i was assembling my '61 225 the other day. when checking the torque specs for the manifold, it reads 20 ft. lbs. for manifold studs. bolting the intake to exhaust is 25 ft. lbs. that seems a little wimpy. is that right?

The two outboard bolts and inner stud nut (or bolt, whatever you have) should be 20-25ft-lbs of torque. The nuts that hold the manifolds to the head studs should only be 10-12ft-lbs. It dosn't take much because the manifolds expand and contract. If the fasteners are to tight, its not a question of if but when the exhaust manifold will crack.

Eric, can I torque these with the smaller 3/8 drive torque ratchet? I believe it does in./lbs instead of ft./lbs?

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85' D100
225cid
A833OD

You could use an inch-pounds torque wrench, so long as it goes to 300 in-lbs (25ft-lbs is 300in-lbs). Heck, I use my 1/4" sockets to tighten the manifold to head nuts, just use adapters so I can use my 1/2" drive ft-lb torque wrench.

Yeah, I did mine the same way, much easier with 1/4" socket / extension than adapt to your torque wrench drive size...

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BoatAnchor
'71 Swinger /6-225
SuperSix, EI, front discs, 2.25" exh.