Ramhorn Question

[GulfCoastGasser]

The crate GM 355 has standard factory exhaust manifolds. I recently picked up a pair of ramhorns for a SBC. I have finally gotten around to making the switch, but I have a couple of questions?

1. The left hand manifold had a "shelf" built into the front port, what is that for?

2. Where can I locate replacement bolts for the manifold to exhaust pipe flange? Also where can I locate bolts to secure it to the block?

3. The right hand manifold came with a spacer where the exhaust pipe ties in, is that needed or can I not use it?

The ramhorns I purchased

My engine with its current exhaust manifold

 

[gassersgarage]

Ramshorns are excellent manifolds. The shelf is for the generator bracket. The spacer is where a heatriser would go and also requies ceramic biscuits. You can run without the spacer/heatriser but I don't know where you can get shorter bolts.

 

[dmw56]

For bolts I have just drilled the holes out and ground a little clearance on the top and used regular bolts.

 

[hotrod preacher]

ramhorns are great old-school parts, but they will not always clear crossmembers and such... might want to look real close..anyway there is also another "type" of ramhorns that were on 67-?? chevy trucks that have a slight bend at the pipe end(both L&R) they cleared on my camaro-framed truck where the straight-dump ones didn't.-- not tryin' to be a know it all just tryin to help
HRP

 

[Sniper]

Check your local muffler shop, Speedy, Mineke, or other muffler chainstore will have manifold studs. Not sure who'll have in your area, but the studs should be fairly common. Sniper

 

[nate 11]

any parts store should have the studs.

 

[35Mastr]

When you change those studs on the bottom.Be shure to get that part cherry red or they will snap off.

 

[bob w]

If you remove the heat riser assembly from the right side manifold you will notice there is no bevel in the manifold outlet for the sealing "donut". I have cut a bevel to match the left side manifold using a die grinder. Otherwise you will have to use a flat gasket on that side, which will be ok. They just seem to not last as long.

 

[Gearhead10]

Ram horms are a good manifold to use.Like preacher said,if you have clearance issues the 67-72 pickups had a angle to the flange on L&R to clear crossmember.Rams flow like a header too,I used to use em racin till they made em illegal.You can get nice chrome louvered covers that bolt right on that look good too.

 

[Gastrick]

Some people run two right side manifolds in order to eliminate the generator bracket if it is not needed.