1969 Smog system application

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

Headman makes a bracket that is suppose to work; I'll find out this weekend how correct that is.

Still sick about this after a nights sleep.

Steven-----


As I've said on numerous previous occasions, I do not recommend the use of tube headers on any street engine. You would NEVER, EVER find them on any street car of mine. Yes, they do significantly increase power output, but there are too many other problems with them for street use. Plus, thier appearance is decidedly "non-original".

[Steven H.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

Joe

Tell me of a reasonable option other than used manifolds and I'm all ears.

[John H.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

Joe

Tell me of a reasonable option other than used manifolds and I'm all ears.

What's wrong with used manifolds?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

Joe

Tell me of a reasonable option other than used manifolds and I'm all ears.

Steven----

There are quite a few options.

1) Use reproduction manifolds. Yes, they are not perfect with respect to original configuration but they are a whole lot closer to original than tube headers;

2) Use manifold GM #372243 on both sides and use a reproduction or used example of the GM #3951337 alternator bracket to mount the alternator. This bracket was used for 1972+ Corvettes as well as many other Chevrolets from 1969 onward. Yes, this won't be an original configuration and the manifolds will not be just like originals but it will be a lot closer than tube headers. These manifolds are expensive, though; about 325 bucks each, GM list;

3) Use aftermarket equivalents of the 372243 plus the aformentioned bracket. These are available brand new, but made in China or India and a LOT less expensive than the GM piece. They won't look exactly original, but they'll be a lot closer than tube headers;

4) Why not consider using used manifolds? You need to be selective in buying them, of course, but there are plenty of good ones out there, especially if you disregard "dates". These manifolds were not used on only Corvettes. A good used manifold would likely last you a lot longer than you're ever going to need it. With these, you can get the installation to appear exactly original which is, of course, much closer than you get with tube headers.

[Steven H.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

This is just my personal taste; but using used manifolds is like putting on a soiled diaper, it's just no good in my book. After 40 years; you will end up in th same boat sooner than later with rust or cracks, just like the ones I took off and discarded.

I would not mind spending big dollars for correct and preferably USA made replacements; I will not spend bazillion dollars on NOS and that's even if there are any.

Like I said; there are plenty of other things on the car to address before the manifolds will become important to a numbers correct rebuild. This car will never be 100 point car while I own it; an example is the chances of finding the original block to make it pristine; slim to none.

And by waiting a while; someone may start to reproduce a nice set of manifolds.

[John M.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

Crane's driver side reproduction is nice, and I believe not that expensive.

The reason I went all out 100% on mine in addition to being obsessive about the appearance of "Originality" is that I like to compete in the local show circuit.

Judging, even locally in my area, is dependant on the appearance of Factory correctness.

I rank headers right up there with Cragers and Glass Packs. Aftermarket performance accessories that quite honestly, give me the edge and the trophy every time.

You may not be interested in competing in local Shows, or NCRS point judging, but the bottom line is that as this Hobby grows, the more value that's placed on originality.

What that equates to is the appreciation of the spectators, and most of all, the value of your car.

That money you spend on headers, is the amount that the next buyer will be bargaining you down from your asking price.

Anything that's not original will have to be replaced by him, and it will be used against you when it's time to sell.

Unfortuantely it's a chain reaction. Now it needs Manifolds, and it's missing the Alternator bracket, likely the correct upper Brace, and the Exhaust is custom to match the headers etc, etc.

Now the manifolds are degrading the vehicles worth by over $1000 in parts replacement in getting it correct.

I know, "I don't care about showing and I'll never sell."

But the bottom line is that you want your car to be worth as close to what you have into it as possible, otherwise your throwing Money out the window and wasting all your hard work.

The more original the car, the more it's value and worth, and the more respectible it's presentation amongst peers and enthusiasts.

The beauty of this though, is that it is your car and you can do as you please.

There's my 2 Cents.

[Steven H.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

Here are my thoughts on that John; the car that I traded for this one, I owned it for 29 years. I had manifolds, then I had headers, I had manifolds again, then another set of hearders, then I got a different style exhaust port and bought another style manifold, then went with headers again for the last round. By the way; on the Pontiacs, Ram Air Restorations remans nearly every single performance manifold ever made for Pontiac. Why is no one doing this for Chevy, I don't get it?

[John M.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

The L46 has been the Redheaded stepchild to the Big Block for so long, that correct replacements weren't worth tooling.

I believe that's slowly changing though.

[John H.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

Here are my thoughts on that John; the car that I traded for this one, I owned it for 29 years. I had manifolds, then I had headers, I had manifolds again, then another set of hearders, then I got a different style exhaust port and bought another style manifold, then went with headers again for the last round. By the way; on the Pontiacs, Ram Air Restorations remans nearly every single performance manifold ever made for Pontiac. Why is no one doing this for Chevy, I don't get it?

Paragon reproduces dozens of Corvette cast iron exhaust manifolds, with and without A.I.R. holes, including the two you need.

[Kenny C.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

Steven
Okay so hers my 2 cents worth. Do whatever make you happy period! I started my car resto with absolutely no intention of showing or judging the car, hell I didn't even know what NCRS was. My goal was to have a nice driver that was nicer than when I cruzzed Van Nuys Blvd in it at 18 years old. That includes headers intake manifold torque trust mags and all sorts of performance add ons that make the guys on this blog absolutely cringe. Ahh but then the sickness set in and I became obsessed with correctness and all the after market stuff went into the pile and the hunt was on for date codes and bolt head markings. I must say that I am Personally happy with my decision to come back to the side of truth justice and the American way but that may not be the case for you. I have put in twice the money that the car is "WORTH" but it makes no difference to me as I will NEVER sell it and as such it has no material value to me whatsoever. My kids will have to fight over it some day but that's their problem. If YOU want YOUR car a certain way and it makes YOU happy and YOU don't care what the market value is for resale then put on headers and hood scoops and whatever else YOU like and drive it like you stole it.
Just my opinion and like another poster on this board is fond of saying "its worth what you paid for it"
Kenny

PS
If you need some of that crap I have a pile in the corner of the garage.

[Steven H.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

John Hinckley hit it on the head it looks like; not sure how I missed these when I was trying to figure this out.

I will probably do the first set up with the headers and gather parts for AIR and what not for future install with the repo manifolds.

Kenny

Been there done that, bounced back and forth between several cars. To me the fun is in the wrenching and the challenge.

[Steven H.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

Mock up of the brackets.

Straight out of the box they are only a half inch too far away from the motor from the original; an easy fix with a welder and also very easy to incorporate the original lower bracket.