'56 Exhaust Manifolds

[steve westphal]

Am still looking for the correct numbered exhaust manifolds for my late '56. I see repops in the catalogs but they are extremely expensive. I would love to hear from any of you as to the quality of the repops. I just can't seem to locate any originals but am still looking. The late '56 manifolds were 3 stud and the casting numbers were (L)3731557 and (R)3731558 The '56 passenger car with 2X4's uses the same ones but I can't find a '56 around here with 2X4's. Any help or direction here would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Geoff C.]

Why you are so very welcome. I won't hesitate *NM*

[Bernard M.]

Re: '56 Exhaust Manifolds

Steve,
If you think reproductions are expensive, just wait until you find a pair of originals; they'll be about double. Not necessarily because they're better, just because they're 'original'. A one year (actually only part of one year) item. I've HEARD the reproductions are actually thicker and don't crack as easily as the originals, which were comparatively thin. I've seen reproductions that have a good appearance. Mine are originals. If you'd like photos of them for reference, shoot me an e-mail.
Regards,
Bernard Myers

[Joe L.]

Re: '56 Exhaust Manifolds

steve----

I think that you will find that original examples of these manifolds will be virtually impossible to locate. Not very many were ever made and very few exist today. That's because these manifolds were, basically, a "defective design" and that's why GM didn't use them anymore after 1956. These manifolds have a "thinwall" cross section in several areas and often cracked.

The reproduction manifolds are manufactured under the auspices of one Paul Baker, "The Pulley King". Paul worked for years getting these parts tooled up. His reproductions are quite good, in my opinion. Better yet, they have a thicker cross section in the areas which caused problems in the original manifolds. All of the material has been added INTERNALLY, though, so, externally, the manifolds appear as-original.

Keep in mind, that these manifolds are what could be described as a "specialty item". In other words, they have VERY limited application and, consequently, very limited sales potential. Low volume= high price. That's a basic equation that's always been true, is true today, and, likley, will be true in the future, too.