I'm new to this forum and Just purchased a 1972 454 4 speed coupe and will be needing lots of help. This is my first attempt of a restoration and to be honest I'm very excited and somewhat daunted at the same time.------ The car is all original/matching and approximately 95% unmolested from what I can determine. However I will need exhaust manifolds. In my travels through the many Corvette suppliers and inclusive of e-bay I have noticed that there seems to be 2 categories: INEXPESIVE and EXPENSIVE !!! --- Apparently the inexpensive ones are reproductions probably manufactured out of country? I'm not sure if the expensive ones are GM or not ??

RABLS52007-03-27 12:43:33

I replaced my drivers side exhuast manifold with a repro that happen to be cast in china. Functionally theres no differance, But than again my car doesnt have matching numbers!

If you are planning on having the car judged at NCRS, or Bloomington, the repro manifolds will be noticeable, and most likey receive a small deduction, depending on how much they differ from factory. The biggest change would be the casting numbers. These are judged, so, if the repro doesn't have the "correct" numbers, it will be a deduct.
On the other hand, if you are never going to have the car judged, the repros will be fine. They will fit and function fine, for that purpose. Can't comment on the quality of the foreign made one, tho.

I would be concerned of cast iron from China. It is mostly poor quality, but improving as they compete with the rest of the world, just like Japan began to improve their quality 30 years ago.