[JLMounce]

There's actually a surprising lack of information out there on the subject of using backwards manifolds for turbo application on Pontiacs.

I gather that this is not actually possible based on space limitations and clearing things like steering linkages etc.

Has anybody used ram air manifolds reversed and upside down in either a single or twin turbo application?

What there the pitfalls you ran into etc?

For reference, this would be in a '69 Firebird. My thought has been to run a correctly installed driver's side manifold and an upside down passenger manifold with a cross-over pipe and a single turbocharger mounted near where the AC compressor would typically be.

Is this not possible?

[GoatRider]

Take a closer look at the end bolt holes in your manifolds (or the heads.) Why Pontiacs dont run them "upside down" will become obvious.

I think there have been people who ran them "reversed" to point forward, or at least mocked them up for turbo(s) that way. The exit still points straight down however, which is probably why turbo guys end up fabricating something else?

[JLMounce]

I don't have manifolds, only long tubes, but thinking about their construction from memory, I see what you're getting at.

I suppose I'm back to the weld up header kit idea.

[Tom Vaught]

Not a Chebby with the bolt holes on a common line. There were 3 Turbo Exhaust Manifold sets made (many years ago) for some Turbo Testing at Smokey Yunick's Garage. "Best Damn Garage in Town".
I was able to own one set of the Turbo Manifolds that faced upward. High "Center Mount" Turbo deal. Was written mup in Pete McCarthy's
Wangers Magazine at one time (along with a picture of me beside the Turbo Parts collection) .

I sold the headers as well as all of the rest of the factory Turbo Pieces (for the 1963 421 Engine) to Randy Williams to go on a 63 Catalina project he was proposing. But he died of cancer and the parts were 'Trapped" in his Estate. Wife wanted a Million for the collection of all of his speed parts. (Including the Turbo Parts).

Tom V.

[n2ogpsj462]

Turbo69bird over on Pontiac zone was making headers for 1st gens birds. Our downward facing exh ports make it alittle trickier. I went the easy way with factory manifolds and mounts mine on the pass side frame rail back by the firewall. Didn't like the idea of 3-4 ft of 5" exhaust pipe under the hood but just about everyone runs them up front. I have virtually zero exhaust plumbing visible under the hood

[taff2]

Years back, I used log manifolds swapped side to side with the exits at the front and J pipes to the turbo, seemed to work ok. I'm using a set of Summit SBC shorty weld up headers on my current turbo combo, they've worked ok up to nearly a 1000 horse, 1 -5/8" primary with a small collector.
Tom I have the Hot Rod article somewhere of the Yunick turbo manifolds for Pontiacs.

[Tom Vaught]

That would be great if you could send it to me.
All I have is the one small post about me selling the Turbo manifold stuff to Randy Williams in one of the Legend magazines.

Tom V.

[69FIREBIRD76MM]

I bought a set of turbo headers for my 69, had them on my old 455 but never drove the car. Now I am planning on building a 400 and using them.

[JLMounce]

Yeah something like above would be ideal for me. I would probably end up doing a shorty weld up kit like taff2 mentioned.

I’m not looking for massive power. 600ish to the tire to remain streetable.

[69FIREBIRD76MM]

This set up is very simple, stock logs with cross over, 600 hp no problem.

[charlie66]

Originally Posted by 69FIREBIRD76MM

I bought a set of turbo headers for my 69, had them on my old 455 but never drove the car. Now I am planning on building a 400 and using them.

Nice! You should make a build thread ...

Good luck!

[69FIREBIRD76MM]

Charlie66, I had a built thread, my 69 was a street strip n.a. car, then I bought the turbo header kit, swapped the heads for 114cc heads to lower compression, never finished it, motor some how lost compression the engine was old and tired and decided to go N.A. but a 400 cid that's what I am thinking of doing with boost.

[charlie66]

Originally Posted by 69FIREBIRD76MM

Charlie66, I had a built thread, my 69 was a street strip n.a. car, then I bought the turbo header kit, swapped the heads for 114cc heads to lower compression, never finished it, motor some how lost compression the engine was old and tired and decided to go N.A. but a 400 cid that's what I am thinking of doing with boost.

Ok ill look it up..

[Tom Vaught]

Originally Posted by 69FIREBIRD76MM

This set up is very simple, stock logs with cross over, 600 hp no problem.

So HOW were you involved with Ken Crocie's Turbo Engine, (which is what that picture is of).

Tom V.

[JSPONT]

Originally Posted by 69FIREBIRD76MM

I bought a set of turbo headers for my 69, had them on my old 455 but never drove the car. Now I am planning on building a 400 and using them.

Those are Jeff Palazzo's headers correct??

[69FIREBIRD76MM]

Originally Posted by JSPONT

Those are Jeff Palazzo's headers correct??

Yes, but he no longer sells them.

[69FIREBIRD76MM]

Originally Posted by Tom Vaught

So HOW were you involved with Ken Crocie's Turbo Engine, (which is what that picture is of).

Tom V.

Had nothing to do with this Tom. Just an article about this built, I have this pic save up.

[JSPONT]

Originally Posted by 69FIREBIRD76MM

Yes, but he no longer sells them.

Yes I know I got his last set.

[taff2]

Sorry Tom, it's not so much an article ,rather a snippet, but here it is anyway.

[Tom Vaught]

You are WRONG, SIR. IT IS PERFECT for this discussion. Thank you very very much.
Ok, Guys, now you can see how the manifolds were created. Would not be that hard to do with Tubing.

Center Mount Turbo Position,
Center runners just wrap around the manifold,
Turbo Flange is T-04 Rajay Type Mount.

Sad Part is, TAFF2, is that I had every component.

Turbos, Wastegates, cast iron "Down Pipes" (from the Turbos), Crossram intake, AFB carbs, Camshaft, everything for running a test on the dyno of that Turbo Pontiac Engine.
Even had a line on the Paxton Supercharger Bonnets which I would have bought from Paxton Supercharger Guys running Supercharged Avanti Engines.

Thanks Again.

Tom V.



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