Topic: Exhaust Clamps... Two different motors... What to do?

[jrrobertsjr]

The 1974 motor that came with my frame is totally seized. It had 8 countersunk screws that held on the four adapters for the headers to mount to.

The exhaust were held onto the adapters with the four standard finned collars that squeezed the headers onto the adapters.

I purchased a 1978 motor that was in much better shape but is has eight studs that stick out from the motor that require a different kind of collar that I don't own.

How hard is it to pull those studs out and find new screws to mount those the older style adapters?

OR....

Does anyone have the 78 style collars? I am pretty sure this is what I am looking for at the bottom.

Not looking for any freebies. If you've got them and want to sell them, let me know.

I haven't bought my pipes yet. I am kinda set on the 4 into 2 but I need to figure this out before I order so I can make sure to get the right kind of headers.

If anyone has an opinion on which way I should go on this, please let me know.

If anybody has a solution let me know and if I need to take some pictures, I can do that and post them tonight.

Johnny

[ElCheapo]

If you want to use the old exhaust those screws should not be too hard to remove. Make sure you have a decent impact driver with a perfect tip. When I pull these I use a flat steel punch on the heads to help shock them and re form the head if I goof one up a little.

[jrrobertsjr]

I got the old screws out with the impact driver. They are severely rusted and pitted. I would get some more if I can confirm I could get those studs out.

I am pretty sure the screws and studs are the same threading.

I am really hoping some one has a set they want to part with.

Johnny

[Dave Wyatt]

You can double nut the studs and back them out somewhat easily.  I got into this when I purchased a 76 and older exhuast, only to find out 76 'matics used the 77 and up style collars.  I had to convert mine to the older style spigots and clamps to use the pipes I had purchased. 

I see the collars and related hardware for the newer style pipes on ebay all the time.

[STLrocker]

i'd go with the old style from your first engine because that type of pipe is more common. you would have a better choice of styles and easier to find.

the threads in the head are the same, so if you want to use those screws, or some new ones, they will fit.

only other thing to mention is be sure to get some new exhaust gaskets. they go on the head before the adapters get screwed on. be sure to get the old ones out. they are copper crush gaskets, and sometimes hard to see in there.

the double nut works well. if the studs dont wanna turn, dont break them. soak em with a good penetrating oil. apply heat to head if necesary.

[Tim.]

Long shot, but anyone know if the collars from a 550 will fit the 750?  I have a set of collars from my 550F.  I don't have the little shims though.

Keep in mind these won't work with your header from the earlier engine.  What exhaust are you running on the new engine?