72 454 exhaust manifold -repair or replace?

[Randall K.]

The RH exhaust manifold has an old crack repair that is starting to leak. Bubba had also removed the AIR system and plugged the manifold holes with unknown items. I hope to eventually acquire the correct AIR system for this car.

I'm unable to get any kind of wrench on the AIR hole plugs.

So... repair or replace? If repair, any thoughts on how much it would cost, and suggestions for who/where to send it?

Thanks
Randy

[Joe L.]

Re: 72 454 exhaust manifold -repair or replace?

The RH exhaust manifold has an old crack repair that is starting to leak. Bubba had also removed the AIR system and plugged the manifold holes with unknown items. I hope to eventually acquire the correct AIR system for this car.

I'm unable to get any kind of wrench on the AIR hole plugs.

So... repair or replace? If repair, any thoughts on how much it would cost, and suggestions for who/where to send it?

Thanks
Randy

Randall------


If it were me, I would not even consider trying to repair this manifold, especially if it's your intention to re-install the AIR system. The plugs are going to have to be drilled out and, most likely, re-threaded. This is going to be difficult and expensive if you have it done.

The crack, if I'm seeing it correctly, could best be repaired by "stitching" but this will be expensive. I really don't trust welds on gray cast iron.

By the time you have all of the above done, you're going to be up to or above the cost of a new reproduction manifold. And, what will you have? An old, repaired manifold.

[Randall K.]

Re: 72 454 exhaust manifold -repair or replace?

This was the answer that I suspected I would receive.

Thanks, Joe, for the prompt response.

Randy