help!! 454 ex manifolds & reservoir

[katytx]

looking for stainless steel manifolds for my 1988 airstream 345 also coolant reservoir. just bought it and trying to keep as close to original as possible. thanxs jim

[345bill]

I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure original ex. manifolds were cast. Alot of people have switched to headers, alot of benefits over stock. Do a search here and you'll find all the info. you need on headers.

On the coolant reservoir I was unable to find exact stock one to replace mine so I got a universal one that's a bit smaller but works fine on our 1990, 345. Alot of auto parts stores have different ones on shelf.

[gunner]

Found the coolant reservoir at Airstream, Jackson Center, OH.

[345bill]

Originally Posted by gunner

Found the coolant reservoir at Airstream, Jackson Center, OH.

When we were at Jackson Center in Aug. of 07 they told me the overflow bottle was no longer available. I'll definatelly recheck with them as I also would prefer the "correct" one. Thanks for the info.

[Janets Husband]

Originally Posted by katytx

looking for stainless steel manifolds for my 1988 airstream 345 also coolant reservoir. just bought it and trying to keep as close to original as possible. thanxs jim

I take it you are talking about exhaust manifolds.
I would not use stainless for that purpose, too problematic for leaks. The problem is stainless has a expansion coefficient that is not compatible with cast iron. They change size differently with heat. It will leak, stick with mild steel headers or cast iron manifolds. You will have less trouble in the long run.
It is just too hard to change out blown gaskets on a regular basis due to metal movement.

[gunner]

I purchased the coolant reservoir several years ago from Airstream, Jackson Center, possibly by now they may not have them any more. The probes for the coolant level were part of the kit provided but I had to drill the holes and assemble to the reservoir.