I was wondering where those KE manifolds went. Your right. They definitely weren't the prettiest looking pieces.

Yeah I think the proper response when the hatch gets opened is WTF happened here!

That's pretty funny. My biggest question/concern was that there would be no performance loss from the CMI's. That question seems to have been answered positively. I'm still leaning towards the Stainless Marine largely due to the many satisfied guys I know (didn't even realize they had Stainless Marine until I had problems with the CMI's leaking!). Also, price!

I think they are very comparable performance wise. My only complaint with the SM3's is it takes a little more effort to get the plugs out and valve covers off. With the right combonation of extensions ant swivels its really not that bad though. With CMI big tubes it's a breeze to do plugs and valve covers.

Yes. I have the CMI Sport Tubes right now. Plugs and valve covers are very easy to get at. I expected more of an issue with the VC, but why are the plugs tough with the Stainless Marine?

My Donzi has Balsa stringers so they are a mile high. Just about past the bottom of the manifold. It makes it a little tricky to remove plugs. You with have to bear hug the motor or use long extensions with swivels and get on the outside of the stringers.

IC. That won't be a problem on mine. Not that big of a deal anyway as the covers only come off once per season for a quick check. Thanks for the input.

This is true with the standard Stainless Marines as far as the plugs go as well.

Gil's really suck for changing plugs.

I never had a problem in my boat w/ gil's but always hated doing plugs in a gen3 manifold,the plugs near the water inlet suck.