Removing stock exhaust manifolds

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vwmoparguy

vwmoparguy

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65 Dart w/ 318. Removing my stock manifolds to put on my shorty headers. The passenger side practically fell out.

The driver side, not so much. I can get it out by just removing everything until it comes out.

I'm hoping someone can offer up any tips to avoid unnecessary labor
 
It's almost easier to loosen a mount and tilt the engine if you have things in the way. (just another possible avenue of attack)
Might want to soak those end studs with WD40 or something similar if they hesitate to come off at all.
It sucks to snap a stud off in the head. :)
 
I took the bolts out of the drivers side motor mount but it didn't give me enough room. I removed the steering column and the exhaust manifold came right out. New headers went right on. Steering column was extremely easy to remove and reinstall.
 
It helps to heat the bolts/nuts with a torch (propane and propane accessories is ok).

Lots-o-penetrating oil...

Then turn them to tighten them at first to break them loose.

After you feel it break loose, then reverse and loosen.

I find that heat is the most beneficial on old rusty nuts and bolts...

Remember the tip of the cone in the flame is the hottest point (the inner one)....
 
They are Hedman Tight Tubes that have been modified to work on an early A body. They fit quite nicely.
 
Well, it's all done. Shorty headers installed. Removing the steering column is the easiest way to deal with the troublesome drivers side. Here are some pics. The header by the collector was beat in by previous owner and we kind of put our own touch on it. Not very pretty but it's not a show car.

The down pipes go over the steering arms and right next to the starter. I could have gone under and made it easier but I wanted more ground clearance.

Hope this helps someone some day who might want to put shorty headers on an early A and isn't sure what to do.
 

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  • dart driverside pipe w header wrap.jpg
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That is some engineering right there! Good work on the "mandrel' 90!
 
Money shot..sure it can be done!
dart-driverside-header-and-exhaust-pipe-jpg.jpg
 
vwmoparguy said:
Well, it's all done. Shorty headers installed. Removing the steering column is the easiest way to deal with the troublesome drivers side. Here are some pics. The header by the collector was beat in by previous owner and we kind of put our own touch on it. Not very pretty but it's not a show car.

The down pipes go over the steering arms and right next to the starter. I could have gone under and made it easier but I wanted more ground clearance.

Hope this helps someone some day who might want to put shorty headers on an early A and isn't sure what to do.
Click to expand...
I want one bro. Great work
 
The only reason why I even asked about headers is because the one's that are on the car now are rusty. It's a 1972 duster with a 360 and power steering. If I decide to change the headers I think that I'll go with Doug's headers as they seem to fit the best.
 
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