Working on putting a 300 in my '70 out of probably mid 80's van .Carbureted. I'm going to put my intake and exhaust manifolds on it. I've just noticed though that the front most exhaust manifold bolt is not there on this engine. It is there on my 240 and another later model 300 that I have, but not this one.
Doesn't appear to be broke. Hole was full of grease. Don't have a hole in the head. Did some come without that bolt? Is this going to be a problem for me? Guy said that the engine was running fine.

 

Hi ideal,
That's strange. Can you get a picture of the bolt hole in question?
They should all have the same number of bolt holes. Th carb'd manifold used 13 bolt holes from 65 to 86, and the fuel injected head added 3 additional ones to help with the 3 piece manifold set in 87+.
If you have one that's missing, my only thought is a casting flaw somewhere along the line!
Very strange indeed.

I wouldn't feel comfortable without the manifold properly torqued down with all 13 bolts.