Hey everyone, I was wondering if the HP c-body exhauat manifolds would fit a 74 dart?
The dart already has the manual steering steering shaft selector trimmed off for clearance.
The manifolds are #2951216 and 2883409
Thanks!

Hello Ori, the pass one would for sure but its the dr one with the issue as you know that's why they made that special set of 383 A body manis, the ones that are rare and pricey. I'd maybe start by measureing the side distance from the head ex port flange out to the st shaft then measure that same dimention on the mani. that might get you started

I've tried the C-body driver side manifold on both manual and power steering A-bodys of various years with a no go results.
Dan

Dan did it hit on the upper outer shell or on the inner shaft itself?

I've seen this discussion on forabodies before, I believe some have been successful with it? Maybe try to search it over there.

I built a 70 a-body years ago with a 440 and used b-body hp manifolds. As stated, the passenger side is the same. I had manual steering, but I am sure power steering would work too. All I had to do was shorten the steering column housing about 2 inches and everything fit well. Clearance was tight, but nothing hit. I started with a small block k member and used Schumacher mounts. The c-body driver side outlet, is higher up and more angled than the b-body manifold. I'm not sure it would clear the column. Also a low deck engine would give you a little more clearance.

The passenger side is not the same. The A-Body big block manifold is longer and it makes the exhaust pipe connection MUCH easier. The B-Body works find, just need a custom pipe. The driver side is harder. I have seen both B-Body HP used with some grinding, and C-Body used with a pipe that is not very desirable but will work. You usually have to use a smaller pipe with a hard bend that is not ideal. I have one of the C-Body manifolds that AAR welded a pipe too and it is a great piece, but I don't believe they make them anymore

I remember way back when some company was offering that modded mani (fairly reasonable iirc at that time). wouldn't be that cheap nowadays. AAR ain't ringing a bell tho

I meant Accurate Ltd.

Jimmy I think you need a road trip! (to clear the head/refocus)

I was referring to the C-body and B-body passenger side manifolds as being the same.

I don't think Accurate is making the the manifold with the welded on pipe anymore, at least I haven't seen any in a while. Years ago I sold several C-body HP driver side manifolds to Tom and was surprised when he told me what he was doing with them. That was back when you really didn't have many other options. If I were to build another big block A-body, I would probably use the headers from Schumacher. They fit and flow a bit better than manifolds.

I had a 440 just stuck in a 69 Barracuda, tried the 69 hp c-body manifold, fit ok, just touching the steering column. I then took a grinder and taper ground the gasket face from the top so it tucked closer to the block. 383 will be down and farther away then the 440, about an inch, so you might not need to grind. Any machine shop can true up the face once you get it where it will miss. Go for it, we are hot rodders, we make things work.

I mocked up a C body drivers side on my BB dart with factory K and it looked at though it would clear with a 2.5" headpipe with a little hammer clearancing. I had also thought of having the manifold to head surface decked on an angle to tuck it in and also a little angle cut on the pipe flange 2 ... but I have 2 sets of stock manifolds so it went no further than to just look.

I had thought of doing it for FAST racing , the top of the manifold LOOKS just like the factory A body manifold and it would have been less restrictive.

I was going to use it on the m-code so I wouldn't have to worry about braking the factory manifold ( EXPENSIVE) while driving around on the street.

Were you going to be doing "Dukes of Hazard" type jumps ?

Not taking any chances with a $3500 manifold