Short Version: It looks very likely that by the end of summer the manifolds that I have will be in the hands of a pattern maker, and then off to be recast. I am trying to get a count of how many people would be interested in a set for $650/pr. If so, you can post here, but please send me a PM with:
Name
Address
Telephone number
Vehicle - early A, Late A ...etc.
Restrictions - P/S, AC or intake it must work with
Long Version: I found a small foundry in Lancaster Pa that does cast iron work at a very reasonable price. They have a great reputation and they are more than willing to do"odd-ball" low volume things. So I took the manifold to them and they said that indeed they would cast them for me, but I would need to get the core boxes made. As it turns out he said that 2 of the best pattern makers that he knew of lived in Waynesboro, PA, my home town. I had no idea of course! So I went to the pattern maker and had a very nice talk with him and showed him the manifolds. He said he can do them as well as the machining work where the triangle washers go after they are cast. So barring some tragic turn of events this should happen in the Fall or Winter this year.
I will have to have a single set cast and machined and then I will mount them on some vehicle for a test run to make sure that the castings are Ok. Once I am happy that they are good then I will tell the foundry and they can cast away!
At present, I only know that they will fit a Hyper Pak intake, Clifford intake, and Weiand 4 barrel intake. I currently have the manifolds on my race car and I plan to run them for the first 2 races of this season, which will be May and June for me. Then I will remove them and will check their fitment with a factory1 barrel, 2 barrel, Offy 4 barrel, Clifford 3X2 barrel, and a Offy 2-1 barrel manifold. That should cover most manifolds.
Just for full disclosure, there will be two very slight changes made to them. First, the outlet size will be increased to 2" instead of the factory 1 7/8". Second, the outlet flange mounting tabs will be made slightly thicker to add a little bit of strength there.
I want at least 10 people up front who are dead serious about these and have the money. No wishers please. I really need to know how many people are interested at the price. I can't imagine there are not at least 20 but we shall see. Once this thing is a definite go I will probably ask for a 50% deposit with the remainder due before shipment.
I forgot to mention that you must use the "super mini" starter to have clearance around the back manifold. This is for 2005-2008 5.7L truck with manual transmission only. I paid @ $130 for mine. Advance Auto parts Part # 16054 is what I ordered. Currently Rock Auto, DENSO Part # 2804256 is about $123. You must drill the one threaded hole in the starter and use a countersunk bolt for one of the bell bolts.
There you have it!
Rick
