LS Swap Exhaust Manifolds with Mustang II front

[Curt - TN]

For those who have done an LS Swap with a Mustang II front suspension what are you doing for Exhaust Manifolds or Headers?

I have some factory 5.3 truck manifolds and they are not even close. I thought about trying some center drop Corvette manifolds or some block hugger headers but would like to see what has been installed and works in a similar set up.

This is what I have space wise but I still have the DD steering rod and column to install that should be close to the frame side.

[dsraven]

I used some 2000 camaro manifolds. they are narrower than the truck manifold. they dump out the rear.

[Curt - TN]

Originally Posted by dsraven

I used some 2000 camaro manifolds. they are narrower than the truck manifold. they dump out the rear.

Thanks, I will look into those.

[Advanced Design]

Curt, I tried Camaro and Corvette manifolds without success so I ended up using the Hooker exhaust manifold. You may have better luck.

I just read a thread where someone cut the outlet off the manifold, completed a pie cut angling the exhaust outlet in a little more then re-welded it. If I find that again I will post it up.

[e-rock]

I am the one who cut and rewelded the flange on a truck manifold to make it fit.

This would probably only work if your motor is sitting high enough in the chassis to clear the truck oil pan.

My motor is sitting high and clearing the oil pan, which leaves the manifold well above the frame rails. I was able to bolt the manifolds on the motor, you just couldn't get a pipe on it, so I cut the flange off, rotated it slightly and turned it in towards the block, enough to clear the frame.

I was looking at s-10 LS swap headers before I did this. I dunno if they would fit, but they look like they would, in my case.

Here is a before and after of my manifold job.

[FAKKY]

What mounts are those - SBC ??

Hooker like AD used is what I was thinking ....

[e-rock]

The mount is the stock motor mount that came on the truck Ls motor. I made the steel mounts to accept them.

[Patrat]

I used the Hookers--kinda pricey but they do the job well.

I mean for my exhaust system...

[earl1951]

C5 corvette,welded double wall stainless,like a glove

[jweb]

If you want headers Sanderson makes some that will fit https://www.summitracing.com/parts/snh-ls150-p

There are also similar stainless headers on eBay for less $$. Just make sure whatever you get dumps out the rear, center dump doesn't work well with the steering connections.

[dsraven]

here is a pick of mine in a 57. wider frame probably. 2000 camaro mounts and manifolds. home made frame to mount plates.

[50 Chevy LS3]

Originally Posted by jweb

If you want headers Sanderson makes some that will fit https://www.summitracing.com/parts/snh-ls150-p

There are also similar stainless headers on eBay for less $$. Just make sure whatever you get dumps out the rear, center dump doesn't work well with the steering connections.

The headers from Sanderson mentioned above did not actually fit my truck. I ordered those exact headers for my '50. The left one fit wonderful, the right one not even close. Here are some pics.

I ordered these from Summit, but, decided to get ahold of Sanderson, direct, because I figured they would be more likely to have a solution. They did. I spoke with "Donna", and she decided the best thing to do was to send me a complete separate set of block huggers to try. FREE! She said to try them and use whatever worked. I did. The right side block hugger fit well, and the left side original one fit well, so I mixed the set.
The headers are asymmetric, however, the tubes are almost exactly the same length. The block hugger on the right side required a mini-starter. I bought a B&M one. I sent the unused headers back to Sanderson.

[Iceburgh]

Sanderson make a set that will fit right in. But not cheap

[Tesone]

I used these http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Hooker...lds,65958.html

Truck is a 53 1/2 ton stock frame.

[FAKKY]

Tesone .... that steering linkage feel ok at those angles - have a feeling mine will be similar

[Tesone]

Originally Posted by FAKKY

Tesone .... that steering linkage feel ok at those angles - have a feeling mine will be similar

Yep. No binding at all.

[392Hemi]

Originally Posted by Iceburgh

Sanderson make a set that will fit right in. But not cheap

Where did you get those headers?

To the OP I used the Speedway Motors Block Hugger Headers

[Iceburgh]

Originally Posted by 392Hemi

Where did you get those headers?

To the OP I used the Speedway Motors Block Hugger Headers

Sanderson

[50 Chevy LS3]

Originally Posted by Iceburgh

Sanderson make a set that will fit right in. But not cheap

I'm curious. What exact part number from Sanderson are those?
I would have preferred some longer tube headers for my truck.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Looks like they touch but they didn't. This was during mockup, they're off now. Early Z06 exhaust manifolds modified to accept V Band clamps. It's an LQ4/4l85e transmission with C4 Corvette IFS on a Flat Out Engineering cross member. The flanges and crap on them will be removed and they'll be cleaned up in general for Jet Hot coating. What can I say, I like shiny!! Unless of course it becomes necessary to wrap them with heat resistant wrap.

[dsraven]

hey Dan, are you planning a heat shield to protect the upper control arm bushing? looks pretty close to the manifold. you could fab up a nice shiny peice for that area, then polish it to be REALLY shiny. haha
looks nice.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by dsraven

hey Dan, are you planning a heat shield to protect the upper control arm bushing? looks pretty close to the manifold. you could fab up a nice shiny peice for that area, then polish it to be REALLY shiny. haha
looks nice.

I hadn't thought about a heat shield but it is an excellent suggestion - thanks for mentioning it. Does anyone know if polyurethane bushings would be more accepting of high heat or not?

What I HAVE thought about is using the heat shield cloth wrap stuff. I can't say i really like the look of it but I've heard it works pretty well. It's not quite as close as the photos show and of course I do like the idea of a shiny heat shield, lol.

PS: You're welcome Doug. The guy doing these mods, "Mike" is the one that sold me on doing this mod and not using headers. He said they would flow plenty well, look good once cleaned up and coated and best of all, save unnecessary expense.

[Advanced Design]

That is a good mod on the Corvette exhaust manifold. Thanks for the share / reminder Dan.

[Curt - TN]

I just got the steering DD shaft installed so I now have a visual on how much room I have. It is pretty tight towards the frame.

I have a friend who has a spare set of C5 Corvette manifolds, I am going to gram them and see how far off they will be.

[not2oldchevy]

Early c5 will work perfect.