my buddy has a 1995 cougar sport skier ! had a 350 swapped to a 496 , the 496 sits taller so hes having clearance issues with the existing manifolds ! does anyone know where you can get an aftermarket set that would work ? lower the better ! not much room under those things !

He will have to modify his engine hatch.

they don't make aftermarket manifolds for this?

Plenty of aftermarket; EMI Thunder, Stainless Marine, etc., but the OEM units tend to be shortest. The aftermarket units are usually higher to help keep the engine from sucking in water. You may have the best luck with Stainless Marine making something custom for you.