[PAUL K]

Originally Posted by KSZR

Funny

I'm not trying to be funny. I'm trying to be helpful. I thought the information I posted would be helpful for folks wondering if there is a decent alternative to a five year wait for a specific manufacturer's product.... The information I posted should be helpful in regards to the OP's initial question.

[b-man]

I’m sure any flow difference between the different brands wouldn’t really matter that much if any nor would you be able to feel it on a street engine with around 400 hp.

['ol Pinion head]

DrewM,
Your original post does not indicate what style of ram air manifolds you are searching for.

I'm assuming A-body style manifolds to fit a '66 GTO, but can not decipher whether D-port or the once released aftermarket '64-67 A-body roundports.

[drewm]

Originally Posted by 'ol Pinion head

DrewM,
I'm assuming A-body style manifolds to fit a '66 GTO, but can not decipher whether D-port or the once released aftermarket '64-67 A-body roundports.

Correct, oversized d-ports for 64-67 A body, specifically a 66 GTO.

[tempest1964]

Originally Posted by drewm

Our host sells 2.5 inch manifolds, part # N179GC, which I assume are similar to the 2.5 (2.45) inch RAR manifolds?

I called Ames today. Spoke to Heather. She said they would definitely be back in stock Aug.-Sept. looks like everyone is having supplier issues. Tried to call Paul at RARE, no answer.

[Joe's Garage]

Or is that some 'secret squirrel' stuff ??

[scott70]

Not that it makes a big difference but it looks like the RARE has 3 hole flanges on both sides where the Ames one has the 2 and the 3 hole flanges.

[Formulajones]

Originally Posted by scott70

Not that it makes a big difference but it looks like the RARE has 3 hole flanges on both sides where the Ames one has the 2 and the 3 hole flanges.

Yep, and based on that analysis, that's all I recall ever using on builds in the past that came from Ames. I don't think I've ever had a pair in my hands from RARE. For as long as I can remember Ames has always offered them in 2 1/2" outlets too.

As far as quality between the two, as I said I believe I've only ever used sets from Ames and never had a set from RARE in my hands, but I can tell you all the sets I've had from Ames has been excellent. Nice castings, seal up great and work as intended. The last 455 I dyno'd with them made 507/571 and they were untouched out of the box. They work very good.

I've mentioned this before when other threads pop up on this subject, but I'll say it again. I drive past RARE on a semi daily basis, sometimes 3-4 times a day since he moved his operation out here a couple years ago now I think. Used to see his truck parked out there, which has been MIA for a while. Lately I've seen a couple different other cars parked there off and on, but it's hit and miss. There isn't always a car there during what one would think are normal business hours. I never stop in because honestly I don't need anything but besides that, it doesn't appear to be a normal store front, no signs, no name, or anything that hints at being open for business so I don't even know if he has a small show room or if he even welcomes visitors or walk ins. Hell I can't even find a website for it when I google it for some reason.
Hope all is well and he succeeds with what has to be a tough market for a small group of enthusiasts.

[Greg Reid]

For the life of me I can't remember whether it was OPG or The Parts Place that I got mine from for an introductory price of around $200 ... It's been at least 15 years ago now probably... At any rate, they've been on my car ever since and never a moment's trouble. Finish was good and they accepted my Pypes 2-1/2" system with no issues.. Regret that I didn't coat them but what the heck, the originals rusted too.

[KSZR]

Originally Posted by Greg Reid

For the life of me I can't remember whether it was OPG or The Parts Place that I got mine from for an introductory price of around $200 ... It's been at least 15 years ago now probably... At any rate, they've been on my car ever since and never a moment's trouble. Finish was good and they accepted my Pypes 2-1/2" system with no issues.. Regret that I didn't coat them but what the heck, the originals rusted too.

Got mine last fall from the parts place when they were no where else to be found.

Added them and Pypes system, works good. But was a lot of work. If I had it to do over probably leave the logs and just add the Pypes system.

[scott70]

With me I want the 3" down pipes and rare I think has the only set I've seen. And their 3" have 3 hole flanges on both sides. So if I want 3" pipes from them I've got to use the manifolds with 3 holes on each side.

[Greg Reid]

Originally Posted by KSZR

Got mine last fall from the parts place when they were no where else to be found.

Added them and Pypes system, works good. But was a lot of work. If I had it to do over probably leave the logs and just add the Pypes system.

What kind of trouble did you have?
The only thing that I remember having to do was to pull at least one of the motor mount bolts to lift the engine a couple of inches.
Compared to the headers I was replacing they were a dream.

[grivera]

Here is RARE’s website: https://www.ramairrestoration.com/

[mgarblik]

Well the #1 secret to success in business is YOU HAVE TO HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL! My goodness, RAR has the customers lined up from here to eternity, cash in hand, and at least for the last 20 years it's been hit or miss being able to purchase the products. Great quality parts, nice guy to talk with and you feel good purchasing from him. Innovative products too. But 95% of the people you talk to about RAR say they can't get the product or they have made 60 phone calls and have been waiting 2,3,5 years for an exhaust manifold. It's madness. How many hundreds of thousands of dollars have gone another direction because customers had to go a different direction or died off waiting? Really a shame.

[carbking]

Anyone ever test the aluminum version?

I bought a new set from them decades ago, but have never had time to install them.

Still sitting on the shelf where I placed them.

Jon

[grivera]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

Well the #1 secret to success in business is YOU HAVE TO HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL! My goodness, RAR has the customers lined up from here to eternity, cash in hand, and at least for the last 20 years it's been hit or miss being able to purchase the products. Great quality parts, nice guy to talk with and you feel good purchasing from him. Innovative products too. But 95% of the people you talk to about RAR say they can't get the product or they have made 60 phone calls and have been waiting 2,3,5 years for an exhaust manifold. It's madness. How many hundreds of thousands of dollars have gone another direction because customers had to go a different direction or died off waiting? Really a shame.

Agreed…much like SD Performance

I bought my LB from RARE in about 2009 and no issues at all.

[PAUL K]

Originally Posted by carbking

I bought a new set from them decades ago, but have never had time to install them.

Still sitting on the shelf where I placed them.

Jon

Nothing like being busy.... I finally found time to replace the broken roll pin in my jack stand that sheared thirty one years ago.... Works really nice now.

[Formulajones]

Originally Posted by grivera

Here is RARE’s website: https://www.ramairrestoration.com/

Thanks for that

I don't know why that wouldn't come up on a google search. Their algorithm must not be high on the totem pole or something.....??

[rwfisher]

I recently purchased non exhaust related items from RAR and they were delivered within a week. I’m guessing the supply issues are due to whomever were casting the manifolds for them and has only gotten worst thru Covid and recent material shortages. It would be great if he just came out and said what the issues are and determine if there is any hope in salvaging the product line. In todays market, if cost is the issue, I’m sure there are customers lined up that will pay a higher price knowing they’ll actually get the product.

[burd]

Ram air Resto blows. After ordering a set for the owner, dr side was a gto cast. wrong on an F body, After paying them to bore and port, and having ceramic coating applied, the guy hung up when I called to tell them they sent a wrong one. They never made it rite.