Install 440 HP Ex manifolds before or after engine lowered in?

[minnesota guy]

Back to HP exhaust system on 440 1971 Cuda. I recall fighting with the engine to get it lowered in correctly with the exhaust manifolds already on motor. However I want to protect the New manifold studs so trying to do this painless thanks

 

[khryslerkid]

Well the 440 has to be tighter in a A body compared to a B body. So I'm guessing the manifold hardware is going to be hard to get too along with useing your wrenches to tighten them. Easier to assemble out of the car. Maybe drape some carpet on the inside of the inner fenders when lowering the beast in there to keep any damage from taking place.

 

[Jerry Hall]

Well the 440 has to be tighter in a A body compared to a B body. So I'm guessing the manifold hardware is going to be hard to get too along with useing your wrenches to tighten them. Easier to assemble out of the car. Maybe drape some carpet on the inside of the inner fenders when lowering the beast in there to keep any damage from taking place.

A 71 Cuda E body is the same as a B body. It will go in fine with the manifolds on. Just have some good help to set it in. I think you have more chance of damaging the inner fenders by trying to install the manifolds after the fact.

 

[minnesota guy]

A 71 Cuda E body is the same as a B body. It will go in fine with the manifolds on. Just have some good help to set it in. I think you have more chance of damaging the inner fenders by trying to install the manifolds after the fact.

I recall having to take off the passenger side one time many years ago to fit it in I am one man band. I was used to installing tricky headers for so many years, that I wanted to get a pulse. I have had motors go in, in 5 minutes and some an hour. I just don't want to scratch the new 6 pack 493 stroker F.A.S.T. motor, so always willing to listen to how other guys do it.

 

[dla4567]

I put mine on afterwards. It can be done but it was slow and difficult trying not to scratch anything.

 

[minnesota guy]

I put mine on afterwards. It can be done but it was slow and difficult trying not to scratch anything.

-Thanks..I think I may start with them on, then be ready to pull at least one of them if necessary. I have nothing but time to do it right.

 

[dadsbee]

Seeing you can put it in from below fully assembled, it's gotta go in from the top just fine!

 

[dla4567]

It would also be a good idea to make sure they mate up good while the engine is out as well. Mine were a little warped.

 

[BSB67]

I recall having to take off the passenger side one time many years ago to fit it in I am one man band. I was used to installing tricky headers for so many years, that I wanted to get a pulse. I have had motors go in, in 5 minutes and some an hour. I just don't want to scratch the new 6 pack 493 stroker F.A.S.T. motor, so always willing to listen to how other guys do it.

It'll go in fine with them on. If this is a FAST deal. you'll probably want to set them up outside the engine bay.