Engine: Champion Manifold

[JohnM15]

My rebuilder is not too thrilled about the original manifold. There is a lot of corrosion around the front exhaust port and probably won't seal well. In a pinch he can build it up and machine it flush but would prefer another good manifold. Does anyone know where I can get one? I have checked with SI, SP, SW, & stelfordsinc.

[paul v]

Check with Bill Cathcart, he probably has a few. His number is: 860.564.5852

[JohnM15]

Paul, Thanks. I left him a voice mail. I have not had any luck getting called back by Bill. His web site is dead and I know of no email... So call, leave voice mail, & cross fingers...

[Neal in NM]

Why doesn't he just machine the sealing surface? I do it all the time in my shop. Neal

[JohnM15]

He tells me that the corrosion is to deep and if machined the flange would be to thin.

[9echo]

Check with Barry@studebakersite.com. I have found some good stuff from Barry.

[JohnM15]

Jim, thanks, I'll send him an email.

[PackardV8]

I would think Champion manifolds are so thick on the ground, one has to watch to avoid stumbling on them. Have you put out a WTB here and on the truck forum?

jack vines

[JohnM15]

Jack, I have posted on Truck Talk, what's a WTB? I do have a few leads now...

[Tom Bredehoft]

WTB = Want To Buy

[ROADRACELARK]

Weld it back up and machine it back down to match.

Dan Miller
Auburn, GA

[wolfie]

John, I have several here in SC. Every one I have has a stuck heat riser but kits are available. Steve

[Neal in NM]

Good idea in theory. Once you weld cast iron the weld becomes extremely hard and very difficult to machine. The only suitable way is to surface grind it which makes it more of a PITA. I would suggest brazing it (brass) and then filing down. Another way would be to fill it with a high temperature epoxy. Neal

Weld it back up and machine it back down to match.

Dan Miller
Auburn, GA

[JohnM15]

Thanks all. I have found a near new one and will be going that route. There are a multitude of solutions, silicon, epoxy, weld, braze... the list goes on. I have tried to weld cast iron in the past and was not successful. And cast iron can thermal stress crack from welding. I have successfully brazed cast iron though. If I could not get another manifold I think the first thing I would try id the high temp epoxy or just silicon. If that didn't work then there are the other possible solutions.