I replaced the stock one.
this was my cost
If your thinking of mod'in a stock exhaust manifold
it's good 2know your options in real $$$ terms

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slant six's RULE!
http://www.usajon.com

Except thats its not really an apples to apples comparison. You lose the carb heat and choke pocket by going with headers,which is not an option for people who daily drive their cars in the cold weather climates. Also modifying a stock manifold can be free if you have a die grinder,and will be way cheaper than the 175 you paid for your headers if you take it to a machine shop.

OK

but the labor is the labor is the labor

I have been advised that headers rase the mpg

also some creative peeps run a heat tube to the intake, I haven't try'ed but it looks very easy and fun.
i'm not debating moding the stock exhaust, just questing labor/$$ vs overall efficiently

now that I have a 2 barrel intake and carb, I will probably upgrade to a 4 barrel after I get some time trials on it..

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slant six's RULE!
http://www.usajon.com

Still no provision to use the stock choke,have to go aftermarket electric choke,and that is an added cost. The OP asked for advise on the stock manifold,not what kind of exhaust extractor he should use,or if headers will be more efficient. I like headers,and have run headers on a few of my slants,I was one of the people to give you advise on your exhaust post if you remember, but I dont see the point of your post in this thread.

well
my point is labor/$$ vs efficiency
maybe the poster never thought of that?

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slant six's RULE!
http://www.usajon.com

Hahahahaha ok man, I see your point