right-on.you give up some h/p with manifolds v/s headers,but manifold do not seam to have the problems the headers do.

I have a set of EMI with custom tailpipes which i will let go for a reasonable price.

I run the KEs and love them. They are the best of all worlds. Manifold in structural integrity, stelling tube header performance. An exhaust system needs to have a minimum of 32" indvidual runner length to classify as a "header". It is this length in runner along with collector design that scavenges power. A look at most manifolds (and etops) will show you that they are short runners and therefore will give marginal perf increase, although some over stock cast iron.

Very happy with my KE's.

A real good header manifold
 

KE's cast header manifolds are awesome units and they make great power 40-50 HP on most n/a big blocks.
Not sure of the cost of them now, but they are definitly stronger in the long run than CMI's and they can be powder painted in great colors or polished.
On 496MAG -HO engines it will require some special brackets and remounting of the remote oil filters, power steering bottle and ecm brackets and such but it is do able. As always Kieth makes great parts.

Best Regards,
Ray @ Raylar

I vote Dana. They are the best bang for the buck. I have done many installs with that product & have yet to have one come back.
You can find them out there for $1650 or so for complete sets.

Is that the same Wilson's in Bay City, MI that did the work?

Yes it was Wilson's in Bay City, Mi.

I have had work done by them before and they seemed a bit slow. I am wanting to add an extension box this winter, would you recommend them for that?

Yes they were about a month past the est. time of completion.
He told me mid July and got it back mid Aug
But I took it to them in June so I figured it was a bad timing on my part for wanting a quick turn around time for what I asked him to do but everytime I went up there they
seemed busy. I probably visited the place 4 times too talk and pay Andy and each time they all seemd busy. I paid an intial "down payment" to get started and 2 futher installments after that(my suggestion not theirs) He had different projects going each time meaning the boats that were there when I first went there were not there the next time and other boats were parked or being worked on. As far as the extension box I would ask him.
I'm a basic DIY'er : change oil, sea water pump, out drive lube
but when it comes to modifications I ask people that do it.
I would say if he says he can do it, taking to him in the winter
is best.
He made suggestions about the ignition and carb. He simply stated he did not agree with how it was setup and explained why. I replied do what you think is best. The driveabilty increased 10 fold. Boat starts with out pumping throttle
Idles like it was stock. Which it did not that after the 1st build.
Heck it would not Idle well enough to back out of the dock w/o stalling after warming up at dock for 10 min. Now idles great.
Only my 1st job I asked wilsons to work on. Made a heck of an impression on me. I,m taking my 87' 211 liberator to him this winter
Basically yeah I trust him and the crew. He seems to explain why he does what he does and make suggestions of what to do and not to do. As opposed to some that reply in a condesending tone e.g. "WELL WHAT
DO YOU WANT IT TO DO". I know this was long and there is even more I could tell but I think you get the pic.
Good luck with the ext box.