[krisr]

Looking at this thread and searching others, has anyone got first hand experience with running RA/HO manifolds in a 66 GTO, that are round port, from Ram Air Restorations with the 2.45" outlet? Just curious...

[MatthewKlein]

Just received a set of manifolds. Transaction went smoothly. I am curious though. One of the bolt holes does not seem to have much meat around it. Is this normal? Looks like it could crack easily. All the other bolts have much thicker metal around them.

[mysticmissle]

looks like the bolt pattern is off a bit on all the tabs, i would try and get a better pair, but they probably would be fine with the studs installed

[steve25]

I would right away send those back!!
That hole will tare out even with a stud in short order.
It’s quite unmistakable that the whole bolt pattern for the exh pipe flange is misdrilled.

The only way I would use that would be to install a long enough stud in that one hole such that it could be braised to the outer wall of the manifold a bit further up from the flange.

[vertigto]

Here is what one of mine looked like before I sent it back.

[steve25]

How do they ship?
If that damage did not take place during shipping then it’s also clear why the other persons manifold was just sent out with it being drilled wrong, that being the owners don’t care about the quality of what they sell.

[vertigto]

IIRC...they were packed with bubble-wrap, but a little loose in the box.

Since there was no other damage noticeable on the other manifold and no pieces in the box, I had to assume it was pre-shipment (FedEx).

[Greg Reid]

If that was done in the box, the box would have been damaged.

[grivera]

Originally Posted by MatthewKlein

Just received a set of manifolds. Transaction went smoothly. I am curious though. One of the bolt holes does not seem to have much meat around it. Is this normal? Looks like it could crack easily. All the other bolts have much thicker metal around them.

Will you be calling RARE? I have to inspect mine and see if they are the same. Curious as to what Paul will say.

[Held for Ransom]

I thought all were off centered so the 3 flange would clear the frame better?

And grinding marks everywhere...

[MatthewKlein]

Originally Posted by grivera

Will you be calling RARE? I have to inspect mine and see if they are the same. Curious as to what Paul will say.

Spoke to him on the phone and sent pictures. Was told this is correct and done to clear the frame

Originally Posted by Held for Ransom

I thought all were off centered so the 3 flange would clear the frame better?

And grinding marks everywhere...

That's exactly what I was told. Seems odd but must work. There are a lot of these manifolds out there.

[Formulajones]

I've seen the holes like that in the past, I'm thinking if they were sent back for exchange the replacements would be the same. Like Ransom said I think they are that way on purpose for the 3 bolt flange setup, for more clearance. Technically I think one side is supposed to be a 2 bolt setup originally.

I'd put the studs in it and run it.

Now the damage that vertigoat showed, yeah that could possibly cause a sealing issue and I'd likely send that back.


Edit: Ha you must have been typing that when I posted. I figured that's the answer you'd get.

[grivera]

I ordered the bolt kit with mine and where the manifolds to head bolts are all hardware store type, grade 8. The flange bolts are ARP. I'd prefer to do studs for the flanges - has anyone found a good source for these? Wonder if these will work: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...b&gclsrc=3p.ds

[MatthewKlein]

Originally Posted by Formulajones

Like Ransom said I think they are that way on purpose for the 3 bolt flange setup, for more clearance. Technically I think one side is supposed to be a 2 bolt setup originally.

Would the 2 bolt drivers side manifold clear the 66 frame? My 72 has the 2 bolt manifold.

[Held for Ransom]

Originally Posted by grivera

I ordered the bolt kit with mine and where the manifolds to head bolts are all hardware store type, grade 8. The flange bolts are ARP. I'd prefer to do studs for the flanges - has anyone found a good source for these? Wonder if these will work: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...b&gclsrc=3p.ds

I used a couple of these kits...
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...03112/17190189

[Formulajones]

Originally Posted by MatthewKlein

Would the 2 bolt drivers side manifold clear the 66 frame? My 72 has the 2 bolt manifold.

I've never personally tried it on a 66 so can't say for sure.

[Formulajones]

Originally Posted by grivera

I ordered the bolt kit with mine and where the manifolds to head bolts are all hardware store type, grade 8. The flange bolts are ARP. I'd prefer to do studs for the flanges - has anyone found a good source for these? Wonder if these will work: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...b&gclsrc=3p.ds

I go to my local Napa and buy their stud kit but rather than the brass nuts I like to use elongated nuts (what I call them for lack of a better term) I'm sure they have a specific name. They also come in brass if that's what you prefer to use.

[grivera]

Thanks all

[b-man]

Originally Posted by Formulajones

I go to my local Napa and buy their stud kit but rather than the brass nuts I like to use elongated nuts (what I call them for lack of a better term) I'm sure they have a specific name. They also come in brass if that's what you prefer to use.

Coupling nuts.

[bill ryder]

Not much of a RAM AIR guy. I live in 64-65. I know they are 69. Any good??

Thanks Greg.

"Bill"!