1970 exhaust manifold help

[challenger_affair]

I have a 70 383 challenger with headers installed and I want to remove them and revert to stock manifolds.  Aside from the discomfort from excessive heat, I hate to think of what its doing to all the nearby parts...  The engine has only a slightly warmed up build anyway so I'm not going for a high performance setup. 

So I have manifolds with casting numbers 2951865 and 2806900.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the first is correct for the left, and the second is not correct for the right side.  From what I've read here, I think the main difference is the position of flange bolts.  But if I'm removing headers and have to get new pipes to the manifolds anyway, is there a reason the right side will not work?  Or am I missing anything else?

I would like to clean up the manifolds with paint and get new mounting hardware, any other tips or suggestions to consider are greatly appreciated!

[GranCuda1970]

for the right is 2951865 and left 2899879 can be 70 or71 on date code those 2 number are for 70 71 e body 383 or 440 

I think your right is for a 69 Barracuda 383 do not know if it matters! May affect flange bolt up position.

[Chryco Psycho]

I think the 900 manifold is 69 , no big deal though it will fit fine , the flange is just clocked differently , if you order head pips from TTi they will make them to fit the flanges correctly

[challenger_affair]

Great, thanks.  Is there an advantage to ordering the head pipes vs having custom work done? 

Also, any recs on where to get the proper hardware and gaskets?  I notice yearone has studs and sleeve nuts etc, not sure if thats the best source though...

[Chryco Psycho]

Sleeve nuts are still available from Mopar , studs can be bought any parts store , Napa , O Riellys , Auto Zone Etc  .
 Do Not use a gasket between the head & manifold , it will fail every time !!
 Use a gasket at the flange FEl Pro has them for $2-3 each , I coat them with Ultra Copper silicone & all you need is 7/16 bolts & nuts .
 TTi has mandrel bent pipe not crush bent & they will fit perfectly , I think a pair is $160 or so

[challenger_affair]

Great, thanks for all your suggestions.  Since you mention no gasket, would I just use something like Ultra Copper instead, and threadlock on the head side of the stud? 

Also, is it a given that used manifolds should be machined for any warping (particularly with no gasket) or what are the considerations there?  Thanks again!

[Chryco Psycho]

I really have no had problems with warping , I do use a thin coat of ultra copper between the manifold & head , I would use liqud teflon pipe sealer for the studs into the head

[challenger_affair]

OK, thanks much for your insight.

[Chryco Psycho]

You are welcome 

[1of1]

I would sand blast the Manafold and install with no paint....Just don't get them greasy when you install them....

[burdar]

To be 100% correct, the manifolds should be painted engine color since they were installed prior to paint. 

I've heard good things about POR manifold paint although I didn't have much luck with it.  I did not sand blast those manifolds first which was probably the issue.  I also broke in the engine with that coating on the manifolds which might have over heated it.  I've also heard good things about VHT manifold paint.

[1of1]

To be 100% correct, the manifolds should be painted engine color since they were installed prior to paint. 

I've heard good things about POR manifold paint although I didn't have much luck with it.  I did not sand blast those manifolds first which was probably the issue.  I also broke in the engine with that coating on the manifolds which might have over heated it.  I've also heard good things about VHT manifold paint.

Yes would be correct I agree , but they will look awfull in about 3 min! That engine I showed is a engine I drive.....sand blast finish just looks better....unless you dont plan on starting her!!

[challenger_affair]

I was actually hoping for a cast iron look but thought I would have to use a paint with some sort of 'bare metal' color to preserve it.  If its not painted won't it rust?? 

[Chryco Psycho]

there are a few paints that are high heat & look like bare cast Eastwoods & Por 15 both have a product

[1of1]

I was actually hoping for a cast iron look but thought I would have to use a paint with some sort of 'bare metal' color to preserve it.  If its not painted won't it rust??

After 10 years mine has not except one little place , you can see it....on my pic...its very hard to see.....they look much better than the painted ones that are all peeling and burnt......any bare metal will rust but it will depend on the weather where you live on how fast...After the sand blast 10 years ago mine still look great