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| | | Forums66 Topics128,015 Posts1,055,335 Members48,419 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 43 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 43 | I have installed a 1958 235 engine in my 1953 1/2 ton. Will the header from the '53 (I no longer have it) match up to the '58 manifold? Thanks. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 914 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 914 | What I do know is that the exhaust manifold from a 1958 235 fits a 1954 235. Someone that knows will post. Jeffrey | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,746 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,746 | I believe there's a difference in the angle of the outlet flange. Later model manifolds angle the pipe back toward the firewall while early ones exit straight down. As far as the bolt-up to the head, either one should fit. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | All 216 exhaust manuals went straight down, and 235 exhaust manuals went straight down through 1949.
All 1950 and later 235 (and all 261) exhaust manuals angled rearward.
1958 and 1954 235/261 exhaust manuals will interchange.
The 1953 exhaust manual might attach to the later heads - maybe someone else can confirm this (are the ports the same size?)? | | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 | My 49 216's exhaust manifold angles back towards the firewall. It's the same angle as both the stock exhaust manifold and Fenton dual exhaust manifolds on my 54 235. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Volfandt,
What is the casting code on the 216 stock manifold?
Someone might have switched to a later 235 manifold over the years?
As I recall, the front Fenton goes straight down and the rear Fenton angles rearward. Also, one used the earlier donut gasket (forward?) and one used the later flat gasket (rearward?). | | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 | As far as I know the engine was stock and no major alterations were done to it. That said it's always possible. I knew the original owner but he passed away before I ever know about the truck. I'll check the casting code and post it later. Here's a pic of the Fenton headers on the 235. The front does appear to be straight down. The rear is supposed to line up directly with the existing pipe. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Yep, the forward one in straight down and the rearward one slants a little to the rear.
Nice photo, Volfandt | | |
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