LS1 Swap Exhaust Manifold or are Headers a must?

['53 Flat Bed]

This is my first post on this awesome forum. Been reading for a while.

I have a 1953 3100 that I am building with IFS and four link rear with a ford 9 inch rear end. I am putting an LS1 and 4l60E from a 2001 Camaro in it.

So the question is are there any stock LS exhaust manifold that will work without having to cut into the frame? Or are headers the only way to go and if so which ones will work? Does it have to be the block hugger or do shortys work?

This is not a high performance build. This will be a daily driver I am not concerned with horse power but prefer better gas mileage.

[Iceburgh]

Look over under LS swaps under the engine thread. There are a bunch of post about this.
Many ideas but much of it will depend on where and how you have your engine mounted.
I used Dirty Dingo mounts and long tubes.
Your going to need something that sweeps back for sure

['53 Flat Bed]

I thought I would ask here because I didn't see anything for the AD trucks, it seemed to be for other years and frame dimensions are different.

[slimneverdies]

Depends on where you have your engine placed for sure. I have the original manifolds from my ls1 on my 53 and the collectors are barely clearing but I did place the engine a bit higher than originally planned cause of this and the rack and pinion.

[Iceburgh]

I you want to go the header route then Sanderson makes a set that bolts u with no issue with a AD and MustangII
They are a little salty but nice

[skymangs]

Check out Headman, cast iron headers. $300 well spent. They are designed after the stock Trailblazer SS manifolds. Very tight fitting.

[not2oldchevy]

Early c5 corvette manifolds work with no modifications.

[torchlight]

Yep, Corvette manifolds is what I've always read for something stock that fits without going to custom headers.

[dwcsr]

I think it depends on what suspension and where you set the engine. I have seen guys use Vette manifolds with no problem but I ended up using a left SS Trailblazer and a right Escaldae manifold. Vette manifolds just would not fit for me

[Root2812]

I used LS6 exhaust manifolds from an 02 Corvette. $75 for the pair made it a cheap solution.

['53 Flat Bed]

Anybody have pictures of the Corvette and Trailblazer SS installed they would be willing to share?

[dwcsr]

This is the SS tralblazer right , Cadilac CTS left. I said Escalde before but it was CTS
If the engine was set a little higher I could have used two trailblazer manifolds

['53 Flat Bed]

So what years did the CTS use that manifold?

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by '53 flat bed

so what years did the cts use that manifold?

6.0 cadillac cts 2004 2005 2006 2007

[47 Fasttoys]

I don't see what the clearance issue is....mine fit with loads of room. LOL, Sorry just being a smart ass.
Rob

['53 Flat Bed]

I wish I had that much clearance. I love COE and wanted to buy one but I couldn't pass up the deal that I got. Here are some pics of my project.

Custom made bed


I set the engine in yesterday. Here is how it sits.

[iowaboynca]

Looks good. Should set up a build thread.

[Root2812]

That looks great. You are a bit farther along than I am on mine. Did you have to trim the firewall? I have my LS in between the frame rails on adjustable mounts but the cab has not been on yet.

['53 Flat Bed]

No, I didn't have to change anything to do with the fire wall. I purchase the truck with he IFS in it already and it had motor mounts for a small block installed. I made the adapter plate for the LS motor and in it went. It sits 3/4 of inch in front of the fire wall. One of the previous pictures shows the spacing taken down across the fire wall to the back of the engine.

I did decide to go with some hooker headers. I will post pictures as soon as I put them in place.

['53 Flat Bed]

I should clarify, I actually ordered Hooker Header exhaust manifold 520-8501.