just wondered what people have used to patch the cross-over hole so that you can run duals off the manifold. Im looking to make cheap power and something that sounds cool. Im thinking a plate of stainless steel and then something to seal it up. hi-temp gasket maker? ... not sure what to use

 

Two things I've seen done is to keep a few inches of the exhaust pipe from the crossover and weld a cap on the end of it. Simpler, but not as pretty is leave about 6 inches on it, pinch it, and run a bead of weld to seal it. Either of these will keep the correct seal against the manifold.

 

My exhaust guy did the former...he cut a three or four inch piece off the crossover pipe and welded a cap on the end...it works like a charm!

 

These are fab's that i've thought about its just i want a smooth look and dont care much for the antler type method. you can't really weld cast can you? Id like to make a patch and then weld it in kinda like you you would go about shaving door handles or a key hole. any thoughts? I have a mig and a stick welder - not sure what rod or wire i need.

 

I don't weld but had that done. I cut the manifold like you described and took it to a welding shop I trust, they welded on a metal plate and from the top you can't even tell. I would think it would flow more like a stock dual exhaust manifold (W/Z type) too. Additionally, I found a different driver's side manifold from a Toronado, it dumped down on the steering box ('69 Delta) since the car is rear steer so I cut the manifold at the collector end and rotated it 180 degrees and had the shop weld that too so the down tube could bolt up to it and then drop down in front of the firewall. Poor man's W/Z manifolds and definitely cheaper than custom headers and quieter too.

 

Use the stick welder and use a high nickle rod. That will weld cast iron nicely. There is a guy in town who will weld blocks with it and it holds like a champ.

John

 

thanks for the tips guys. I feel that the stock manifolds flow good enough that its worth the time doing this mod vs. having to buy headers or the w/z manifold. After this step im only a few more weekends away from doing a startup on the engine stand just to varify a few things before it goes in the car. Might as well find the problems while the eninge is out rather then hunched over the fenders.