Hi y guys-

What are the best flowing stock exhaust manifolds to use?  Part numbers? What are they worth?  Would be for a '55 Customline 272 with three pedals.

Does any parts house still handle a dual exhaust system for this old gem?

Thanks

Missouri Mike

Washington,MO

I'd rather be lucky than good.................

    but good ain't bad!!

I did 2" pipes on my 272 and 2 1/4" Magnaflows. Works great, nice sound but not loud. All Magnaflows are stainless too. Mine was ordered by a guy for some Toyota 4 runner I think and he never picked them up so I got them on my '56. Personally I just don't like that hollow sound of Flowmasters and Borla's are expensive as hell. Just my thing .. There is a half donut that goes up into the manifold and it makes a dounut like a GM. Better than just a flat gasket between the manifold and pipe. I don't remember how much the mufflers were, not bad though, the whole exhaust system was like $350.00.

Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL

To answer the specific question, the '57 and later ex manifolds are somewhat better than stock for '55.  The right side flange may be rotated compared to the stock so the stock head pipe might not work.  Also you might need a different clutch equalizer bar to clear the left side where it dumps to the head pipe.  However do not expect great power improvement from the manifolds alone.  But I would expect that they are as good as the shorty Reds headers if not better.

Doug T

The Highlands, Louisville, Ky.

I have bought complete setups from this guy. http://kepichexhaust.com/contactus.asp I call instead of email. I like stainless head pipes because they are such a pain in the ass to get them to keep from rattling against the frame. Once stainless is there, it is there for as long as I'll be driving. I use stainless tail pipes too, but If I were trying to save money, aluminized would be ok because they are not that much trouble to change. The 57 and later manifolds have larger ports, but I sometimes wonder if it is worth the effort. 55/56 factory duel manifolds fit. I have a 56 I'm replacing the engine in. I am going to try the later engine manifolds again because I am replacing the floor and toe board and can work from the top and bottom. If I get it to work, I am certainly going to use a donut instead of a flat gasket. Alignment has to be perfect for flat gaskets to hold for any length of time. I don't have the patience and ability to make things work like I did 45 years ago.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

Like I said Mike, you can get those donuts and then you can twist your header pipe anywhere you want it. It's not a matter if they work, they work. I've got them and they work just fine! They are available at CarQuest I know. That's where mine came from. They may come from many places. You shouldn't have to do anything to your clutch linkage if you have the pipes made at a muffler shop. They will make them clear everything. If you buy Ford pipes then I have no idea. That would be a crap shoot I guess ...

Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL

Mike,

Any of the companies that specialize in parts for mid 50's Fords can sell you a complete factory replacement exhaust system for your 55.Some of them that I use are Mac's,T-Bird Parts,Concours Auto parts.

There are others that I can't think of right now.The manifolds from any Y-block will work on your car.The 57-up manifolds will give a slight power and economy advantage over the 55 or 56 pieces.I'm not sure,but you may have an interference issue with the clutch cross shaft and the left exhaust pipe.It may require a shaft with a bow in it,which is what is on the cars equipped from the factory with duals.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

As has already been mentioned, the ’57 and up exhaust manifolds are the best of the lot.  I have a pair of these on my ’55 Customline with a 272 and with 2” pipes going to the back.  And I am using the stock 2” inlet/outlet 26” long mufflers to help keep it quiet.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Thanks Everybody...

...and Ted,  that is the very picture of my '55 Customline, down to the hubcaps and ww tires.

Mine's been in the family since 56 has less then 30,000 on it and still has the original  unripped seatcovers (they've been in black plastic for 52 years so they're dry rotted but not torn).  My dash is a "champagne" color and the door panels kind of pink(??) and white. Interesting color combinations to say the least.

My wife really likes the car but hates the "pink" color. I don't know about you but my car has taken a LOT of abuse about it's color, if you know what I'm saying.

Since I found this website I'm really pumped about getting it back on the road!!!!

 Thanks again

 Mo Mike

I'd rather be lucky than good.................

    but good ain't bad!!

I will check local NAPA for them? (no CarQuest in my area)



When I installed '57 pass. side manifold, it was just different enough to cock my head pipe and cause rattling against the frame (thick piece of rubber solved the problem, but donut gasket would be better).

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

I'm sure NAPA has them. They are 1/2 a donut. There's a pipe that goes up into the manifold and then the donut where the exhaust pipe goes. Once you have the bolts in and snugged a bit you can twist the pipes to clear the frame holes. I put a piece of wood in mine until I got them tight. No problem-o.

Doing Fords for 45 years. '56 Customline Victoria

E.J. in Havana FL