I think a split would work just fine for you. I'm in west central IL. and I have beem split many chev. manifolds and not one has complianed about not enough heat in winter. I have yet to have one crack. I think if you get a repituable welder you will get along just fine. Make sure to put a plate in in it to seperate the 2 sections or you won't get the rapping sounds sixes are famous for. 1 OL REDNECK
