Exhaust Manifold Clearance

[robertsjm711]

Hello all,

I have a 1953 Chevy 3100 with a S10 frame, 5.3l, Muncie M20 and 12 bolt rear. I am in the process of installing the engine and have come to a slight impasse. As you can see in the pictures I have a clearance issue on the passenger side and a output/collector issue with the frame.

I don't think I can move the engine around a lot due to inclination angles, radiator clearance, etc. I thought about a custom job but am concerned with flow issues and I only have access to mig/flux core and no TIG.

Any budget conscience suggestions?

Note: for some reason the pictures are upside down - not sure yet how to correct.

[Indian113]

Have you thought about using LS Headers for a S10? They aren't cheap but I have a S10 with a 5.3 and have plenty of clearance with them.

[robertsjm711]

I was looking at some Hooker headers, and say a S10 pair but as you said they were kinda spendy. Do you remember the brand/ model of yours?

https://www.holley.com/products/exhaust/headers_and_exhaust_manifolds/exhaust_manifolds/parts/8501HKR
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[Indian113]

Sanderson I think! It has been about 4 or 5 years since I did my Dime

[OutlawDrifter]

Cut the 3 bolt flanges off and weld on mild steel pipe to fit your configuration. The manifolds are cast steel, so MIG welding will be fine. Just take your time and peen them as they cool.

If it were me, I would find a later set of truck manifolds without the emissions hookups on them.

Here are pics of the ones I worked on this weekend for my shop truck. My engine sits further back than yours, the driver's side was the only one that really needed trimmed, but I did them both so I could use v-band clamps.

[Daze57]

^ looks good

[b-mac]

I have a set of the SUV manifolds (Trailblazer, Buick Rainer, etc.) They must fit tighter to the block, because I have plenty of room, and I even pushed my engine quite a bit to the right. From the pictures, it looks like you might have clearance issues on both sides.

[robertsjm711]

Originally Posted by OutlawDrifter

Cut the 3 bolt flanges off and weld on mild steel pipe to fit your configuration. The manifolds are cast steel, so MIG welding will be fine. Just take your time and peen them as they cool.

If it were me, I would find a later set of truck manifolds without the emissions hookups on them.

Here are pics of the ones I worked on this weekend for my shop truck. My engine sits further back than yours, the driver's side was the only one that really needed trimmed, but I did them both so I could use v-band clamps.

That looks good, I wasnt sure about the welding on cast thing. Definitely something for me to look into. And mt manifolds don't have any EGR stuff.

No to hijack my own thread... but did you have to modify the firewall to get the engine back that far?

[robertsjm711]

I was also looking at these by Patriot.



https://www.summitracing.com/parts/p...make/chevrolet
or
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pte-h8086

[b-mac]

Maybe it's motor placement. I'm recessed in the fire wall 2".
With the SUV manifolds I mentioned earlier. I just put these back on last weekend.

[b-mac]

It does appear in this picture that whatever manifolds you have, stick out further from the block and exit much further forward than mine.

[robertsjm711]

Those are the stock manifolds that were on the engine. And I am lower on the frame, too. I'm a little tight but I don't think it is impossible, just some research, modification, trial and error and summit racing great return policy.

[mr48chev]

bought a pair of stainless headers from this outfit for my 71 GMC with a 500 Cad in it and they look pretty decent.

They make a ton of stuff for LS swaps including these for the S-10 type chassis
I picked up the stainless headers for my 500 in my 71 GMC from this outfit and like them.
Here is a set for the S-10 Ls swap http://www.ebay.com/itm/1982-04-Chev...0AAOSwA3dYLeg8

Here is their website https://racinginnovationandsupply.com/

[robertsjm711]

That's great, the ones I was looking at are like $100 more.

[clegg]

Try 2010 Camaro SS manifolds. They fit tight and only have a two flange setup.

[jweb]

I know there are a few guys using some ebay headers like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-LS1-LS...xUd9qP&vxp=mtr

I would say you could come look at mine since I'm not far from you, but I don't have an s10 frame. So I don't know how much it would help.

[abig84]

Originally Posted by clegg

Try 2010 Camaro SS manifolds. They fit tight and only have a two flange setup.

I'm guessing those are the same as the older camaro ones? I just test fitted my 350 with stock manifolds into my stock frame 52 and they were way too big but looks like the 90s camaro manifolds are going to fit

BUT I also used those same manifold when I ddid a v8 swap into a 95 s10 years ago. They are very snug to the blocks.

[robertsjm711]

So I ordered the S10 LS swap headers from Ebay. Ill see how they fit, and if not send em back and try another or just make my own. I'll post pictures either way.

[robertsjm711]

Originally Posted by jweb

I know there are a few guys using some ebay headers like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-LS1-LS...xUd9qP&vxp=mtr

I would say you could come look at mine since I'm not far from you, but I don't have an s10 frame. So I don't know how much it would help.

I always love seeing these trucks driving around, stock or restromod, in any condition.

[jweb]

Originally Posted by robertsjm711

I always love seeing these trucks driving around, stock or restromod, in any condition.

I drive it every chance I get, it drives so much better since the LS swap and power steering upgrade.

You're welcome to come look at it anytime if it may help you.

[b-mac]

Robert, not to hijack here, but if your engine is lower than mine, what oil pan are you using?

[robertsjm711]

The stock truck one. It is real close to the cross member, but I think it will be ok.

[jweb]

Originally Posted by b-mac

Robert, not to hijack here, but if your engine is lower than mine, what oil pan are you using?

Here's a link to dimension for almost every LS oil pan
http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums...d.php?t=208618

[robertsjm711]

Couple pan pics

[b-mac]

Pic of a side view, below the frame? My H3 pan hangs a little below, and it's 2" shorter than yours I think. I may be wrong though. I'm trying to decide if I need a Cadillac pan or something.