Rams horn on engine swap

Newbie going to be swapping sbc 350 - my current one is burning a quart of oil every 100 miles or so, plus has head gasket leaks and is well worn (from 1970s truck). Machine shop is rebuilding a 350 for me.

Question is on taking the rams horn manifolds off the current engine. No exhaust leaks either at the head or on the exhaust pipe to manifold connection. Do I need to disconnect the exhaust pipes or can I unbolt the manifolds and then pull the engine?

I struggled for about 4 hours trying to replace one of those donut gaskets a few months ago (tight space, rusty studs, hard fit) and don't wan to have to repeat that for both sides.

 

Depending on the amount of space you have, sure...

Installation on the other hand is another kettle of fish.

 

depends , it may or may not work. do you have room to push the manifolds a few inches away from the engine ?

 

Usually if you pull the plugs it will clear

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We really need to know what its in and a good pic would sure help. JW

 

Sure, just pull the manifolds back and anchor them that way with rope eyc. Remove the plugs so you don't have to replace the one that snaps when the engine shifts while you're pulling it.
Did this in our 57 Chevy a couple of times, no problem.

 

^^Yep.

 

Yes, you can usually pull them out of the way. When you have the engine out, it will be very easy to replace the studs, etc, for FUTURE maintenance work.

 

I agree with Algoma56. Good investment of time to pull them off the pipes while the engine is out, a lot easier than with the engine in, replace all studs & donut gaskets, use br*** nuts readily available at auto parts stores and use some high temp anti-seize when you put the back.

 

This would be a good time to use some anti seize on those studs.

As far as pulling the exhaust manifolds out of the way,I don't see any problem but how long have the exhaust been on the car?

Just because you don't have a leak now doesn't mean you won't after twisting and pulling on the exhaust,been there,done that. HRP

 

-yep

 

If the exhaust is that old, you'll likely have trouble pulling exhaust studs or bolts as well. I vote for sawall the exhaust off at a straight section, then you can have new ends, studs, gaskets installed and remove the manifolds on an engine stand. For about $100 at the exhaust place you'll save a lot of headaches, depends on how much fighting you want to do.

 

X's 2 what are you working on?

 

Yep!