I am installing a 1978 350 motor into a 1990 RS V6 car. At this time, I am just going to get it running and don't have an exhaust.

#1 if I find a manifold and y pipe from ANY third gen car, are all manifold or headers compatible to third gens? Example, 5.0, 5.7, does it matter if it's TPI, LT1, or old 350?

#2 what about 4th Generation Camaros? Firebirds?

If you can't help, can you at least tell me who on here might be able to help me? I'm new in this site, haven't had a Camaro for 10 years... it's going to be awesome I am ready.

Eddie K in Taylor Michigan.

 

Well... Sorta?

The exhaust from any 82-92 305/350 will bolt up to any other 82-92 305/350. There are some manifolds that are a little larger on HO cars (early carbed HO, or most TPI cars are considered HO cars), but they all will physically bolt up. BUT, here's the thing... All 82-92 Camaro V8's had a passengers side dipstick tube. The drivers side manifold dumps in front of the crossmember, right through where the dipstick tube is located on earlier Chevy V8's. I'd be willing to bet the 78 350 you're installing has a drivers side dipstick.

Forget about trying to make it work, there really isn't any room to work around the manifold. The standard work around is to use aftermarket headers. I've yet to hear of a set of headers that didn't clear the drivers side dipstick. You can either use cheap headers and have an exhaust shop make you a Y-pipe, or you can just buy better headers that come with a y-pipe.

PS: Some late Chevy V8 heads have two bolt holes on one end of the head. 82-92 Camaro manifolds use the hole that isn't present on some earlier Chevy heads. 78 would probably have both holes.

 

Thanks a lot, very useful......

 

Also the early cars has heat stoves, tpi cars should not. I have what you seek, manifolds and a y-pipe from my 89 L98 iroc, if you're interested. Manifolds should not give too much issue with dipstick tube clearance.

Will