318 exhaust manifold - go on either side?

[34PEOWNER]

Can I use a passenger side exhaust manifold (center dump) on the drivers side on my 80 volare 318 engine? I'm putting it in a 34 Plymouth and need the clearance for my steering column.

Thanks

[Plymouthy Adams]

manifolds will exchange side to side...center dumps are common on both side of a lot of rodders vehicles..truck 360 center dumps give excellent breathing and are actually better and cheaper than running most any header setup...

so before you go for a second center dump..just place your one in place and see if anything is going to be in the way or restrict access to starter motor etc...

this is a 383 in my 41 Dodge but the manifold is a truck center dump placed on the drivers side for ease of routing and clearance to starter and such..

Edited September 4, 2009 by Tim Adams

[Frank Elder]

A-Body forward dump has been recommended for more clearance, but if your center dump works....

[Plymouthy Adams]

on my 52 with 360 install I am using a center dump drivers side here also..

[Andydodge]

My 40 Dodge with a 318 poly uses a pair of centre dump cast iron manifolds, they had the best clearance so used them.........andyd

[Plymouthy Adams]

I have always been fond of the poly block..my first car had the poly 318...as did about 3 of the family cars..I have not seen one in many years now..

it is great to know that the newer 318 rod and crank bearings interchange and that there is a re-sleeve Part #4120175 to keep these older engines alive..vavle springs are as 340/360 ..timing chains and sprockets interchange making the 340/360 rollers a nice item..oil pump distributor drive shfts are the same..for performance the 4 bbl manifold from 58-62 and associated 248/248 cam and milling the head .060 is about as trick as these engine get..I have driven a few of these with these mods..they move out nicely and with good exhaust system..sounded really great..

[Andydodge]

Tim, mine has the Weiand 7503 single 4 intake & 600 Holley, Mallory twin point dissy, some minor head works, a very good balance job, twin exhaust system, remote oil filter and oil cooler.....originally ran a factory cast iron twin 4 intake with a pair of Offy cross ram adaptors and a pair of 600 Holleys, 35/75 cam and Hi Stall convertor in the cast iron auto.......lol.......it ran like a raped ape.......lol......no idle below 1500rpm and all hell broke loose once 2500 rpm came up......thats why I put the single 4 on it, got rid or the cam etc........but I have a twin 4 intake again.........lol........have been looking at running a pair of 500cfm Edelbrock carbies.........who says you can't be young & silly again..........lol............andyd

[Plymouthy Adams]

nice collection of performance parts..

[34PEOWNER]

Thanks for all the help!