tehjrow

I'm about to take the air pump off of my 1981 c3. I don't want to spend $1000 on a new exhaust right now so I would like some manifolds that will connect to my stock exhaust. Main reason I want new manifolds is to get rid of the air pump tubes. Mine doesn't have the removeable ones, they are welded in and I really don't want to try to alter them. Can anyone provide links to some manifolds that will bolt to my existing exhaust that don't have air tubes? Don't need anything fancy

NeverTooOld

The tubes can be cut off flush with the manifold then welded shut.

tehjrow

I really don't want to mod them. Just looking for a shorty or manifold replacement without the tubes.

Dynra Rockets

Asked about once a month

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-headers.html

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-question.html

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...y-headers.html

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...er-choice.html

carriljc

I only state this because you mention that you don't want to spend $1k on exhaust right now--- if it was mine, then I'd braze/weld them shut.... and then spend the bucks later on the system that I want. Not trying to change your mind, but since it'll cost you a couple hundred for generics anyway..... something to consider.

tehjrow

Does the factory exhaust bolt in the same place for the 81 as the rest of the C3? I thought it was different since the air pipes are different. If I buy something generic like this it'll fit my 81?

https://www.summitracing.com/ga/part...200n/overview/

tehjrow

I'm pretty new to welding, have a flux core 110v machine. What are the exhaust made from?

Bikespace

Perhaps the 2 1/2" rams horn manifolds are the cheapest way to get you by in the short term. You will still need to have some work done at a shop (or DIY) to add 2.5" to 2" reducers, and make up the difference of taking out the EGR valve on the passenger side.

The forum has convinced me to just get the headers I want and do it right the first time, just not immediately (this is a lesson that has taken over 20 years to learn), so I won't be doing this myself, but I almost pushed the button on these:
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performan...30110/10002/-1

There are others (Dorman, Flowtech, RPC, Summit's brand, etc), but these looked pretty cheap. I bet most of the aftermarket ones are made from the same slag in the same factory in China.

Fortunately, my manifolds did come with removable air tubes. I was able to get 4 off, and plugged. The other two I cut off, and plugged with concrete anchors. I wish I had a welder.

Dynra Rockets

Factory 81/82 manifolds are made from 409. You can weld it with any form of mild steel rod/wire with no issue.

Here are mine...



As posted in the linked thread above these from Jegs look promising:
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performan...791+4294828856

R

tehjrow

Was it hard to get the tubes out of the inside of the manifold?

Dynra Rockets

For the first tube I used a rasp grinding tool to grind it down. Took forever. For the remainder of the tubes I hit it with a stick welder and melted them down flush