Hello Folks, im taking a break from my wiring problems to attempt to install a set of headers on this 351W!

SO!!! After about 6 hours fighting with the passenger and drivers side header install, i finally got the passenger side header installed, and bolted down... no serious clearance issues (other than it being tight against a cross member, i GUESS it might bend with the torque twist of the motor).....

BUT then The drivers side!!! OMG, what a pain. I was able to get the header into place, after some slight hammer persuasion, The clearance on this side is going to be a problem. This is a manual transmission. and part of the long tubes of the header rests on (or is EXTREMELY CLOSE too) the release shaft bushing, and felt washer... I havent reinstalled the release bar assembly yet, but i know that its going to be a tight fit (if a fit at all).

So the question is a two parter, if there is enough clearance from the release bar assembly, will the heat from the exhause do damage to the release shaft bushing?

Second parter... If there isnt enough clearance... whats the best option.... do I beat it into submission? or is there a handy dandy trick that someone knows on how to give it clearance?

Let me know!!!!

 

Don't hesitate to bash some tubes or heat and bend how they need to be.

Now obviously don't smash them down flat, but a dent in the tube doesn't hinder flow enough to hurt anything. (It's been proven)

 

I suggest pie cutting or slicing the primaries, bending, and welding them in position to clear the interferences.

Beating the tubes is.... uncivilized.

 

I'm a simple guy. Find a rock and smash them. Haha


(For those of you that don't believe)

 

I don't doubt your claim but beating on tubing is pure function over form. I believe there are common standards of workmanship and hammer tuning is usually not one of them.

To each their own.... bang away if it suits ya.

 

True, not pretty at all. But if it's an ugly old work truck then...

I was lucky enough that my headers needed no "adjustments" and almost put themselves on.

 

I've never been that lucky. Every set of headers I've ever installed has been a struggle from start to finish.

 

Cutting and re welding is the best way to get a better fit. As for the driver side converting to a hydraulic clutch set up is probably the most practical way . To make the header to exhaust pipes easy to connect use the ball socket style.