[steve shields]

I read a post of a guy using 351 w exhaust manifolds for a improved exhaust flow w/o headers. I have been thinking of buying a set of repo 289 hp manifolds for a 65 fb that I was replacing the engine on. A 351 is a taller decked small block but is the manifold bolt pattern the same. Would it clear the shock towers? Sounds like a cheap to good to be true fit. Anyone ever run 289 hp manifolds for a mildly built 289, was you happy? Will they flow well eneogh to support mildly ported heads and a 280 comp cam?

[Preacher17]

The 351W exhaust manifold work on the 289 and are often refered to as poor mans hi-po manifolds. Supposedly they flow fairly well and might be a real low buck way to go. Personally I would pop for a set of tri-y headers. They fit well they work well unless you just want to go stock but since the 351 manifolds are noticeably different that defeats the purpose. I'm kind of curious why stock manifolds when you'll have the engine out anyway. Headers arn't that expensive and even if you're not building a killer ride they still help with drivability and gas mileage. But anyway, yes the 351W manifolds will work just fine with a mild engine. But if you're stepping up with ported heads and a stout cam I would really think about headers.

[steve shields]

Thanks for clearing that up for me. I probably should go with headers but a few things are holding me back. My experience with headers is none. But working my way thru college at oreilly auto parts and knowing other's who ran headeres it seemed they were problematic, Leaks, burned up wires, starters, leaks again. So I fear these problems and just would like to build something that reuired a little less work to keep up. The second issue is money. I am blessed to have a couple old mustangs and purchased them befor the recent craze so I am in worth the money but now is a expensive time in my life. Two small kido's and another on the way and the purchase of a small farm has made fun money a thing of the past. So a cheap fix like the 351w manifolds appeals to me. 289 hi po headers I figured were money in the bank after the purchase as there will always be a market for them even used. So in a few years if I wanted to go back stock I could resell and they would hold my money better than headers. How big of pain are tri Y headers? How often do they leak, how many dollars for a decent set? I see them in the mags for like 120. but figured they were not such good one's. You know more than I do on the topic am I going the wrong way here. Have a stock 30 over 302 thats never been run that came with the car 10 years ago I chose not to use, it will be the engine, I was going to add cam and 4v intake and do a home port job on exhause side, and hope for some modest gains and a the really cool rumptey rump idle to match the shebly clone look. Long post insight appreciated. Steve

[Preacher17]

The Hi-po exhaust manifold won't save you any cash unless you already have a set. Repos are avaliable in all the catalogs CJ Pony has them listed for $224.95 a pair,. Ceramic coater tri-y's run exactly the same. If you take the time and do it right on the instalation leakage isn't that big a deal. Get a set of locking header bolts they are well worth thee price(about 40 bucks or so. Ball type insets will seal the collector end. Can't give ya a price on them 'cause I've never used em before. But you're going to need something as the stock manifolds will choke your motor. If you have more than one car you can alway sell or part one out to finance the other, there is always a way.

Good luck...Mike

[steve shields]

Thanks for the information. Headers may make the plan sometime. I have the current motor and was looking for a cheap go. Should have know there isn't any, but the stock hipo's ran good so maybe? Everyday is a play it by ear but headers are cheap hp so thats where I should be looking. Thanks for taking the time to clear this up. Steve