Header Alternative ???

[RAM MAN]

I have heard that all '92 and initial production '93 Magnum engines had a lrger diameter (better breathing) exhaust manifolds than later models.

Measuring shows the older style was 2 1/8" diameter and the new style is 1 7/8" in diameter.

I would think the earlier set would still match up and bolt right on (altho you will still need the 92 "Y" pipe)

Casting numbers are 53006618 on the passenger side and 53006617 on the drivers side. Could net up to 10 more ponies . . .

What do you think ??????

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"Good Luck on your project."

[moparfred]

Extrude Hone does intakes,heads and exhaust manifolds...looks good but it's VERY expensive.

[Elwenil]

I suppose it is possible to port a cast iron manifold to flow close to what a small header might, like a shorty or something, but I fail to see the gain. Porting a cast manifold would be expensive and at the very least, time consuming. One of the most important advantages of headers is the tuning of the exhaust flow. From tri-Y, to 180°, to equal length, to god knows what, they are all tuned for max gain. With all the ports quickly going into one tube, you loose most of the advantage. That is why shorty headers are normally advertised with a 15 or 20 horsepower gain and generally "normal" headers have advertised gains somewhere in the 50 HP range. Not that this is what you get, but it's all relative to your combination. Primary tube length and design is the whole reason for headers, and even as much as I hate them, I use them because they are the best and fairly cheap for the gain. When you get into trucks and cars with emissions controls, you are pretty much limited to "shorty" headers and single pipes in most cases. The cost of the CARB exempt header kits might make one look for better flowing manifolds, but unless the headers are made of 1/2" tubing, the header will beat a manifold hands down for HP gain. If you are stuck with manifolds, because of no available headers or need for a correct appearance, by all means get the best flow you can from the manifolds. Just don't expect a lot from them. There are exceptions to this, as some of the old big block manifolds flow rather well, but still nothing like a header. Just some thoughts...

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~Elwenil~ ~.\|/.~
Elwenil.cjb.net
DodgeChargerSE@aol.com
72 Charger S

[RAM MAN]

gouge97:

I thought I remembered this conversation before . . and here it is again.

thanks for reminding me tho

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"Good Luck on your project."
Mid Michigan MOPAR Enthusiasts

[HankL]

It is my understanding that those 1992-1993 cast iron 5.2 V8 Magnum manifolds only differ in that they have 2.5 inch diameter outlet holes at the flange to the Y-pipe. The internal dimensions of the cast iron manifold are the same.

You can make your 1994+ Magnum manifolds the same by grinding one eighth of an inch all the way around the internal diameter at the outlet - but to get the full effect you need a new Y-pipe custom made that is 2.5 inch diameter instead of 2.25.

The change in manifold and Y-pipe was made to help keep the exhaust gases hotter on the way to the catalytic converter - especially during cold engine starts. Small Y-pipes keep exhaust gas velocities high and decrease heat losses to the pipe walls.

In the Kenne Bell catalog they also say the 2.25 inch dia Y-pipe robs some Horsepower.

[gouge97]

No prob RamMan, it just kinda popped in my head yesterday. I used to have a 93 318 Ram and before I got headers was debating on swapping manifolds when I heard about this. This was also in an older mopar mag too. If I get the time I'll search through my library and see if I can find it.

There was one other difference though that I just remembered. While the manifolds will bolt up the same, I'm not sure how it would work on 96 and newer Rams. I'm pretty sure 95 was the last year where the manifolds also included an extra port on the passenger side that had a tube going to the back of the intake manifold. I forgot what this is called, exhaust gas recirculation or something like that. You'd probably be able to cover it up though somehow.

<STRONG>Gouge97</STRONG>

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97 Ram 318 auto 4X2. JBA headers, jacobs ignition, 3.92 posi, underdrive pulleys, true dual exhaust, K&N open air cleaner, JET stage II, No A/C
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