when I took the exhaust flange off of the manifold there was this piece inbetween with a butterfly valve in it. Can I just eliminate it. It was welded open so I don't think it is doing what it is supposed to do anyway.

 

Hi again, if your talking about the " heat riser " it aids in warming up the engine during start up in cold weather.
What are you doing with the manifolds off, what are you changing or repairing? PG

 

...part of exhaust gas re-circulation [EGR] ???

 

Manifolds aren't off just the flange pieces from the exhaust piping. I am putting on a side exhaust and took that off to fit the new pipes to.
I'm planning on headers but haven't gotten them yet. I thought the piece might be for cold startups but wasn't sure. I live in Florida and don't have to worry about that much.

 

Headers and side pipes-You'll rock the house! I love noise! For me I like to set off the alarms when I crank it up. I have chambered duels and it sounds great.
You'll love it!
What year, what engine- yada yada. PG

 

It's the heat riser and you won't need it in FLA. However, depending on what sidepipes you got, you might need it for the spacer function that it serves. This is definitely true for the 69 factory side exhaust system.

 

Have a HO 350 crate engine in her. Was loud with the mufflers out the back. Can't wait to hear this.
Having trouble finding exhaust pipe to connect the side pipe to the headers. Decided to by the headers while I was doing this so headers should get here this week but can't figure out how to connect yet. Might put everything on and take it to a mechanic to attach the headers to the side pipes.
That ride to the mechanics would be crazy loud! Good thing he is only a couple miles away.

 

Just exactly what sidepipes do you have?

 

The company is Patriot. Not sure if they are good or not. I just love the look and hope it is a good rumble.
Will show pics as soon as they are mounted.