LS Swap Exhaust Manifolds with Mustang II front

[Curt - TN]

For those who have done an LS Swap with a Mustang II front suspension what are you doing for Exhaust Manifolds or Headers?

I have some factory 5.3 truck manifolds and they are not even close. I thought about trying some center drop Corvette manifolds or some block hugger headers but would like to see what has been installed and works in a similar set up.

This is what I have space wise but I still have the DD steering rod and column to install that should be close to the frame side.

[dsraven]

I used some 2000 camaro manifolds. they are narrower than the truck manifold. they dump out the rear.

[Curt - TN]

Originally Posted by dsraven

I used some 2000 camaro manifolds. they are narrower than the truck manifold. they dump out the rear.

Thanks, I will look into those.

[Advanced Design]

Curt, I tried Camaro and Corvette manifolds without success so I ended up using the Hooker exhaust manifold. You may have better luck.

I just read a thread where someone cut the outlet off the manifold, completed a pie cut angling the exhaust outlet in a little more then re-welded it. If I find that again I will post it up.

[e-rock]

I am the one who cut and rewelded the flange on a truck manifold to make it fit.

This would probably only work if your motor is sitting high enough in the chassis to clear the truck oil pan.

My motor is sitting high and clearing the oil pan, which leaves the manifold well above the frame rails. I was able to bolt the manifolds on the motor, you just couldn't get a pipe on it, so I cut the flange off, rotated it slightly and turned it in towards the block, enough to clear the frame.

I was looking at s-10 LS swap headers before I did this. I dunno if they would fit, but they look like they would, in my case.

Here is a before and after of my manifold job.

[FAKKY]

What mounts are those - SBC ??

Hooker like AD used is what I was thinking ....

[e-rock]

The mount is the stock motor mount that came on the truck Ls motor. I made the steel mounts to accept them.

[Patrat]

I used the Hookers--kinda pricey but they do the job well.

I mean for my exhaust system...

[earl1951]

C5 corvette,welded double wall stainless,like a glove

[jweb]

If you want headers Sanderson makes some that will fit https://www.summitracing.com/parts/snh-ls150-p

There are also similar stainless headers on eBay for less $$. Just make sure whatever you get dumps out the rear, center dump doesn't work well with the steering connections.

[dsraven]

here is a pick of mine in a 57. wider frame probably. 2000 camaro mounts and manifolds. home made frame to mount plates.

[Iceburgh]

Sanderson make a set that will fit right in. But not cheap

[Tesone]

I used these http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Hooker...lds,65958.html

Truck is a 53 1/2 ton stock frame.

[FAKKY]

Tesone .... that steering linkage feel ok at those angles - have a feeling mine will be similar

[392Hemi]

Originally Posted by Iceburgh

Sanderson make a set that will fit right in. But not cheap

Where did you get those headers?

To the OP I used the Speedway Motors Block Hugger Headers

[Dan in Pasadena]

Looks like they touch but they didn't. This was during mockup, they're off now. Early Z06 exhaust manifolds modified to accept V Band clamps. It's an LQ4/4l85e transmission with C4 Corvette IFS on a Flat Out Engineering cross member. The flanges and crap on them will be removed and they'll be cleaned up in general for Jet Hot coating. What can I say, I like shiny!! Unless of course it becomes necessary to wrap them with heat resistant wrap.

[dsraven]

hey Dan, are you planning a heat shield to protect the upper control arm bushing? looks pretty close to the manifold. you could fab up a nice shiny peice for that area, then polish it to be REALLY shiny. haha
looks nice.

[Advanced Design]

That is a good mod on the Corvette exhaust manifold. Thanks for the share / reminder Dan.

[Curt - TN]

I just got the steering DD shaft installed so I now have a visual on how much room I have. It is pretty tight towards the frame.

I have a friend who has a spare set of C5 Corvette manifolds, I am going to gram them and see how far off they will be.

[not2oldchevy]

Early c5 will work perfect.

[AB6DO]

If you can fit any cast iron exhaust manifold without having to use any u-joints.....MY HAT IS OFF TO YOU

[Iceburgh]

Originally Posted by 392Hemi

Where did you get those headers?

To the OP I used the Speedway Motors Block Hugger Headers

Sanderson

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by dsraven

hey Dan, are you planning a heat shield to protect the upper control arm bushing? looks pretty close to the manifold. you could fab up a nice shiny peice for that area, then polish it to be REALLY shiny. haha
looks nice.

I hadn't thought about a heat shield but it is an excellent suggestion - thanks for mentioning it. Does anyone know if polyurethane bushings would be more accepting of high heat or not?

What I HAVE thought about is using the heat shield cloth wrap stuff. I can't say i really like the look of it but I've heard it works pretty well. It's not quite as close as the photos show and of course I do like the idea of a shiny heat shield, lol.

PS: You're welcome Doug. The guy doing these mods, "Mike" is the one that sold me on doing this mod and not using headers. He said they would flow plenty well, look good once cleaned up and coated and best of all, save unnecessary expense.

[Curt - TN]

OK, I went down to the shop and installed a set of old manifolds I had from an old Firebird. The passenger would work but the drivers is not quite a rear dump so I have an issue but it is so close.

If I could find something tight with a rear dump I think I could clear the steering without adding 3rd joint. These look to be steel so I might be able to do some modifications to the drivers side manifold to make it clear. Worst case I use these and install a 3rd joint.

This is what I have to work with:

[Advanced Design]

Tight with a rear dump...I did need a middle third joint to get around the manifold. It would have made it with two joints if the engine was a little higher.