Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines Corvette Manifold

I have an six cylinder Corvette Manifold That I found in a scrap yard in Big. D many moons ago and was wondering if anyone here has one on their 235 or 261; and how it performs and sounds compared to Fentons and or split manifolds? Thanks, Leroy

Mine sounds ok. I guess I don't notice much difference between it and the Fentons. Maybe just a bit less of the "rap" sound. It probably has a few less hp than the Fentons, but it is easy to warm up the intake - just like a stocker.

Thanks, I cant remember what they sounded like when the Corvettes were new; but I was there,at about ten years old and remember the first one I ever saw was in Santa Claus,s lap as he set on top of the old Friendly Chevrolet dealership on Mockingbird Lane across from the Dr. Pepper Plant in Dallas.Anybody else remember seeing this?
Leroy

Dear Leroy;

That's a factory "split manifold" & only made for the Corvette in 1953-54. The (original) Fenton manifold was similar & then they went to the headers we have now.

Both are quite rare today and have sold on e-bay @ $200+ (Vette) and over $600 for the Fenton.

In the late 50s you could buy one for $44.00 at the local Chevrolet Dealer.

They work great too as mentioned.

Good luck.

Frank McGurk Article in May 1955 HRM; tested a Corvette Six Exhaust Manifold

In the famous Frank McGurk test in 1955 on a 261, the Corvete six manifold, with separated pipes and mufflers, increased the torque (and HP) by over 4% at 2000 rpm and by nearly 9% at 4500 rpm. I had one one my 1951 Chevy and another on my 1953, each with a 261. Souded great with glasspacks, good with stock mufflers. With a jobber's discount, they cost about $18 each at the local Chevy dealer in 1956. I saw one go for over $300 on ebay.

Last 53/54 Corvette exhaust manifold I saw on ebay went for over $700. I haven't seen any of the old Fentons with the provision to heat the intake manifold for a long time.

As Hoyt said ,they sound great with glass packs. One that is in descent shape and the heat riser plate isn't seized you will pay big bucks for. Here in the north they go for upwards of a grand. I found one here in my home town after looking for a couple of years on ebay and such. It was screwed to a guys wall with an offy triple intake on top. Both where NOS. The intake from '55 and the split exhaust was made in '58. Not sure how long they produced the exhaust for. I had mine ceramic coated in the cast finish. Turned out really nice.

Think I will just put it on the 1954 3800 one ton and try it out. I do have couple of the old Fentons and many intakes including Tattersfield etc,Guess I will have to put one of those on also.
I probably gave 3 or 4 dollars for this exhaust at the scrap yard in the 60's.

I'll give you $25 for it today

Well I will think it over,hate to take advantage of you like that though!

I have one on my 52 chevy with a 235. Love the sound. The only problem I had was when I put on new motor mounts it raised the engine enough for the rear exhaust flange to interfere with my ebrake rod. Pictures of my engine were posted in the Inliners Rides section by GMdad.

Steve O #1623
Mid Atlantic Chapter