253 Manifold options

[Blocker]

I'm looking into a couple manifold options and reading conflicting opinions on other forums.

For my pre pollution 253 which is being rebuilt I'm after a new inlet manifold (I'm adding 4b carbie) I think my choices are the KC253/308 or the Edelbrock Performer.

Much has been shared on here about the KC and casting sand found throughout! So if I went KC I'd be doing an abrasive blast to clean it up (?).

So with that in mind are the two manifolds the same or differ enough to go with one over the other?

[0488TINTER]

Redline still do a few different types

this would look nice

[Blocker]

Looks shiny!

But I am doing a factory restore, so less shiny and more original (where it's possible).

[wbute]

I would vote for edelbrock mainly because they have a good reputation. The only thing I noticed on the one i had was there was no port in the manifold for the pipe bisso that comes off the carby. I think it has something to do with the auto choke, but someone wiser than me may know more about it.

[ozbox]

i would go the edelbrock..to make it less noticeable that its not standard just linish off the edelbrock castings..most people would then not pick it from original.

[HK1837]

Blocker, just fit an original HQ-HJ manifold. Flow as well as a Performer, and look stock. I can sell you a good one I have spare if you like if you can't find one locally.