clearance problem with bbk headers

mdftigman90lx · 09-24-2006

I bought a set of used bbk equal length headers. I got them in ok, but when I drove the car, the intermediate shaft is rubbing the headers. Also on the passenger side, one of the metal lines running into the radiator is touching the header. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know asap.

thewiz75 · 09-25-2006

Hey Man, I run the same headers and ran into the same problems you did. Here's what I did, On the drivers side where the steering shaft is touching, you can flatten the header tube just enough to clear it. It's a tight squeeze; but you can clear it and the flattened tube will not affect performance. On the pass. side, just re-route that hose and put it a little higher up away from the header or wrap it in header tape. I know they are a *****; but they are great headers..LATER!!

x66xerrorx66x · 09-25-2006

If its to much to deal with, just go with a set of UNEQUAL length bbk headers. i used them on my 302 and installed them without a single problem. The equal lengths are the ones that bl0w.

mdftigman90lx · 09-25-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by x66xerrorx66x

If its to much to deal with, just go with a set of UNEQUAL length bbk headers. i used them on my 302 and installed them without a single problem. The equal lengths are the ones that bl0w.

Your a funny guy, Rich, Did you forget that I bought them from YOU 3 weeks ago. And no it wont be to much to deal with. Thanks for the heads up. I should have done my homework before I bought them. I think I'll go with the advice (thewiz75) gave me and I'll run them for a while. Thanks

89GTVert · 09-26-2006

I put a steel shim between my motor mount and the frame on the pass. side to stop the headers from sitting on the frame

mdftigman90lx · 09-26-2006

Hey, 89GTVert was driver side hitting the intermediate shaft on your ride? mine is ok on the pass. side except for the hard line that is touching the header. Im going to re-route it alittle higher and wrap it.

89GTVert · 09-26-2006

I havent had problems with the shaft, its only got like 1/4" inch of clearance though. I only had problems with the headers sitting on the frame of the car on the pass. side. I even replaced my motor mounts and still had the problem so I had to shim it. I think mine is different though because its a vert' and I know that the motor mounts are different.

Stang1187 · 09-26-2006

is it true that they burn up your plugs on your wires?

thewiz75 · 09-27-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stang1187

is it true that they burn up your plugs on your wires?

I've heard of that happening; but it's rare. If you're worried about the plugs' just put some Plug Boots on them to repel the heat.

1970Mustang351c · 09-27-2006

I dunno i went with the shorties and they wrok great. What is the difference between the two though?

mdftigman90lx · 10-01-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89GTVert

I havent had problems with the shaft, its only got like 1/4" inch of clearance though. I only had problems with the headers sitting on the frame of the car on the pass. side. I even replaced my motor mounts and still had the problem so I had to shim it. I think mine is different though because its a vert' and I know that the motor mounts are different.

I made a tool so I could put a dent in the header so it wouldnt hit the intermediate shaft. I didnt want to take the header off to do this. I work in a weld shop, so I cut a piece of 3/4 inch solid bar stock 14 inches long. I then welded a 3x3x 3/8 inch strike plate to one end. Next I used a grinder to tapper one side of the bar stock almost to a point, I didnt go to sharp. I drove the car up on ramps and located where it was hitting. You should see on the shaft where it is rubbing. I used the flat side of the tool to get cloose as possible to the shaft. I used a 4 lb hammer for more momentum.
It was a fairly simple fix. thanks for all the input guys