'96 252 454 Magnum performance benchmark

[xlint89]

You know the trick for exh manifold installation, right?

Cut the head off 2 longer bolts that fit, or use studs. Slide the gasket on and then the manifold. The studs will hold the gaskets and manifolds for you until you get a couple bolts installed. Then remove them and install the bolts.

yep, done that several times. Not sure if the old studs I have will work since those came off a small block, but if I can find a complete R&R kit for the 496 manifolds/risers I'll cut the heads off a couple of the old manifold bolts.

Having a hard time finding a complete kit for the 496 manifolds though...

So seeing that this was brought up. I thought it was kind of common sense. But most exhaust manifolds gaskets are made like this or you can Make them like this. You put the exhaust manifold on with the 2 end bolts without the gasket then you slip the gasket down between the head and the manifold. That's why the end bolt holes are cut out like that on the gasket.

Seems like a great idea, but I have a set of Merc gaskets on my work bench. No cut outs. Studs needed for mine.

[akorcovelos]

Beautiful day, so spent most of it working on the boat. Hoping to have it back together by next weekend for the nice weather coming. Also can’t wait to hear the old girl through her new pipes!

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[akorcovelos]

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[akorcovelos]

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If the rain holds off I may get some of the assembly done tomorrow. I can’t wait to hear this thing!

[akorcovelos]

Two more for the night.

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[xlint89]

It looks like the new risers are taller. Is this going to pose a problem with matching up to existing captain's call?

What you got under that car cover? Looks like like fat rear tires.

[akorcovelos]

It looks like the new risers are taller. Is this going to pose a problem with matching up to existing captain's call?

What you got under that car cover? Looks like like fat rear tires.

Yeah the 496 risers are a couple inches taller, and angle down a bit more as well. It’s small enough I can make it work with the couplers I’ve got. I think the only mod I need to do is buy a longer hose from the t-stat to the port manifold inlet.

Under the tarp is Mrs. akor’s weekend toy. 1972 Chevelle.

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[AsLan7]

Gotta love that smile.

[xlint89]

I hope the longer hose works out for the risers.

Do like the muscle cars. 396? (my old boss had 2 Chevelles. 1 stock and 1 highly modified. (tubbed)

[akorcovelos]

I hope the longer hose works out for the risers.

Do like the muscle cars. 396? (my old boss had 2 Chevelles. 1 stock and 1 highly modified. (tubbed)

Nah, it’s just a small block vortec roller motor out of a C5 with a mild cam and Holly Projection EFI conversion. Fun little street car.

[akorcovelos]

Well, rough day yesterday in the bilge, lol. Wrestled the new port manifold on numerous times and couldn’t figure out why it wouldn’t tighten up. Well, apparently Merc switched from imperial to metric between the 454 and 496...I bought all new stainless hardware based on the 496 manual, what I needed to do was convert the metric bolt length from the 496 to imperial inch and get .375-16 in those lengths.... Also, I need longer lower y-pipe exhaust hose, so ordered some 3” ID wet exhaust tube to cut to length, and some better T-bolt clamps to make sure everything seals up.

We got 3” of rain in 4 hours today, so the lakes will be no wake, or closed in the next day or so...guess it gives me time to button everything this game up.

[xlint89]

It's never easy. Always something you would have never thought of that gets you.

Stock bolts obviously didn't swap over?

[akorcovelos]

It's never easy. Always something you would have never thought of that gets you.

Stock bolts obviously didn't swap over?

No, the old log manifolds have a much thinner mounting flange and old require 1” long bolts, the 496 manifold has thicker flanges and take 4 - 1.5” and 4 - 3” long bolts when converted from metric. Have all the new hardware, just need the rain to stop...

[akorcovelos]

Port side is almost buttoned up, just need to finish up the bracket for the oil filter and touch up a few scratches from the install Hopefully get enough time to get started on the starboard side tomorrow and get to hear it this weekend, just in the driveway unfortunately...

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[Big Block Power]

Nice exhaust flappers. Lol