Exhaust manifold support brackets for early 273
I decided to make my own brackets. I used 1/2" EMT conduit, which measures .70" O.D. A bit thicker than the originals, which are .60" according to a post by Hyper_Pak. The upper one went pretty fast, maybe 45 minutes. The bottom one took a bit longer, the first bottom one wasn't right, it interfered with starter bolt access, so I did a second (pictured). I used my big vice to squash the ends, and my drill press and grinder to finish them. The angles are tricky, and watch for adequate clearance above the starter bolt for a socket to fit. I'm beginning to understand why these are hard to find, they tend to get in the way, and they weren't replaced due to the lack of space. It's hard to get a wrench on the bellhousing bolt, and my engine isn't even in the car!
I decided to make my own brackets. I used 1/2" EMT conduit, which measures .70" O.D. A bit thicker than the originals, which are .60" according to a post by Hyper_Pak. The upper one went pretty fast, maybe 45 minutes. The bottom one took a bit longer, the first bottom one wasn't right, it interfered with starter bolt access, so I did a second (pictured). I used my big vice to squash the ends, and my drill press and grinder to finish them. The angles are tricky, and watch for adequate clearance above the starter bolt for a socket to fit. I'm beginning to understand why these are hard to find, they tend to get in the way, and they weren't replaced due to the lack of space. It's hard to get a wrench on the bellhousing bolt, and my engine isn't even in the car!
