Hello Everyone,

I am close to getting my 67 Chevelle Malibu on the road...well atleast started.
I think the car came factory with a 327. I am putting a 350 in it. The mainfolds were already in the car. I went to bolt up the exhaust manifolds and they don't fit. They appear to be about an eigth of an inch off. I can get the front two bolts in but the other 4 won't go. Are they not interchangeable??? If not what should I do now? I am on a pretty tight budget and you have to get ones that not only fit a 350 but fit in the car.
What about a inexpensive header?? This is not a hot rod just a fun driver - hopefully soon. Thanks for you help.

Stacy

Some late model manifolds contract when they are no longer bolted to the engine. There is a spreader that can be purchased to expand them when they do this. Post a pic of your manifolds so we can see if they are the newer type (usually from the 80's into the 90's as far as I have been told).

most Chevelles from the mid-60's onward will have this problem unless the manifolds have the cast in bar that runs across the top. As mentioned, there is a little tool available, it works like a reverse turnbuckle to spread the manifold out. bolt in the center first, then use the tool to push the ends out to get the bolts in. I used to hog out the end bolt holes with a tapered reamer, but that was before the tool was available. Doesn't re-align the ports either.

Not sure about SB, but had the same thing happen to me on a BB, driver side, could not line up the front hole. I used ARP head bolts, and they stick up a little higher, and would not let, the manifold down far enought, had to grind a little off manifold, where the bolt hit.

Thank you everyone. That will save some money because the local guys were telling me I had to buy new manifords or headers.

Stacy