[Spaceman Spiff]

How good is the quality on reproduction ram air exhaust manifolds?
I’m not looking for show car correctness.
I’m interested in quality of sealing surfaces, and fitment.
I think power wise, they would be just as good as headers on my 350.
But as with all aftermarket parts, quality may be an issue.
Anyone have and good experience with these?
Thanks!

[vertigto]

FWIW...after a bit of research and comparison, I went with the Ram Air Restorations oversized version. I looked at too many threads about headers vs. RA varieties vs. stock logs vs. shorties and felt the RAREs were the best compromise between quality & performance. They are a bit expensive though.

[69 Limelight]

I've had Ram Air Restoration Oversize (2 1/2") "D" port manifolds on my car 11 years (45,000 miles) and have not had one problem. Have had the down pipes (Pypes 2 1/2") off and on at least half a dozen times and never had a exhaust leak problem. I had the manifolds a year and sent them back for ceramic coating and that has held up excellent, also. Used the composition gaskets that came/were sold with them and have had manifolds off couple times and reused gaskets without and leak problem, too.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Thank you for the feedback.
That’s exactly what I need to know.

[burd]

Ram air screwed me on a set and never made it rite. They suck

[OCMDGTO]

Another vote for RARE 2.5", been on my car with 2 different motors since 07. Get a good set of gaskets

[5th TA]

They used to be located in Northern Illinois but moved to 7235 E Second St, Suite A, Prescott Valley , AZ 86314.

I purchased an engine from Butler Performance, it included D Port RARE manifolds. The RARE manifolds were bare metal and I wanted them ceramic coated so they wouldn't rust. Last October I called and talked to Paul, said I live in Illinois and will drop them off. Paul said they moved to Arizona because it was more tax and climate friendly.

It took about 2 1/2 weeks to for turn around including ground shipping. They look and fit great. Good product, not cheap but worth it in my mind.

[Formulajones]

I talked to my wife at lunch who drives by there twice a day. She said she has seen activity at the building, with a semi backing in once in a while. Still no sign on the building as to what it is though.

[misterp266]

No response from my recent emails. Last email I got in August 2020 said that I would be added to the list for long branch round ports. No idea how many others are on that list or where I stand.

I think Paul is shubhampaul here on the forums.

[ZeGermanHam]

I've only ever heard great things about RARE exhaust manifolds. The tricky part is actually obtaining them. I ordered a pair a month ago for my GTO and despite their website saying everything was in stock, I later received a follow-up email stating that they were out of LH castings but were expecting more from the foundry sometime in late May. Others have experienced very long delays as well.

[The Champ]

Put me down as a fan of the RARE 2.5 manifolds on my 462. Simple and trouble free for the last 8 years.

[mf67gto]

Second ZeGermanHam's comments. I ordered my '67 Roundports in June 2019 and I need them now as my chassis and engine are complete. I have talked to Paul probably once every 2 months since 2019 and have understood all the issues including COVID impacts. Just sent an email yesterday to him to see where they are as I need to decide what to do. Doug's headers are my other option. Engine in my car is a 462 with E-heads. Hope this helps and I have my fingers crossed all the foundry issues are squared away and I get my set in June.

[Cardo]

I've had two sets - Excellent quality - worth the wait hands down. I've also used their exhaust pipes on both cars too - excellent again. If I were to do a 3rd car, i'd use their products again.

[ZeGermanHam]

FWIW, I just got off the phone with (presumably) Paul at RARE to get an update. He received word from the foundry last Friday that they are pushing back their previous "late May" delivery date of the manifolds by another 4-6 weeks at least. And by the sound of it, I would not be surprised if it gets pushed back again in another 6 weeks. Very frustrating for us, and for RARE.

[roy381]

Yeah I called yesterday and they said they are out of left side manifolds and looking at August before they get shipment.

[roy381]

Are there any other options to the rare manifolds short of going to Dougs headers?

[mf67gto]

Looks like I will pull the trigger on some Dougs. Was really hoping for these RA manifolds to be available.

[vertigto]

FWIW...there are other options/manufacturers for reproduction RA manifolds, although RARE tend to get the best reviews.

[mf67gto]

Vertigo I'm looking for roundports for my '67 GTO. I have not found others. Do you know of any?
Thanks,
matt

[vertigto]

Originally Posted by mf67gto

Vertigo I'm looking for roundports for my '67 GTO. I have not found others. Do you know of any?
Thanks,
matt

My bad...thought we were talking about D ports. I am assuming that the vendors I've seen are all sourcing from RARE.

https://pontiactripower.com/products...ges-will-apply