Blueprint motor ?
 

I just got off the phone with the tech dept . Wanted to know if the stock Ram horn manifolds would bolt up to the heads . Tech said they recommend headers and I do not want to use headers on the truck . Tech said that the Ram horn manifolds may work . So to those who have used these engines did you run into problems with the exhaust manifolds ?

Re: Blueprint motor ?
 

I put 2.5 inch Corvette manifolds on mine, they work just fine.

Re: Blueprint motor ?
 

Can't answer the port alignment question. I think the best way to verify alignment would be to get hold of a header flange and compare its alignment to the head and then to the ram horn mani.
Why are you avoiding the recomended header?

Re: Blueprint motor ?
 

I have Ram horn manifolds are the corvette different? Larger ports ?

The exhaust ports are raised ports the alignment should be the same . Tech said the factory non rams definitely interfere with the plugs .

I really don’t like headers on fairly stock motors no need for them and there’s always figment issues and the rust fairly quick . I have ceramic headman headers on my Chevelle after 3 or seasons they look like crap .

Re: Blueprint motor ?
 

Yes, they are just another half inch. Also, they go straight down instead of angling off at a 45 degree as the stock truck ones do.

I don't like the maintenance that headers require, so when I read somewhere that the 2.5 inch manifolds flow basically the same as headers do, I went with that option. I also have 2.5 inch exhaust. Sounds good.

Re: Blueprint motor ?
 

The 1/2" is larger at the outlet. I had a SHP 327 in my '64 Impala, and every head that was on it fit the manifolds fine. I'd guess that BPE just wants you to run headers. I've never seen that era SBC that required a different exhaust manifold. In fact, I put a 350 Target engine in a '64 Corvette with no manifold issues. That was in '82, so that year engine.

Re: Blueprint motor ?
 

my 67 327 exhaust manifolds "fit" but #7 & 8 plug was right against the manifold on my BPE. I just put Patriot mid length headers on which fit perfect

Understand BPE makes performance motors (modern AL heads & cam) so typically one wants headers to complement that. BPE motors are new, including block, and come with a warranty. Mine has been trouble and leak free for a few years now.

Re: Blueprint motor ?
 

OK, I see why.

I just finished installing stock aftermarket manifolds onto my bpe cruiser engine last weekend. I had to do a little massaging with the grinder to clear the valve covers, otherwise they fit well. I don’t have any issues with plugs/wires clearances.
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Re: Blueprint motor ?
 

Thanks for the info . I’m going to use the stock ram horns if I run into a problem then ill do something different

Re: Blueprint motor ?
 

This style of manifold was on my 327 which did bolt to the BPE heads but 7&8 plug boots were slammed against that manifold. The Ram Horn may work as noted

BPE uses raised port heads, more modern design that gen 1 SBC.

Re: Blueprint motor ?
 

My 327 manifolds on the 68 are the same . The engine is going in my 72 with a 350

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The older I get the less I think of headers , When I was a kid, I spent half my money on tires and the other half on starter solenoids. lol

Re: Blueprint motor ?
 

Yep, same here.
Headers a cheap, but they are hot.
I lost count of the number of starters I’ve replaced.
I could have paid for a set of Ramshorn manifolds three times over.
Ramshorns are on my list of parts in the future :smoke:

Re: Blueprint motor ?
 

mid length headers are not a starter heat problem.

Ceramic coated headers are considerably cooler than non-coated

gear reduction starters are also smaller and offer considerably more cranking effort. I bought my REMY GR starter on rockauto for around $70, for 153 tooth FW

My BPE motor with mid length headers and starter in my 67 Camaro for refrence

Re: Blueprint motor ?
 

The manifolds will clear the plugs just need to grind a little on the casting to clear the valve cover . Looking at the manifold not sure if this is a problem or not the center ports are slightly lower than the front and rear . Can see light with a straight edge . They never leaked in the old motor . I bought these because Blue print emphasizes to use performance gaskets not Stock

Re: Blueprint motor ?
 

You may want to look at Remflex gaskets. I used them on the racing LS2 with zero issues. I bought a pair of cheapo Edelbrock heads for the truck SBC. The ports were a little off for the headers I had. It put the flange openings a bit tight to the head port and blew out the standard gaskets within days. I thought of the Remflex I'd used on the LS and have not had an issue since.

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+1 on Remflex. BPE tech actually looked up a few ones that would work with my BPE and manifolds from my 327 it replaced

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If you have a long enough stationary belt sander maybe you bring it back close to "Blanchard ground", like factory. I used a flat bastard file to dress some manifolds on an old Buick. Took a lot of time.

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Well I’m starting to mount the accessories and manifolds . Never had an engine with aluminum heads . Should I use anti seize on the bolts ?

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yes, on anything that is threading into the aluminum use anti seize for sure.

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In fact, if there is room to install the manifolds with studs, I'd do that.

Re: Blueprint motor ?
 

Was my line of thinking but wasn’t sure on the manifild /header bolts

i decided to not use the Ram horn manifolds I ordered Headman stainless steel headers .