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I have a '72 with a 350. I recently pulled the motor and had it rebuilt. I also replaced the exhaust manifolds. When I installed the motor, the passenger side exhaust was too far forward, but 1/4" or more where the flange lines up with the manifold. I attempted to pull it back with a few ratchet straps, but due to the H pipe, it didn't move much. I got it to line up and the gaskets too seal. After a drive this weekend, I noticed I had an exhaust leak. I did recall dragging a speed bump, although I'm not sure it that was the case or if the pipe just has too much strain on it since it doesn't line up right.
So, I need to fix this and am trying to avoid going to a shop right now. My thought was to cut the exhaust pipe before the cross member and remove 1/4" or so until the flange aligns without being in a strain. Then, I can install a coupler that could be welded later. I was thinking about a ball flange, so I can get the perfect angle, but my exhaust it 2" and I can't find a 2" ball flange.
So, I wanted to put this out there to see if anyone had any suggestions on how I can repair this without taking it to a shop.
Thank you,
Keith Here's the section I think would be best to cut. Ignore the oil leaks, as that will be the next project.
Are you using all the same parts ?. It could be you need to loosen everything up and readjust it before tightening down including the pipes. Your motor mounts may need to be replaced or tweaked a little .
You replaced the manifolds with stock "ram's horn" style?
There was no factory H-pipe, so that could be part of the problem – it's welded in the wrong position. If cutting will do, then that's probably the simplest fix.
Be careful with hitting the ground with the pipes, you can crack the cast iron exhaust manifold(s).
If you can fix it by cutting the pipe then I would use a 2” band clamp and but connect the pipes back together until a latter date when it could be welded
Are you using all the same parts ?. It could be you need to loosen everything up and readjust it before tightening down including the pipes. Your motor mounts may need to be replaced or tweaked a little .
I think you are 100% correct. I think I can loosen the motor mount and move the engine 1/4" forward. That has to be it.
Keep an eye on your transmission output shaft. 1/4” forward at the passenger motor mount will move the tail shaft probably 3/4” or more to the right in the tunnel. Make sure the u-joint doesn’t hit the tunnel.
if one pipe fits the engine and the other pipe doesn't, moving engine mounts will not change anything. one pipe is longer than the other from h-pipe to manifolds. try swapping manifolds to opposite sides. if it is the same unchanged exhaust, it is probably a new manifold that is 1/4 inch off.
Last edited by derekderek; Dec 10, 2021 at 04:21 PM.
If you can fix it by cutting the pipe then I would use a 2” band clamp and but connect the pipes back together until a latter date when it could be welded
I was going to say the same thing. Cut it and band clamp for an easy fix. I’ve used those before and have no issues with them sealing.
Exhaust assistance
