XLR8

I've got W & Z stock manifolds on my 455 Cutlass -71 which are pitted and ugly but otherwise they are fine no cracks or leaks etc. I've been thinking of getting another set (reproduction), or if someone knows a way to restore them "visually" I might consider that.
How does the aftermarket W Z manifolds compare to stock? Is there any known problems? I have found reproductions at the Partsplace and Thornton and I'm sure there are other wendors that sell as well. Are they the same or do they differ? If I get a new set is there a market for ugly but otherwise fully functional W/Z manifolds

Thanks!

stevengerard

blast an use high temp powder coating on the ones you have, if they are pitted the powder will cover some of it. From what I hear the repos are fine. I personally wouldn't bother changing out exhaust manifolds because of the pitting.

gearheads78

Sandblast and then use the brush on manifold coating the restoration vendors sell. I used some from Eastwood that worked excellent.

501Paratrooper

POR-15 manifold paint and the POR-15 "Fire Seal 2000" will fix it. I did mine with the manifold paint an it came out nice. I had the fire seal stuff but didn't fill the pits.

http://www.por15.com/FIRE-SEAL-2000/productinfo/FS2/

jensenracing77

i have also used the POR-15 manifold paint and it looked nice after it was done. If you have them blasted and paint them you may be surprised how much better they will look... even with pitting.

501Paratrooper

Here's mine after w/o filling in the pits.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...lds-after.html

XLR8

Thanks guys!
I will try the POR-15. Definely worth a try when considering the cost for another set.
Will post before and after pictures when done.

Allan R

You haven't said what you intend to use the car for. My thoughts are:
1. If the OEM manifolds are just ugly - clean them up. You'd be surprised how well blasting and re-coating will make them look
2. You've said they work fine. So if they're not broken, keep them.
3. Nothing fits better than OEM and it came with your SX from the factory
4. Be careful taking off the manifolds you don't want to break any of the bolts in the block.
5. If $$$ is no object? Spend it on something that will really make a difference on the car.

zodiacblueS

If you want a cheap fix, try Calyx manifold dressing. A little tub is about $20.00 and the results look really good. Not sure how long it will last, but mine looks good after a few months, not many miles.
http://calyxmanifold.com/
Here are my Z-X manifolds after a quick application I wire brushed the manifolds, and rubbed it in w/my finger.
Tastes good too!

Allan R

Great info sharing (some a little too much). So you feel confident enough to endorse their claim? Always looking for an alternative to painting. Now I want a pic of your engine compartment...

zodiacblueS

Ask and you shall receive, knock and the door shall open.... End of sermon.
And yes, it runs like a violated simian.
I can't endorse without a cash payment, but my experience has been good. (It's minty)

Allan R

THAT is impressive! You keep keep that engine bay clean enough to eat off. Minty huh? Ok now I need to know about your fascination with violated simians....I tried to find you one that looks like "Clint" - but somehow I doubt he'd let anyone 'violate' him. Thank you for those engine pics.

XLR8

I tried to fill the pitting with POR-15 Fire-seal 2000 after sand blasting the manifolds. But what looks like a good fill of the pores when you apply it, turns out to a thin coating when heated in the oven. So the pitting is still as visible as before. So I decided to grind down the surface on he manifolds using an angle grinder with flap discs. Controlling the thickness by feeling with my fingers on the outside and inside of the manifolds. Also tried to save as much as possible of the casted numbers and letters. I then wire wheeled to rough up the surface before I applied POR-15 Factory manifold Grey. I think it turned out pretty good considering how bad the manifolds looked like when I started. (Used the kitchen oven set to 500F to cure the coating) Before, in-between and after pictures attached.

jensenracing77

Turned out very nice

XLR8

Forgot to say: Do not open the oven before it cools down! The smoke detectors went berserk from the fumes from the coating

76 Regency

They came out great, good job!

I could be wrong but aren't you NOT supposed to use your kitchen oven for things like this? You may want to look into that before cooking in there again. You could be poisoning yourself and your family. Please check on that right away.

JOHNNYOLDS442

Funny i was thinking the same thing, but then again how good is it to use those oven cleaners.
Personally i use the self cleaning option.
or just turn it on 500 degrees and it burns theoil and crap away!!!