Bending Headers
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2013
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Bending Headers
So I bought some Flowtech headers for my 72 f100 w/ 302 auto and the passenger side one was almost impossible to install and now sits wedged into the side of the support going across the frame. I posted a thread asking for help and somebody showed pics of their setup where he cut out part of the frame so it would fit.
Is there also the option of bending the header up slightly?
I figure if i get the truck warmed up maybe i could jack up the end of the header till it bends about a 1/2" up and towards one side?
Thanks
Is there also the option of bending the header up slightly?
I figure if i get the truck warmed up maybe i could jack up the end of the header till it bends about a 1/2" up and towards one side?
Thanks
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 102
From: The Hotel California
ovalhead72 i worked in the aftermarket building headers for years. i do Not suggest that you try to bend your headers. they would have to be almost cherry red before you could get them to bend. i would say that cutting your frame just enough for the headers to clear would be the better way to fix this. you may still have to remove your starter, and then put it back after the header is installed. good luck.
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Junior User
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Yeah but damn its not gonna be easy to cut it lol
as for defective part ive heard many say you have to cut the frame sometimes as these are long tube headers. Maybe shouldve got shorties or mid length...
Btw im a cabinetmaker and knife maker by trade and i know those headers are mild steel and i know if i get them hot enough they'll bend lol which seems to me the best choice. If it doesnt work i may get different ones as i dont really wanna cut my frame.
Anyone here have any knowledge much appreciated.
as for defective part ive heard many say you have to cut the frame sometimes as these are long tube headers. Maybe shouldve got shorties or mid length...
Btw im a cabinetmaker and knife maker by trade and i know those headers are mild steel and i know if i get them hot enough they'll bend lol which seems to me the best choice. If it doesnt work i may get different ones as i dont really wanna cut my frame.
Anyone here have any knowledge much appreciated.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 12
From: KY
Yeah but damn its not gonna be easy to cut it lol
as for defective part ive heard many say you have to cut the frame sometimes as these are long tube headers. Maybe shouldve got shorties or mid length...
Btw im a cabinetmaker and knife maker by trade and i know those headers are mild steel and i know if i get them hot enough they'll bend lol which seems to me the best choice. If it doesnt work i may get different ones as i dont really wanna cut my frame.
Anyone here have any knowledge much appreciated.
as for defective part ive heard many say you have to cut the frame sometimes as these are long tube headers. Maybe shouldve got shorties or mid length...
Btw im a cabinetmaker and knife maker by trade and i know those headers are mild steel and i know if i get them hot enough they'll bend lol which seems to me the best choice. If it doesnt work i may get different ones as i dont really wanna cut my frame.
Anyone here have any knowledge much appreciated.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 102
From: The Hotel California
ovalhead72 if you are thinking about getting a set of shorty,s. i would go ahead and do it. on a daily driver you most likely will not really be able to tell the difference between the two. imo. is it the pipes that are hitting or is it the collector.?
New User
Joined: Oct 2018
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I wouldn't cut the frame either. If you heat the header to bend it, make something to pressurize the tube(s) with a few psi of air so they don't collapse as you're bending.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2013
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Thanks guys.
ok im considering all options
Attached is video of what it looks like and yes its the collector thats hitting on side of crossmember.
ok im considering all options
Attached is video of what it looks like and yes its the collector thats hitting on side of crossmember.
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Junior User
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No idea how old the mounts are but when i jacked up engine they looked ok i have new ones to install too. Engine seems turned a bit cockeyed idk.
Thats what im thinking beat em up a bit or heat and bend or both.
Thats what im thinking beat em up a bit or heat and bend or both.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 789
Likes: 7
From: Durham, NC
I hate to even suggest it on a new header but if you cut the flange off and welded in an extension it sure does look like it would fit. Long tube adds just a wee bit of horsepower over short.
Another option if it's a concern is to just locate another cross beam to hang onto so that you have a good one to re-install in the future if desired and then cut away. If I cut that beam, I'd want to weld in some gussets.
Another option if it's a concern is to just locate another cross beam to hang onto so that you have a good one to re-install in the future if desired and then cut away. If I cut that beam, I'd want to weld in some gussets.