Exhaust suggestions

[fdbdw]

Long story short, I’m tired of dealing with the issues that come along with headers. Looking to go with stock type manifold. Looking for suggestions on sites that have good exhaust manifolds for 396bbc.
Thank you

[Mike C]

Google is your friend. I am going to try and install the big block Corvette manifolds when I do the swap on my 69 short step. They look like they will work but I haven't started the swap yet.

[ths916m3]

Originally Posted by fdbdw

Long story short, I’m tired of dealing with the issues that come along with headers. Looking to go with stock type manifold. Looking for suggestions on sites that have good exhaust manifolds for 396bbc.
Thank you

What kind of issues? Im new to the scene and currently have some short tubes on my 307 that were on the truck when I got it. They are kind of crappy looking and dented to hell and back, so I was planning on replacing them with some long tubes eventually.

[RustyBucket]

Not to be contrary but my BB Blazer has an inexpensive Hedman set that were installed by the PO.. They have the ball & socket collector ends and soft copper gaskets at the cyl. heads. I've had the truck 5-6 years with no leaks & I drive it quite a bit. They're painted(ugly) and hang a little too low. I know they don't produce much performance gain...... but just saying they don't hafta be a P.I.T.A.

[fdbdw]

Leak, hang to low, heat up the starter and always have to be carful with plug wires. I need to re-do the entire exhaust so I figured I would get away from long tube headers while I was at it.

[68Stepbed]

FWIW, I'll say that not all headers are created equal. There's inexpensive, then there's cheap, then there's high quality. Quality headers bring quality results, but expensive doesn't always mean quality. Some companies just have their cheap headers ceramic coated and slap on a big price tag. In other words, you get what you pay for. Thick flanges with good tube welds on both sides and machined head contact surfaces are a must, then I've discovered to use a light coat of copper infused orange RTV in conjunction with MLS gaskets or no gaskets at all, just the RTV. As for the collectors, stop fooling with 3-bolt flanges and gaskets and get V-band clamps for the ultimate gasketless seal.

However, if overall horsepower isn't the goal, then a nice set of stock manifolds will be fine. Look for a good used set or a NOS set, then have them gray or black ceramic coated by a reputable company and never worry with them again for many years.

[fdbdw]

Decided to go with hooker manifold #8502-5HKR, Flowmaster super 44s.

[82C10step]

Originally Posted by fdbdw

Decided to go with hooker manifold #8502-5HKR, Flowmaster super 44s.

Those manifolds won't fit a 396.

[Mike C]

Those are for an LS as mentioned above, won't work with a big block. As I mentioned above, the big block Corvette reproductions are the best value in a better flowing big block manifold. The other option is the original style manifolds on the truck, a set from a Vortec vintage 7.4L or a set of Sandersons. The Sandersons use a collector style gasket to the pipe so are not quite as leak resistant as other options. And they are stupid expensive at $700. I have a set I will run if the 'vette manifolds are a bust.

[fdbdw]

Originally Posted by 82C10step

Those manifolds won't fit a 396.

Spoke to rep on the phone they stated will fit no problem.

[fdbdw]

Originally Posted by Mike C

Those are for an LS as mentioned above, won't work with a big block. As I mentioned above, the big block Corvette reproductions are the best value in a better flowing big block manifold. The other option is the original style manifolds on the truck, a set from a Vortec vintage 7.4L or a set of Sandersons. The Sandersons use a collector style gasket to the pipe so are not quite as leak resistant as other options. And they are stupid expensive at $700. I have a set I will run if the 'vette manifolds are a bust.

Well crap, told the rep on the phone exactly what I had and he stated they would fit. Already purchased and shipped FML. Not sure where to go from here, thought I did my due diligence to avoid this but I guess not

[Mike C]

Hopefully they return easily. Big block flange bolts are staggard on every port. One bolt high, one bolt low. Those are in-line small block style but individual ports for the LS.

[fdbdw]

Man,
I truly appreciate your guys help, hopefully I can get this squared away soon.
If anyone has a link on manifolds that will work please send it.

[fdbdw]

Originally Posted by Mike C

Hopefully they return easily. Big block flange bolts are staggard on every port. One bolt high, one bolt low. Those are in-line small block style but individual ports for the LS.

You guys are spot on, just went and looked at the bolt pattern. I feel like an idiot, gotta come up with plan B now.

[Mike C]

Here is the driver's side manifold for a Corvette. Much better than the truck manifold. IF it fits. I will know eventually on mine, but I have a lot of things to take care of before I can drop $3k on a transmission which will be next.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/r...CABEgJrDPD_BwE

[Mike C]

Here is a link to an older thread that has several different ideas for manifolds. Also someone who has used them Corvette manifolds in their truck.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=197596

[fdbdw]

What do you guys think about these, I’m going blind looking at exhaust websites

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/snh-bb8-sec/

[Mike C]

Those look nice. I assume you have an auto in your truck and don't need to worry about clutch linkage?

[fdbdw]

Originally Posted by Mike C

Those look nice. I assume you have an auto in your truck and don't need to worry about clutch linkage?

Yes, column shift auto. According to summit fitment, it should fit but I’m a little gun shy after my experience with hooker.

[CK67]

I am putting a 454 in a 87 4x4 dually 4 speed frame with a 67 cab. I tried 3 sets of headers including center dump. Just ordered a set of MAD DOG headers from Georgia. They are fenderwell headers so they go over the frame rails may have to modify inner fenderwell but that doesn't concern me. Might be what you are looking for, checkout website or facebook page

[fdbdw]

Talked with the people at Sanderson along with verifying fit on Summit website. Ordered BB8-SEC. I made sure to read their return policy in detail, worst case I’ll be returning a second purchase, best case they fit and all is well. Update coming soon

[demian5]

Originally Posted by fdbdw

Spoke to rep on the phone they stated will fit no problem.

That's how they get sales numbers then the return is on you.

[fdbdw]

Got them today, measuring and eyeballing look like good fit. Will know for sure soon. Update coming.

[kwmech]

Aside from you stating you wanted to get away from headers and bought some anyways. I took the headers off of my 68 and bought iron manifolds from Dorman. Had the local machine shop make sure they were flat by touching them up on their belt sander. Love'm--alot quieter then the leaking and warped system I had before. dumped the manifold pipes into a single 3'' system.

[Speedracer39]

They look very nice I can’t wait to see how they fit. I have hooker long tubes and looking to make a change.