What Manifold To Get?

[DWABoat]

Hoping to hear some recommendations or criticism of manifold brands soon. Barr, GLM, Sierra, Mercruiser, others? I know Merc ceramic coated will be best, but is that worth the near double the price?

 

[achris]

My Merc dry-joint manifolds are now 13 years old and still looking good. The engine is raw water cooled, and I operate exclusively in salt...

Given that they aren't actually double the price (here in Ass-tralia), only about 30% more than aftermarket, it actually makes them cheaper.

Chris.......

 

[wingless]

The OP has a 1989 Sea Ray 5.7 Alpha One Gen One boat / engine.

Those raw water (salt water) exhaust parts last 3-5 years and should receive annual disassembly / inspection. The dry joint is a totally different exhaust.

My raw water (salt water) exhaust parts have always been replaced w/ OEM Mercruiser parts, also getting 3-4 years.

At the last replacement I redesigned the exhaust, from impossible to flush / impossible to drain, to now permitting flushing w/ fresh water, then soapy water, then Salt Away, then draining bone dry, ready for the next usage.

My last inspection reveals the interior to still looking brand new after three years of usage.

 

[Scott06]

OEM and Barr are generally highly regarded. Barr does castings for some OEMs as well. Have see a lot of comments on GLM where folks have had to file or machine the mating surfaces between manifold and risers to get a good seal.