Can ramhorns be used on a newer style block?

[68jimmy]

Hello All,

the 350 that I have in my truck came from an 89 iroc z-28 originally. It has the center bolt valve covers and a a roller cam. I currently have a set of hedman headers installed and I'm thinking of installing a set of ramhorn manifolds... My question is since the newer style block have the oil dipstick in a different location will those monifolds work? Or should I try and find a set of manifolds from a z-28 or maybe just stick with headers? I have the regular hedmens and after a year or so the paint has peeled and they have that rusty look...

Is the ramhorns will work what are the casting numbers that I should look for in the boneyard?

thanks in advance

[BobbyK]

They will work just fine.
In my 71 Blazer is an 86 block with World Products stock replacement heads and I run new cast Corvette Ram Horn manifolds.(same bolt pattern as reg. Rams)
Gm was pretty good in this area(interchange wise)

[68/72parts]

The rams horns will work on any small block of the older generation. But the headers will definetly improve your performance. If you dont like the way the headers rust or peel invest in a good set of ceramic coated or stainless headers and youll never have to buy another set. Headman/hooker/Edlebrock all make good quality stuff it just costs a little more. You get what you pay for!!!! If you do stay with headers I also, would invest in a set of stage8 or centre lock header bolts they will stop the dreaded gasket leaks for good after being torqued and set properly. Just my thoughts on the subject..

[Tx Firefighter]

They do work on the newer heads...but...

Some truck ramshorns had casting ridges on them that will rub on the valve covers. You need to dress the ridges off with a grinder. It only takes a minute for each one. I had to do it on my Suburban with a 94 model center bolt engine.

Just hold them into place and it will be obvious what I'm talking about.

[N2TRUX]

If you want something freeflowing, but low maintanence consider the Corvette 2.5" Ram Horns. They flow as good as most shorty headers. Here is a set that's going on my Ramjet 350 project. This after a few hours grinding waiting to go to the coaters shop.


77 Cheyenne meets Ramjet 350 by N2TRUX

[68jimmy]

Those are sweet... What years were those available from??

Thanks.

[uncle]

Hope you have a good exhaust man if you run the 2 1/2's with the engine in the stock location.

[68jimmy]

Originally Posted by uncle

Hope you have a good exhaust man if you run the 2 1/2's with the engine in the stock location.

And the reason?

[uncle]

They run straight down towards the front crossmember. I had to use a smaller starter, but was able to have the exhaust run. I also had a very good exhaust man. It can be done, but I think it would be easier to put the engine in the back holes. If you're not running an hei, that shouldn't be a problem. I used a starter from a 90 chevy truck. ( I think). Sorry for the confusion.

[N2TRUX]

These are going in a 77 Cheyenne so clearence issues aren't the same as for 67-72 trucks. It is close to the drivers side motor mount. My exhaust won't be a problem, the shop that's doing the install is builing it from scratch.....

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 68jimmy

Those are sweet... What years were those available from??

Thanks.

My memory sucks, but I think it was 63-66. I may be off a year either way, but it really doesn't matter. These are still available from GM or lots of aftermarket sources.

[68jimmy]

Originally Posted by uncle

They run straight down towards the front crossmember. I had to use a smaller starter, but was able to have the exhaust run. I also had a very good exhaust man. It can be done, but I think it would be easier to put the engine in the back holes. If you're not running an hei, that shouldn't be a problem. I used a starter from a 90 chevy truck. ( I think). Sorry for the confusion.

Thanks... good to keep in mind.

[PICKMUP]

I'm afraid I have bad news for you...There are four GM part #s for 2.5" Corvette ramhorns. They were all available last year and cheap. This year they have ALL been discontinued, with no warning. The Corvette guys grabbed them all up as soon as they heard the news.
Dorman is making one of these repro/China. They are pretty good. I compared them to the GM and the repros are a little more restrictive, but not bad.