Rams Horn Manifolds - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Baby John · 11-03-2009, 11:54 AM

Been perusing the site a while and it seems to me that folks here sort of favor these rams horn manifolds. I think I've figured out what a rams horn manifold is, but I'm wondering why they're desired? Is it because of the fit in our old trucks or does it have something to do with performance. It seems to me, just from studying the differences in the manifolds that a rear dump manifold would be a better fit but I'm not sure.

Can someone please elaborate on this for me?

UltraBlue71 · 11-03-2009, 12:22 PM

They came stock, my 71 has the rear angled ones, as do many, or so I have heard. The guys with manual transmissions like them because they flow well, and they fit, with the stock clutch Z-bar location it makes header fitment difficult at best. The general consensus is Rams Horns are a little more restrictive than headers, but seal up real well and dont develop leaks often associated with headers, In the end I guess it just depends on what you are after.

Baby John · 11-03-2009, 01:34 PM

Thanks. I now have a set of headers that aren't leaking but for some reason I like the stock exhaust manifolds better. The ram horns seem to look better to me than the rear dump manifolds, but they seem like they'd block access to the starter. I'm running a SB350 Crate motor now that's probably 7 or 8 years old. I know nothing else about the motor. If I were in the market for ram horn manifolds is there a specific block casting that I need to check for to make sure they'll fit, or would any SB350 manifolds work?

gintaras · 11-03-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby John

If I were in the market for ram horn manifolds is there a specific block casting that I need to check for to make sure they'll fit, or would any SB350 manifolds work?

When I looked into this a few months ago, the consencus was that if you are in the market, try to find them off of a corvette because they are 2.5" as opposed to our 2"

Baby John · 11-03-2009, 04:36 PM

I saw something similar on a Jaguar forum. So am I correct that the ram horn manifolds are what we prefer? And specifically those for a corvette? What about fitting a 350? Are they all the same?

Baby John · 11-03-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UltraBlue71

They came stock, my 71 has the rear angled ones, as do many, or so I have heard. The guys with manual transmissions like them because they flow well, and they fit, with the stock clutch Z-bar location it makes header fitment difficult at best. The general consensus is Rams Horns are a little more restrictive than headers, but seal up real well and dont develop leaks often associated with headers, In the end I guess it just depends on what you are after.

Just read this thread a little closer. Am I to understand that there are some ram horn manifolds that dump straight down and some that dump slightly to the rear?

mclairmo · 11-03-2009, 04:48 PM

I have been told that the 2.5 inch outlet straight dump Vette ramshorns will interfere with the crossmember on a 2wd. Not sure if this is correct, though.

mclairmo · 11-03-2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby John

Just read this thread a little closer. Am I to understand that there are some ram horn manifolds that dump straight down and some that dump slightly to the rear?

Yes, the oem ones on our trucks angle to the rear, Corvette ones do not.

Baby John · 11-03-2009, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mclairmo

Yes, the oem ones on our trucks angle to the rear, Corvette ones do not.

So will those from a Corvette fit since they do not angle to the rear?

Uh, oh, sorry, missed your first post about the interference with the cross member. Can anyone dispute that theory? Will the Corvette Ram Horn manifolds work on a '72 GMC?

capev86 · 11-03-2009, 05:50 PM

the stock ram horns are inexpensive, especially because they come with the vehicle.....they are rugged and provide better low end performance than most headers. also, as previously mentioned they fit better. get them ceramic coated and they look good.....less "busy" looking than headers, but to each his own.....

UltraBlue71 · 11-03-2009, 05:59 PM

I dont think I would mess with a set that werent angled to the rear, If you know they will fit why mess with striaght ones? Unless you like the way they look better I suppose. A friend tried to sell me a set of straight ones the otherday, I broke a dog-ear off one of mine and need a repalcement. OBTW Watch out for the ones with the big ugly attachment point built in that you may not need, its on forward facing part of the drivers side manifold...Are you are taking it to an exhaust shop to have it done? ask them thier opinion, look em over real good for cracks/thread serviceability prior to buying used ones, You could helicoil one I suppose, but if its cracked its a goner being cast iron and all....

mclairmo · 11-03-2009, 06:53 PM

Dorman sells the 2.5 inch straight dump Vette versions for a good price, less than $100 a pair new but I believe they have the ugly alternator bracket built in. I have seen guys cut it off, though. If they will fit, the 2.5 inch vette straight dumps should flow better than the smaller diameter oem angled ones that came with our trucks.

msgross · 11-03-2009, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mclairmo

Yes, the oem ones on our trucks angle to the rear, Corvette ones do not.

4WD ramhorns dump down like mine

Quote:

Originally Posted by mclairmo

Dorman sells the 2.5 inch straight dump Vette versions for a good price, less than $100 a pair new but I believe they have the ugly alternator bracket built in. I have seen guys cut it off, though. If they will fit, the 2.5 inch vette straight dumps should flow better than the smaller diameter oem angled ones that came with our trucks.

different alternator brackets. All ramhorns fit ALL SBC's. Not sure on suspension interference though, some also have AIR holes for factory smog pumps, avoid those if you can.

I think 62/63 vettes with HO 327's had them.. few other years if you research them for 2.5"
$55 at rockauto.com or you can get them from your local auto parts store

MudBug · 11-03-2009, 11:36 PM

Somebody on this site

was saling downpipes for Corvette manifold that would fit a 2-wheel drive truck.I cannot find it in the search now.

K.ronic · 11-04-2009, 01:27 AM

I read about these in another thread....

