1949 Cracked Exhaust Manifold Center - Source - Help!

[Dan O]

Hello, all - I have a 1949 Roadmaster 76-S with the 320 CI engine. As usual, my exhaust manifold center is split/cracked where it joins to the fore part of the manifold assembly.

Some time back I saw a newly manufactured set-up that was single piece. I did not bookmark it and I can't find it anymore (not original but, eh)

Also, anyone have a good center for sale?

Anyone have luck welding these things?

Pete Lefchek told me how to put them back on so they won't crack - slow tightening, with engine warm-ups and gradually you get it torqued down to spec.s Comments?

Also, anyone ever see a source for twin carb intake manifolds? Saw a cool one on eBay but it went for $500 or more.

[Bill Stoneberg]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Pete Lefchek told me how to put them back on so they won't crack - slow tightening, with engine warm-ups and gradually you get it torqued down to spec.s Comments?

</div></div>

I have followed Pete's advice on these manifolds and never had an issue. I figure with hime being a Buick Mechanic for 30 + years, he knw what he was talking about. I was sorry to hear of his passing.

There is a company in El Paso that makes the manifolds. I dont remember the name but I think it is still 3 Piece. I would have to wonder how a big long mainifold would perform. I would think it is more prone to cracking.

[Guest DaveCorbin]

Dear Dan:

It is important how you assemble and tighten the manifold bolts on the 320 engines, but the first thing for you to recognise is that any cracked centerpiece is junk and you need a new one. Repairs don't work. The second thing is that that piece was poorly designed and made at Buick. Skip Boyer and a couple of the other good Buick hobby suppliers can get you a reproduction part that works, as it has a considerably heavier wall at the end and is made from a modern iron that can stand the heat and cool cycle. It works well. The one piece is for a small 248/263 engine. The 3 piece exhaust manifold on a 320 literally slides back and forth as it heats and cools. Buick also used a 1 piece design in the 1931 and 1932 big engines with poor results, and changed for 1933 and later. They didn't make the same design error in 1936 with the 320, just a new error.

Regards, Dave Corbin

[Guest DaveCorbin]

Dear Dan:

I went and gathered up some of the older threads on this big series exhaust center section thing for you. A small posting brought them together so you can read them. You aren't the first to encounter the problem, as you will see.

Regards, Dave Corbin

[Guest DaveCorbin]

Dear Dan:

By the way, "sherlok" stopped by my place the other day and we went to lunch. I asked about his car and he said it runs quietly with its new center section and that the installation went well. It was good to hear that I had been helpful.

Regards, Dave Corbin

[Pete Phillips]

Caveat emptor (buyer beware)re.: that exhaust manifold reproduction place in El Paso, Texas. A couple of years ago they lost their Buick Bugle advertising privileges, due to so many complaints to the BCA from jilted buyers (money paid and nothing received after 11-12 months). I believe they have changed their name, but they are still in El Paso, Texas.

Pete Phillips, BCA #7338

Bugle Editor

[Dan O]

Thanks for all the info. I do not understand the "gathering up of all the old posts" though. Did you re-post them somewhere or...? I did do a search on the subject myself and found some/all threads regarding this.

I called Bob's Automobilia and they are out of the repro part for now ($375). Cars Inc. has NOS parts which I would not want, for $450 and I have emailed Skip Boyer, so I am on the trail!

I wonder where they get them though. I could not find the place in El Paso, despite the warnings. Any ideas on the name?

Happy Holidays!

[Dan O]

BTW - Skip Boyer of Boyer's Restorations in Carlisle, PA makes the center manifold part I believe. He has the best price at $330. I ordered one yesterday!

Thanks for all the support!