hoffbug wrote:Dwight.
What did you use for exhaust manifolds.. I have a set of Buick 300 manifolds and in preliminary mockup they look tight to the steering shaft. Do you have a picture of the drivers side engine compartment?
I don't have manifolds on this particular car/engine..... it is on the back burner and possibly becoming a donor car for my current '72 with a 215.
Of course, my other two 215-powered Vegas had manifolds. The 215 manifold needed to be ground down a little bit where it is closest to the steering shaft. The shaft itself was also clearanced a bit, too. Easy to see the flat grinding spots.... harder to see the ample clearance at this angle. Worked perfectly for years.
Here's a pic of it in my old '72 Hatchback:
My current 215-powered Wagon (not this one in this thread) has 300 manifolds. It also has been clearanced, but not the shaft. There is ample clearance. It appears this engine has been set back just a little more than the other 215. Additionally, this head is an Olds version, so there may be some variances there, too.
In addition, 300 manifolds exit more forward and straighter down than the 215 manifolds, which exit at the rear of the manifold and at a rear angle. The 300 is easier to route downpipe.... but interferes with clutch cable. The 215 downpipe needed a 90 to clear the firewall and bracing down low in the engine bay of the car.
