exhalst manifold help

[seafoam68]

O.K. guys, something happened to me today that has never before. About a month ago I removed a 350 from my 1980 c-30. did machine work, reinstalled today. The problem is the pass. side manifold will not bolt back up to the head. I can start the rear four bolts, but not the front two. Or the front four but not the rear two. I pulled it off the truck and tried to mount it to a spare engine and the same thing. It is as if the front or rear ports of the manifold has pulled toward each other. Anybody heard of this or come across it? Wandering if I can apply heat and a big hammer to "strech" it back out?

[3r!c84]

the manifold has worped

[gchemist]

Time for headers!!

[80SPORT]

There is a tool available to spread the manifold or use a porta power ....very common problem on chevy small block....

[80SPORT]

Lisle 13000 is the tool ...$6.91 on amazon ...or at your local parts store

[54Caddy]

go down to napa and ask them for an exhaust manifold spreader. You put it in btween the two gaps and tighten it. As you tighten it it pushes on the manifold and spreads it so that you can install the bolts. This is a very common problem. What happens is that the manifolds get hot then you unbolt them and sit and metal has the tendency to move. The tool is about 12 bucks man, get on it and put them suckers on and fire that beast up! Good luck man.

[seafoam68]

Thanks guys, never had this problem before. I guess I always worked with the old ramshorn manifolds or headers. Thanks again !