C1 Exhaust Manifolds

[David Dawdy]

Are any of the old fuel injection exhaust manifolds still available from GM?

What do you think of the Paragon or other re-creations? Are they dated for your car?

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 Exhaust Manifolds

Dave-----

As far as original-part numbered exhaust manifolds go, there is only 1 manifold currently available for any C1, C2, or C3 Corvette. That manifold is GM #3797901. This is the 2-1/2" outlet ram's horn manifold which was used for the left side for 62-63 Corvettes with 340 or 360 hp. Even this manifold has some minor differences with respect to configuration, but it's very close to the original.

The only other exhaust manifold available from GM for ANY other 53-82 Corvette is the GM #372243. This is a ram's horn manifold with AIR provisions. It has no brackets or bosses for generator mounting. In general, it can be used for any Corvette 2" outlet application which requires no bracketry. This includes many C1s, C2, and C3s. Its configuration is somewhat different than original PRODUCTION manifolds used for Corvettes and, of course, it has AIR fittings which have to be plugged for non-AIR applications. But, it will work for many applications. It was never used in PRODUCTION, though, for any Corvette application.

There are NO other exhaust manifolds available from GM for any other 53-82 Corvette application. So, Paragon and their dealers have just about the only game in town (as far as new manifolds go). I think that their reproductions are quite good and of high quality. Are they absolutely perfect? No, they are not, but they're VERY close. If I needed one, I'd be VERY satisfied. I don't need any, though. I stocked up years ago with new GM manifolds for every application that I ever anticipated needing. Then I bought more in case I needed another replacement. Then I bought more in case I ever needed a replacement for the replacement. And so on. So, I've got manifolds "coming out my ears" [none for sale].

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 Exhaust Manifolds

Dave--
I would go to Paragon rather than GM--the 901 from GM has the casting "bumps" incorrectly ground off, has the 901 cast differently, and has casting dates which the originals and the Paragon ones did not have.
Now, knowing you, you're still stuck looking for those little 2" things for the 283's, and as Joe indicated, Paragon is the only game in town. Original 556 and 965 manifolds only had month and day, without a year designation--Paragon's comes without any.
Back to the "real" motors--for the 62 FI car I found last fall that had been sitting since 76--I used a Paragon right-hand 902, and although there are minor differences (the number of casting "bumps" and locations), unless it's in the manual with specific numbers of bumps, or unless the judge has a photographic memory )or doesn't have a life), it's pretty much undetectable once a bit rusty.
So what are you working on these days? If it's non-FI, I'd find the 965 and 556 used--they are pretty common.
Mike

[David Dawdy]

Re: C1 Exhaust Manifolds

Mike -

Remember that old hulk you looked at 15 or so years ago? Yes, that old thing hopefully will come back to life this summer. '60, fi, p/w, p/t, susp & brakes. Still stuck with the 1966 owner. It is at D&A getting body resurrected, Chassis is pretty much done. Any one that might know about #2348, I would sure appreciate the help.