Y Block Dual Exhaust Manifold Differences...

[cjshaker]

I have 2 sets of factory dual exhaust manifolds for Y-blocks. I'm keeping one set for my '55, but there is a difference between the 2 drivers side manifolds. One of them has a scallop right near the flange for the exhaust pipe, which is obviously for frame or steering interference, the other does not have the scallop.

Can anyone tell me what the differences are for and which pair would fit my '55?

 

[paul2748]

The Tbird and the sedan used a different drivers side exhaust manifolds. Without a casting/engineering number I cannot tell you which is TBird or which is sedan . In addition to this, in 57 Ford came out with a new set which flowed better and is recognized by a flat top rather than the round top used earlier. Post the numbers you have

 

[cjshaker]

The tops look to be identical on both sets. On the one without the scallop, it is in pretty good shape and appears to be ECH-9431-A. The one with the scallop is pitted fairly bad, so it's very difficult to make out. I went out and took some sandpaper to it and it appears to start with C1AE, which I know would mean a '61 Galaxie or full size car.

So just based on that, I assume (a dangerous word) that the ECH would be the correct style for my car. I thought somebody here would have a set on their car and could just tell me if theirs is scalloped or not, or show a picture of it. I can't find examples or pictures to confirm one way or the other.

 

[cjshaker]

Well dummy me just saw the thread below, and that pretty much answered my question. Guess I should look closer, or just do a search on here first, before asking questions like that.

After a long internet search, I did come across this original engine bay that had a good enough picture to show that it does not have the scallop.

 

[miker98038]

I think, but I’m not sure, the “scallop” is the bird manifold for clearance. Too many years with headers to remember for sure.

 

[dmsfrr]

I think, but I’m not sure, the “scallop” is the bird manifold for clearance. Too many years with headers to remember for sure.

While the scallop may be for steering column or shift linkage(?) clearance in some full-sized vehicles it isn't a part for stock '55/'57 T-birds.
With larger exhaust port sizes starting in '57 the parts designers at Ford may have felt the need for a little more clearance and added the scallop.

The left side T-bird exhaust manifold has a different shape above cyl #8 and a different casting number. ECJ-A for '55/'56 and ECJ-C for '57
With the ECJ-C version having larger ports and the later style flat top.

A left side full-sized-car style exhaust manifold will interfere with the steering column in a '55/'57
T-bird. Their outlet flange is also rotated 90 degrees.
.

 

[miker98038]

Thanks. I remembered a difference. But I’ve never seen the side by side comparison.

 

[dmsfrr]

Thanks. I remembered a difference. But I’ve never seen the side by side comparison.

You're welcome. Those two were the before and after manifolds for a T-Bird project here so I took the opportunity for an example photo.