The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk stock exhaust manifold to dual

Does anyone out there have any experience with a modified stock exhaust manifold to dual such as the one offered by Jim Carter? Any comments on the sound or performance for a 235? Probably just as important, would there be any problem with the fitting of the stock intake (I don't want to grind on anything)? Is there a pre-heating of the fuel issue (the heating plate required when using the Fentons)?

It was very common in the 40's and 50's to modify the stock exhaust manifold by welding a plate inside to divide the manifold the plate usually had a 1/2 hole to equalize one side to the other
A hole was drilled in to the bottom of the manifold toward the rear of the engine to accept a short piece of pipe with a flange on it for the second exhaust pipe. I had a couple of stovebolts in the 50's with split manifolds. They sounded wonderful. The California Highway Patrol ticketed me more then once for excessive noise.

31,32,33 You didn't have the market cornered on CHP tickets for excessive noise. I probably got a total of 12 tickets for noise. CHP, Montebello, Ca, Burbank, Ca. LAPD were all the givers. Now I have a Harley with no mufflers and have ridden it for over 15 yrs. like that and have never even been stopped for noise. Guess times are a changing. There is no sound like that of a split manifold on a 235, music to my ears. I now have Fentons on my GMC 248, but with Turbo mufflers so it's kind of quiet.

I’m still waiting to see a picture of what Jim Carter offers but I split mine using a heavy wall 90 degree steel elbow with a steel flange and fit it up for a welder who knew what to do with it. It turned out like this.

I.M.O. retaining the heatbox by using a split stock manifold, Fentons with built in heat riser, or the Corvette cast dual are the way to go for the best driveability and sound.
Grinding or machining the manifolds usually is only required when using an Offenhauser intake with Fenton headers to eliminate interference and should never be required with a stock intake. If you decide to go with the repop Fenton headers a heat kit will give some warmth to the manifold but I believe direct contact is best. No matter how you split it you’ll love the sound.

Curt B.

Mike,

It aint a 235, but I'm running a split stock manifold on the 216 in my 46. Dual pipes, running through glass-packs. Sounds great.

Even though I don't have the heat-riser in place anymore, I've never had a problem with it starting up and running smoothly (with a slight bit of choke) even during the coldest of Colorado's winter weather.

I found an old guy at the local radiator/exhaust shop that split mine exactly as 31,32,33 outlined, and the best part was it only cost me $45.00.

Actually half of that, as they split two different manifolds for that price.

I've read several threads here regarding the grinding etc. you referred to with the Fentons. I'd like to have a set just for grins, but I'm just as happy with my split and glass-packs.

They have a very nice cackling rumble at any speed, yet I'm still able to have a civil conversation inside of the cab.

chevman 32, I have noticed the same thing. I think the police have to many more important problems in this day in age than loud exhaust pipes to be concerned with.

you might be able get yours split, or find a used split one for a lot cheaper

that is ONE good thing that the "ricers" and "tuners" have done to the automotive world, they get the all the cops attention now.

NorCalMike,
Guess you are going to have to wait for someone that has seen Carter's split manifold....I think this question has been asked before, and I don't think anyone has yet shared their experience.

I would like to see one too since Kansas Kustoms is no longer doing them. If you can't find someone local with experience....I think their is someone over on Inliners that is now advertising their services.

Maybe someone from the KC area can take a picture of one of Carter's next time they are there?

I have seen the manifolds split both to the left and to the right of the carb/heat box. Does it make any difference which side gets the "new" flange?

Point of interest...the glass packs (Cherry Bombs) need to have round rounds in the resonator area not ovals or slits. Burn the fiberglass out with a couple of runs and you'll thinkd your flying a P-47 Thunderbolt.

two word's


STEEL PACK'S!

That depends on application. Front dump is necessary for a column shift truck but some cars have the motor mount there and need it at the back. Either is good with the primary purpose of retaining the heat box. Why is it that more than 90 percent of aftermarket intake manifolds made for stovebolts have a provision for mounting to the stock exhaust?

Curt B.