Originally Posted by
cadunkle
I would replace those cheesy plastic fittings with brass. Use either teflon tape of a liquid thread sealant. Just wire wheel/brush the rust and put some hi temp engine paint on them to keep from getting all crusty.
This is exactly what I was going to post. The rust isn't really an issue and since these manifolds are so thick -- rust will actually protect them from further oxidation. This is why you can see old cars/trucks (pre 1950s) that are completely covered in rust but have not rusted through. Rust is a surface oxidation and does not continue on thicker materials. (Also think of railroad rails....) The reason "rust" is such a negative term these days is that modern cars have such thin sheet metal (to save weight and cost) that they rust all the way through and then it just keeps going.
Former owner of a 1987 Supra Saltare. Current owner of a Malibu 23LSV.