Is it possible to use the center dump FT manifold on an FE motor, provided that the exhaust crossover has been welded up? The only thing that concerns me is if they'll clear the motor mounts. I like the looks and flow of the ram's horns a lot better than the stock FE logs.

One more question, the U-haul pickups used the 330 MD, what manifolds did they use? Anyone have a picture of them?

Sam

 

I suppose it's possible, they dump away from the block, but the motor mount is certainly right there in the way. Most FT engines were front center mounted under the balancer so the manifolds weren't an issue.

Hmmm...

Josh

 

Well, looks like I'll just have to pickup a set and give it a shot! I talked with my machinist about it and he likes the idea.

I guess it depends on how tight the exhaust shop can bend that pipe!

EDIT: I was just looking at some pictures, and is it just me, or are are the motor mounts more toward the front of the block, and not dead center? My motor is at the machine shop right now, otherwise I'd go out and look.

Sam

 

Slightly off-center...





Josh

 

Hmmmm.... It might be just enough! I guess if it comes down to it I could grind on the towers and reinforce them from underneath.

Thanks for the pictures!

Sam

 

I just went out and looked at my 390. The engine mount is centered under the second cylinder. While it may be possible, it will DEFINITELY be tight!

 

I would be more concerned about the frame. For example the 406/427 shorty cast iron manifolds are problematic with the 67-79 trucks. A pretty good sized notch needs to be hacked on the passenger side, I cannot recall the issues with the driver's side.



I guess you'll need to be the guinea pig

Josh

 

Here are some pics.
The mounts are forward of center and pretty much under #2 & #6 cylinders

 

Hahaha! I've gotten good at that over the years!

From those pictures Mike posted, It should work, but man o man will it be close!

Thanks!

Sam

 

Driver's side looks pretty sketchy with the tower and steering box.

Might still need to notch the top of the passenger side frame rail... dunno.

Josh

 

It isn't very often people post cool pics with a decent oil filter... it's usually fowled up with a damn hideous orange Fram.



Josh

 

Ah yes, the infamous "orange can of death". I haven't touched a Fram filter in nearly 30 years.
Let's just say it was an expensive lesson well learned.

 

Not to hijack the thread, but I learned years ago that the orange filters are no good. Three cars in one week came in my shop with no oil pressure. ....zero. They all had orange filters. I took them off and put a WIX on them and topped off the oil. That's all I did. Oil pressure instantly bounced back to normal. If your by-pass is stuck and you run a Fram, it WILL clog and you'll lose oil pressure. Like the Hardee's commercial says, "That's just the way it is."

I haven't touched them since.

 

My "expensive lesson" wasn't even engine related. Had a Fram hydraulic filter fail and in the process took out a very expensive Sundstrand variable displacement pump. Thirty years ago they were over $6000.00, I'd hate to see what that same failure would cost today.

 

Let the guinea pigging begin! In other words, I tracked down a manifold.





As you can see in the first picture, the dump isn't perfectly centered. That might cause some issues, nothing too big, but something to think about.

My "test fit" says I'll probably have to modify the motor tower, but other wise it should fit the passenger side. This weekend (or whenever I over this stinkin cold) I'll pull my current manifolds and do a proper test fit.

Sam

P.S. I got my 390 back, it's in and running good! And I asked my machinst what oil filter I should run: "ANYTHING but a Fram!" is what he said! So I got some good wix filters for it at carquest. They're much better, (and cheaper!) than the Fram.