I just broke a piece of my ram horn collector off (thanks GM for crappy metal quality) and I will continue to blow gaskets because of not being able to clamp the collector tight. I'm entertaining 2 options right now. 1) Get a cheapie replacement manifold that will work(can't seem to find one.. everything on ebay looks pretty crappy) 2) Do my exhaust dream. Sanderson CC134 headers, full 3inch system, Flowmaster Delta Force single chamber mufflers (6inches long) and high-flow cats. I'd really, really like to do the entire exhaust system 3inch, etc, etc. But I kinda want to do it on my terms and time table. So, pretty much, if anyone knows of a ramhorn manifold for sale cheap (right bank, towards rear of car) please let me know. I DO need this within the next 2 weeks, though, because I need to go from MI to MA for Christmas break/work.

Part 2, If I can't find a manifold to buy cheap I will do the entire exhaust system over. Therefore I need some references on who would be willing/capable/reliable/experienced enough to do this somewhere around Flint. I have one recommendation already and I will be visiting them tomorrow, but I'd like to have many possibilities so I don't get screwed for price or locked into one place and get low quality of work. If anyone knows of some awesome speedshops around here, I'd really like to get in touch with them!!! All advice is greatly appreciated as I need to do this ASAP.

Thanks for any help! I respond to PM and email at ct5585@yahoo.com

Later,
Christian

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Christian Thomas
87 Pontiac Fiero GT Burgandy/Silver 5.7L ZZ4 5spd

Next Mod: 3" exhaust with Sanderson Headers or Holley Stealth Ram...

My partner in engine swaps is increadable with custom work. He is in London, which is 1 hr from Port Huron. I can tell you without hesitation his work will far exceed your expectations. Let me know if you would like me to get him in touch with you.

Pete

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It sounds like your looking for a good temporary fix that will hold up until you can make planned upgrades. If so this might work but is very crude an I have not done it so this is just an idea. I assume that you broke off the threaded ear where one of the studs is mounted and the manifold will still seal if you could fashion something to hold a long bolt in place to take the place of the missing stud.
My idea is to place a strap around the neck of the exhaust manifold outlet just above the flange that would also wrap around the neck of the long bolt to allow it to be used to tighten the exhaust clamp. The strap would be wrapped tightly around the long bolt just under the bolt's head leaving enough extra strap on both ends to wrap all the way around the neck of the exhaust manifold. Weld the bolt to the strap or drill a hole in the strap and use a second bolt to clamp the strap tightly to the first bolt. Wrap the strap tightly around the neck of the exhaust manifold, then fashion a flange on the end of each strap and drill a hole to accept a third bolt to secure the strap to the manifold.
I have bought some steel strapping from the hardware store appoximately 3/4" wide x 1/8" thick x 2 or 3 feet long before that might work well.

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RickN
White 88GT 5spd
White 85GT Auto

Unfortunately, I don't have access to a welder. My original plan was to learn to weld next semester and weld up my own exhaust. But this happened now.

You better have a very healthy engine for a 3" exhaust piping. I my opinion that is big block territory moving a lot of air and really unnecessary for even the most healthy 350s. Also routing 3" pipe under a Fiero will be very challenging. I did mine with 2.5" mandrel bent pipe and clearances on some areas were small. Major problem I see is routing the trunk side. Good luck and please show results

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Palm Beach Fieros
http://pbfieros.tripod.com

I know 3 is a little too much for what I have now, but I want to do this exhaust once and forget about it. Hoping to support up to 550hp. I honestly can't afford to do one exhaust now and then another in 2 years.

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Christian Thomas
87 Pontiac Fiero GT Burgandy/Silver 5.7L ZZ4 5spd

Next Mod: 3" exhaust with Sanderson Headers or Holley Stealth Ram...

On the exhaust diameter discussion, I thought you might be interested in something that I read today. In the November issue of Hot Rod Magazine, on page 98, they compared the performance of a GM crate motor with a couple of different Flowmaster exhausts. I thought you'd be interested in a comment they made about diameter.

"...it's been said that a mild engine with too much exhaust flow may fall on it's face with not enough backpressure, though we've never seen that to be true and can't even imagine how backpressure could help performance in a four-stroke engine.
So it came as no surprise that our test revealed more power everywhere with the 3-inch system compared to the 2.5-inch system. ..."

[This message has been edited by RickN (edited 12-07-2004).]