Go with the Kiekaefer or not?

I have a chance at a Kiekaefer aluminum dual quad intake manifold for my 315 Poly at $1,100. Or I can go with the Offenhauser dual quad for $300. Or, the 3 duece set up for about $1,500 (including carbs), or a single 4bbl manifold if I can ever find one, I think the last one sold on eBay for about $325.


The Kiekaefer is a lot of cash, but when do you ever find one? $1,100 is some big cash. I got outbid on this one, but the original buyer flacked I guess, so I have a 2nd chance offer at $1,100 (by 10am on the 15th tomorrow morning!)


Thanks,


Jay

 

I've paid lots of dough for stuff I really didn't need because it was really neat old stuff. If the manifold has "Kiekaefer" cast on it where you can see it, it would make your motor. At least to anyone who Knows his history. Can't be too many of those around.

 

jsrail, if I follow you, you had bid second best on the Kiekhaefer manifold and, so, you were about in that $1,100 range already? If so, go ahead and call before 10:00.

I say my piece because I echo what hugh m said: They are not MAKING manifold's with Carl Keikhaefer's name on them anymore. If it has the "K" name boldly cast on it, it would be envied by lots of folks at shows. And isn't THAT a part of what a guy wants in a 'rod -- show appeal, buddies drooling over your rare manifold, etc.?

 

I read that there were only about 75-100 of them made. But I've got a stock motor just rebuild (not in the car yet) and it mean I'd have to pull the cam and have it reground. Just not a lot of dough right now and I am so twisted as to whether to buy or not, damn it's a difficult call.

 

I'd only consider it if it was something that was out in the breeze for all to see. If it's under the hood of a '56 Dodge - NO WAY.

 

You know I looked at the ad again and it doesn't have a "K" on it, but it does have the Dodge part number. Actually, I've read that they those had Dodge part numbers, but I don't know if the Kiekhaefer ones had "K"'s on them. Man, maybe it is just a Dodge D-500-1 option part, and maybe not an actual Kiekhaefer? Anyone know any further info?

 

My understanding is they are the only alloy Dodge intakes made with an OEM parts number. IF they had a name cast into them, it would have been Mercury Marine, but where they were p***ing it off as stock it has just the part number.

 

Big money, but what are the chances of getting another one?

 

Probably very slim

 

Well, my guess is that if it doesn't SAY Keikhaefer on it, then it's NOT. I'm also speculating when I mention that Carl's efforts were invested in the Chrysler (not Dodge) 331 for '55 and the 354 for '56. BUT, since he was essentially limited to "stock" parts, why would a Keikhaefer-marked manifold even exist -- France, Sr., wouldn't have permitted Carl (already running WAY out front!) to install an improved manifold on his cars.

Now, all that said, George has a darn good point: Even without Carl K's name, we're talking VERY scarce. With stock FOUR-barrel intakes bringing ridiculous prices, especially on feeBay, mightn't a dual-four Dodge 315 manifold be WORTH a tad over a grand? "Worth," after all, means what it's WORTH to YOU.

 

BTW: Have you checked the casting numbers?

 

yes, its the dodge part number

 

The Kiekaefer parts had a Mopar part number on them, that's how they were legal for "stock" cars.

 

I really wish I could just find a single 4bbl manifold, but nobody makes. I'vr tried eelco, hot hemi, and others, but no one is making them. Funny that you can find a 3x2,2x4 all day long.

You guys think I could get away with a 3x2 set up on a stock motor and cam grind?

 

It's Dodge part number 1733878.

 

GotGas wrote: "The Kiekaefer parts had a Mopar part number on them, that's how they were legal for "stock" cars."

Well, THAT is what I like about the HAMB! One can speculate all day long. If you wanna KNOW, just ask HERE. Thanks, GotGas. I've SEEN old Keikhaefer marine engine housings in aluminum, so it would seem he had the resources to cast whatever required aluminum, fer shur.

 

Have you tried posting a wanted ad on the Hot Hemi site. I got mine from there about 3 years ago for $75. I had about 10 people offer me one for sale. Nobody made an aftermarket single 4 bbl. intake for the 315-325.

 

Well, I let it go. Just gotta be realistic right now and certain won't be coming in until late November now (damn gov't works so slow). Would've had to have it redrilled, or try and find original carbs, have original carbs rebuilt, or buy new ones after redrilling...just thought maybe I should wait and not spend the cash on a museum piece right now. I really would just like to find a 4bbl one, but everyone's right, nobody is making them and eelco isn't because there is not enough interest. Well, that's the breaks.

Seems sad to let it go though.

Thanks for the heads up voodoo, I may just try that, good suggestion.

 

I doubt anything that old would have Mercury Marine on it since that name didn't come about til the Brunswick takeover much later.I know Kheikhaefer kept the company afloat during the war years by building chainsaws and target drone engines for the military but never heard of this one.

 

I don't think Mercury marine was 50's. I've had Mercury outboards - controls and fuel tanks. I THINK Kheikhaefer was dropped before the Merc name in the 60's sometime...prob brunswick or before. They made utility motors to fit chainsaws, water pumps and air compressors all badged like the compreesor I have: Kheikhaefer Mercury...

 

I talked to my buddy who worked for Carl in those years. They had those manifolds cast specially and they did have K cast in a circle on the manifolds. When they first got the D-500s and tested them with a 4 barrel, Carl threw a fit and demanded they get 2 fours for them.

 

The Company was named Kiekhaefer Marine through '54, and with the entry into NASCAR for '55 season, the company name offically changed to Mercury Marine.

Before I got really familiar with early NASCAR, I WONDERED why it said "Mercury" or "Mercury Marine" on the sides of '55 and '56 Chrysler 300s !