6 exhaust manifold
 

I have used a China one with good results. I have several of the original style and they all have the shaft for the flapper flopping around so they would leak exhaust gas out around the shaft. Not to mention all the springs are shot.

If you get a China one, just make sure it is flat. I also took a die grinder to the one I used and cleaned up some particularly rough areas and extra material.

Re: Best option for inline 6 exhaust manifold
 

Yup, making sure it is flat is very important. I've assaulted exhaust manifolds with a straight bar and a mill file. It can be very time consuming, but if the manifold lays flat on the head, the stress and possible subsequent cracking are greatly reduced.

Re: Best option for inline 6 exhaust manifold
 

Get the cast manifolds from 12bolt.

https://www.12bolt.com/store/p153/Ex...0-250-292.html

Re: Best option for inline 6 exhaust manifold
 

That's pretty cool! Reminds me of Fenton split manifolds for the 235.

Rock Auto shows an imported manifold for the 250. Part number ATP 101140.

I ran a set of Chinese manifolds on my truck's 350 for around 12 years. They never leaked, and when I removed them to install headers there were no signs of cracks.

Re: Best option for inline 6 exhaust manifold
 

Definitely the way to go. They make good sound too!

Re: Best option for inline 6 exhaust manifold
 

Clifford and Offenhauser both make [made?] aftermarket L6 intakes.

I have an Offy intake and Clifford headers. New in 1977. Still good. Still running.
Pace and Hedman make L6 headers, too.
If you're searching junkyards for the HD 292 GM exhaust, they are on the bigger trucks that were optioned L25 [292]. Best ''tell' is the THREE [not two] exhaust pipe mating studs.

Re: Best option for inline 6 exhaust manifold
 

https://www.12bolt.com/store/p153/Ex...0-250-292.html


My brother's 56 with a 235-5 speed sounds awesome with a split manifold and a pair glass packs