[Spalding]

I decided to start with the hardest item, replacing the exhaust manifolds. Dad had installed 454 manifolds because they fit within the existing frame rails, and I've read this is commonly done with 8.1's in tight spaces. However, the driver side exits in bad spot, and the OEM manifolds are just plain bigger and would appear to flow better. Dad had shipped me the OEM manifolds with the truck so I fitted them on the block so I could see where the cuts would be required.

I paused before going forward with the cuts. I was a bit nervous about cutting the frame and I didn't have torch. After reading and researching other builds where this was done, talking to a few people that have fab experience and shopping for a plasma cutter I was finally ready. After making the cuts I could start figuring out how I was going to box in the frame at the area of the cut.