Vortec Heads and Exhaust Manifolds

[eficonnection]

Today I mocked up the SyTy exhaust manifolds on a set of Vortec heads and found that the bolt pattern did not match. Somehow I overlooked this while reading about the Vortec head swap. Can someone please fill me in on how this is commonly addressed?

 

[RealFastV6]

Re: Vortec Heads and Exhaust Manifolds

Today I mocked up the SyTy exhaust manifolds on a set of Vortec heads and found that the bolt pattern did not match. Somehow I overlooked this while reading about the Vortec head swap. Can someone please fill me in on how this is commonly addressed?

The bolt pattern matches fine, although you may need a manifold spreader to get them on since the manifolds have a tendency to warp.

http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-13000-Manifold-Spreader-Chevrolet/dp/B0009OR94W

What Vortec castings are you using?

 

[Black Knight]

Re: Vortec Heads and Exhaust Manifolds

x2, never had any trouble with mine, but I did have to use the spreader.

 

[fivetodrive]

Re: Vortec Heads and Exhaust Manifolds

I heat them up in a 500 degree oven and bolt in the outside holes real quick! Works perfect and you dont have to wait for a spreader!

 

[Quickstop [UK]]

Re: Vortec Heads and Exhaust Manifolds

Use a torch as well as the spreader. Can be a pain in the ass but they do line up eventually.

 

[eficonnection]

Re: Vortec Heads and Exhaust Manifolds

Thanks guys. Here are a few pics.

 

[alwayscode390]

Re: Vortec Heads and Exhaust Manifolds

OUCH, I didnt know they werent an easy bolt up either ... good to know ---

 

[eficonnection]

Re: Vortec Heads and Exhaust Manifolds

The bolt pattern matches fine, although you may need a manifold spreader to get them on since the manifolds have a tendency to warp.

http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-13000-Manifold-Spreader-Chevrolet/dp/B0009OR94W

What Vortec castings are you using?

Thanks. I just ordered two of them.

 

[RealFastV6]

Re: Vortec Heads and Exhaust Manifolds

Yeah good to go - put your man pants on and do this.

 

[alwayscode390]

Re: Vortec Heads and Exhaust Manifolds

Im guessing its better to use the spreader BEFORE uninstalling your manifolds? ---

 

[RealFastV6]

Re: Vortec Heads and Exhaust Manifolds

Im guessing its better to use the spreader BEFORE uninstalling your manifolds? ---

Ideally.

 

[Don W.]

Re: Vortec Heads and Exhaust Manifolds

Only because I have access to a fully equipped welding shop did I heat mine cherry red, spread them, then allow to cool with spreader in place did mine then fit without the spreader. Worked well but I was lucky.

You pics show the same misalignment I had.

I would suggest bolting up the close pair then spreading the far pair. That way you can watch and only go as far as absolutely necessary.

 

[Throws]

Re: Vortec Heads and Exhaust Manifolds

Thanks. I just ordered two of them.

Did you try the "bake @ 500*" suggestion? A nice pair of over mitts and you'll be in business.

-P

 

[dgoodhue]

Re: Vortec Heads and Exhaust Manifolds

My manifolds easily line up. I learned along time ago not leave the manifolds unbolted & laying around so you don't need to use manifold spreaders.

 

[ItsMyTy]

Re: Vortec Heads and Exhaust Manifolds

Heat and install if you can. Enlarge the outside holes if necessary.

I have seen people crack manifolds using the spreader properly. I would only use a spreader if absolutely necessary.

 

[wildphil]

Re: Vortec Heads and Exhaust Manifolds

I keep a spare set of heads just to bolt the manifolds onto. When they are removed from my engine. That keeps the bolt holes from moving.