Swapping an LS engine into your project might have some challenges. When it comes to putting an engine in a chassis it wasn’t designed for, getting everything to line up and seal can be tricky. That can be especially true when it comes the exhaust system, which is why Patriot Performance [1] developed a new set of cast manifolds to facilitate these swaps.
To that end, Patriot created cast gray ductile iron manifolds designed to facilitate LS engine swaps in muscle cars and street rods. These manifolds feature 1 ¾-inch primary tubes and a D-port configuration that allows fitment on all LS engines except the LS7. These manifolds are available in three finishes, including polished metallic ceramic, high-temp black coating, and a natural finish.
[2]Patriot Performance’s cast LS exhaust manifolds are designed to ease engine swaps in street rods and muscle cars and look good doing it. They are available in metallic ceramic, high-temp black, and a natural finishes.
“We use a unique sealing dome that comes with a unique, stainless steel reducer so that when you bring your head pipe to it you can have misdirection and still seal,” said Jim Hairston, Director of Marketing at Patriot’s parent company, Pertronix. “Otherwise you would have to invest in an expensive gasket and you are going to have to have a perfect fit with your exhaust head pipe.”
The sealing is definitely important, but so are the good looks. While these manifolds will perform a bit better than the factory units, their best features are aesthetics and easy fitment.
[3]This unique sealing dome allows the headers to seal to the exhaust pipes without having a perfect alignment and they also don’t require the use of expensive factory exhaust gaskets to get the job done.
“It’s primarily a style statement,” Jim added. “It’s what’s popular on street rods these days. They don’t want to put on a tubular header. They want that look. The function is that it looks good, it seals well, and you have large cast tubes so it’s going to flow more air.”
For more on these cast LS exhaust manifolds and Patriot’s other street rod and muscle car products, check out the company’s official site here [1].