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Just dropped my new 390 onto the chassis and it was really difficult to get the motor mounts to line up right because there is so little room between the driver side header and the steering gear box:
Anybody think it will be a problem for them to be that close? By the way, these are the cheapo shorty headers from a popular auction site. I was going to have the exhaust man weld the headers to the pipe to reduce the likelihood of leaks, but I guess if I ever need to do anything with the gear box I’ll need to be able to remove that header. So I guess my concerns are both exhaust leaks and heating up that gear box.
First, your engine mount towers could be flexed outward a bit. Mine are, and I plan to install spacers to correct it...one day. Second, I wouldn't leave like that. When the engine mounts flex under torque, that tube is gonna rub on the steering gear. Don't be afraid to hammer on that tube to get 1/2" or so of clearance.