Stainless ram horns....
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Stainl...olds,5425.html

Cast iron set....
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Small-...olds,3823.html

2.5'' Corvette ram horns with the ugly bracket....
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/25-Inc...olds,9133.html

UltraBlue71 · 11-04-2009, 12:33 PM

[QUOTE=K.ronic;3601739]I read about these in another thread....

Now those Polished S/S are PURDY! I wish I had 5 bennies to plop down for a pair!

11-03-2009, 11:54 AM	#1
Baby John Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Mendenhall MS Posts: 222	Rams Horn Manifolds Been perusing the site a while and it seems to me that folks here sort of favor these rams horn manifolds. I think I've figured out what a rams horn manifold is, but I'm wondering why they're desired? Is it because of the fit in our old trucks or does it have something to do with performance. It seems to me, just from studying the differences in the manifolds that a rear dump manifold would be a better fit but I'm not sure. Can someone please elaborate on this for me? __________________ Baby John & Tyler Shows My son and I are resto-rodding a '72 GMC Stepside

11-03-2009, 12:22 PM	#2
UltraBlue71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: OKC OK Posts: 489	Re: Rams Horn Manifolds They came stock, my 71 has the rear angled ones, as do many, or so I have heard. The guys with manual transmissions like them because they flow well, and they fit, with the stock clutch Z-bar location it makes header fitment difficult at best. The general consensus is Rams Horns are a little more restrictive than headers, but seal up real well and dont develop leaks often associated with headers, In the end I guess it just depends on what you are after. __________________ "You can put lipstick on a pig, sure it's pretty pig, but it's still just a PIG... 71 LWB Last edited by UltraBlue71; 11-03-2009 at 12:23 PM.

11-03-2009, 01:34 PM	#3
Baby John Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Mendenhall MS Posts: 222	Re: Rams Horn Manifolds Thanks. I now have a set of headers that aren't leaking but for some reason I like the stock exhaust manifolds better. The ram horns seem to look better to me than the rear dump manifolds, but they seem like they'd block access to the starter. I'm running a SB350 Crate motor now that's probably 7 or 8 years old. I know nothing else about the motor. If I were in the market for ram horn manifolds is there a specific block casting that I need to check for to make sure they'll fit, or would any SB350 manifolds work? __________________ Baby John & Tyler Shows My son and I are resto-rodding a '72 GMC Stepside

11-03-2009, 04:36 PM	#5
Baby John Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Mendenhall MS Posts: 222	Re: Rams Horn Manifolds I saw something similar on a Jaguar forum. So am I correct that the ram horn manifolds are what we prefer? And specifically those for a corvette? What about fitting a 350? Are they all the same? __________________ Baby John & Tyler Shows My son and I are resto-rodding a '72 GMC Stepside

11-03-2009, 04:48 PM	#7
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: Rams Horn Manifolds I have been told that the 2.5 inch outlet straight dump Vette ramshorns will interfere with the crossmember on a 2wd. Not sure if this is correct, though.

11-03-2009, 05:50 PM	#10
capev86 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Eliot, Maine Posts: 1,314	Re: Rams Horn Manifolds the stock ram horns are inexpensive, especially because they come with the vehicle.....they are rugged and provide better low end performance than most headers. also, as previously mentioned they fit better. get them ceramic coated and they look good.....less "busy" looking than headers, but to each his own.....

11-03-2009, 05:59 PM	#11
UltraBlue71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: OKC OK Posts: 489	Re: Rams Horn Manifolds I dont think I would mess with a set that werent angled to the rear, If you know they will fit why mess with striaght ones? Unless you like the way they look better I suppose. A friend tried to sell me a set of straight ones the otherday, I broke a dog-ear off one of mine and need a repalcement. OBTW Watch out for the ones with the big ugly attachment point built in that you may not need, its on forward facing part of the drivers side manifold...Are you are taking it to an exhaust shop to have it done? ask them thier opinion, look em over real good for cracks/thread serviceability prior to buying used ones, You could helicoil one I suppose, but if its cracked its a goner being cast iron and all.... __________________ "You can put lipstick on a pig, sure it's pretty pig, but it's still just a PIG... 71 LWB Last edited by UltraBlue71; 11-03-2009 at 06:00 PM.

11-03-2009, 06:53 PM	#12
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: Rams Horn Manifolds Dorman sells the 2.5 inch straight dump Vette versions for a good price, less than $100 a pair new but I believe they have the ugly alternator bracket built in. I have seen guys cut it off, though. If they will fit, the 2.5 inch vette straight dumps should flow better than the smaller diameter oem angled ones that came with our trucks.

11-03-2009, 11:36 PM	#14
MudBug Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: tennessee Posts: 159	Re: Rams Horn Manifolds Somebody on this site was saling downpipes for Corvette manifold that would fit a 2-wheel drive truck.I cannot find it in the search now.

11-04-2009, 01:27 AM	#15
K.ronic Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas Posts: 61	Re: Rams Horn Manifolds I read about these in another thread.... Stainless ram horns.... http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Stainl...olds,5425.html Cast iron set.... http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Small-...olds,3823.html 2.5'' Corvette ram horns with the ugly bracket.... http://www.speedwaymotors.com/25-Inc...olds,9133.html

11-04-2009, 12:33 PM	#16
UltraBlue71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: OKC OK Posts: 489	Re: Rams Horn Manifolds [QUOTE=K.ronic;3601739]I read about these in another thread.... Now those Polished S/S are PURDY! I wish I had 5 bennies to plop down for a pair! __________________ "You can put lipstick on a pig, sure it's pretty pig, but it's still just a PIG... 71 LWB



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