292 Exhaust Manifolds

W

wvgunner

Member
Anybody know which engines/years of exhaust manifolds are compatible with the 292? I need a couple but they're obviously kind of scarce. Thanks.
 
WV, they're not that hard to find. Swap meets and EBAY usually have a few sets for sale. You need to determine which style you want. The cross-over, early design, definitely not. The early dual outlet type, or, the later, better, flat top 312 style for sure. Or aftermarket headers from Red's or another supplier. Check John Mummerts Y-Block website. He may have the part numbers and better descriptions of the manifolds to look for.
 
If your 292 is in a passenger car, check out the '52 -'59 Ford/Mercury forum on the HAMB. Lot's of good people there who are happy to help .
 
wvgunner said:
Anybody know which engines/years of exhaust manifolds are compatible with the 292? I need a couple but they're obviously kind of scarce. Thanks.
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Most all of the exhaust manifolds fit and work ok. Stay away from the 54 ones though. Ditto from the early 55-57 Birds as they are expensive, especially the drivers side.
 
I have a good set of dual manifolds. Flat top for better performance, but not the more expensive T-bird variety. Drop a pm if interested.
 
The manifolds for a car are different from Bird manifolds... The Bird manifolds have a tighter/longer bend on the exit side so they can clear the fire wall..
I have a very good set of 55-57 car manifolds.
The Ford dual type manifolds will not fit the truck engines.. To much stuff in the way with clutch linkage, etc.. The best bet for a Y block in a pickup is to use headers, if you want to get rid of the cross over pipe..
 
If the 292 is in a '54 the '55 & later won't clear the factory clutch linkage Z-bar.You may want to post what year and model your Ford is.
 
I am using a set of dual exh manifolds on a 292 that came off of a '54 Y-block.
I have a set of duals that fit the Y-blocks, but they are much larger (maybe for a 312) and the mounting holes are larger than they need to be.
I have always wondered if they originally had inserts in the holes to make the holes smaller. Without inserts, one could easily mount them in varous positions that would work, but might partially cut-off some flow.
 
Daves55Sedan said:
I am using a set of dual exh manifolds on a 292 that came off of a '54 Y-block.
I have a set of duals that fit the Y-blocks, but they are much larger (maybe for a 312) and the mounting holes are larger than they need to be.
I have always wondered if they originally had inserts in the holes to make the holes smaller. Without inserts, one could easily mount them in varous positions that would work, but might partially cut-off some flow.
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The one hole in the center will locate the manifold on the head, the others are oversized to allow the manifold to expand and contract. The heavy flatwashers need to be used for that purpose, and dont overtighten the bolts.
 
Ole Don said:
The one hole in the center will locate the manifold on the head, the others are oversized to allow the manifold to expand and contract. The heavy flatwashers need to be used for that purpose, and dont overtighten the bolts.
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Ditto. And exhaust manifold gaskets were not originally used I have been told. I have three Y block cars and all three of them have cracked right side exhaust manifolds from being over torqued, which did not allow expansion.
 
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SSsssteamer said:
Ditto. And exhaust manifold gaskets were not originally used I have been told. I have three Y block cars and all three of them have cracked right side exhaust manifolds from being over torqued, which did not allow expansion.
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So is this a good reason to use the gaskets? A guy asked me what to do on some new Rams Horns, and all I could say is I use them, some dont, and they werent used originally.
I've started coating both sides of the exhaust gaskets with antiseeze compound. It prevents sticking upon the next removal, and often allows reuse.
 
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I have a set of copper exhaust gaskets on my 312 that I use over and over. I anneal them to soften before reinstallation.

Kinda getting away from the OP's question...
 
Dutchtreat said:
Would the Rams Horn manifolds work on a Y Bock going into a '32 Ford frame??
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Dont know about the earlier frame, but on my 46 the DS was a ***** using original cross steering. Had to angle mill the exhaust/head flange 6 degrees, which is a lot of meat, to tilt the outlet toward block. Was able to gain clearance in small fractions of an inch on the number of obstacles. Also used a remote oil filter adapter. I am not a fan of these but it was required.
 
Thanks for all of the info. The 292 is in a 55 Ford Sedan. I've had several responses. All I need now...or next...is a dipstick and tube. They're not in any of the catalogs I have except Tee-Bird and don't know if that will work (no pictures).
 
The T-Bird dipstick tube is located on the drivers side of the engine (312 V8). The 292 does have a plugged hole in that exact same spot as the 312 to accept a dipstick tube. You would need to use a plug (like a miniature freeze-plug) in your original hole which is located at the front passenger side of the engine.
 
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