Exhaust questions, Heat riser, paint
If your heat riser doesn't work and you don't care if it does I would be tempted to cut off the rod and the valve inside the manifold and weld the stub in place to plug the hole but still leave the weight and springs for looks on the outside. My valve works and I have a new thermostat spring so I will use it as long as it works. I tried the Eastwood paint and it works well but the brush on streaks easily so I would reccomend the spray. I read on the can about curing but It doesn't say that it needs to be cured any particular time. Let it dry overnight and the manifold can be installed then run for 20 min. to cure. I may order a spray can and give it another coat a day or so before I install them. There are heat shields listed for the 340's. Although they might not be 100% correct
they would be better than nothing.http://www.hawkinsspeedshop.com/categories/mopar-performance-parts/products/product-1277.html
If your heat riser doesn't work and you don't care if it does I would be tempted to cut off the rod and the valve inside the manifold and weld the stub in place to plug the hole but still leave the weight and springs for looks on the outside. My valve works and I have a new thermostat spring so I will use it as long as it works. I tried the Eastwood paint and it works well but the brush on streaks easily so I would reccomend the spray. I read on the can about curing but It doesn't say that it needs to be cured any particular time. Let it dry overnight and the manifold can be installed then run for 20 min. to cure. I may order a spray can and give it another coat a day or so before I install them. There are heat shields listed for the 340's. Although they might not be 100% correct
they would be better than nothing.http://www.hawkinsspeedshop.com/categories/mopar-performance-parts/products/product-1277.html