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Does anyone have experience with the fitment of Flowtech headers on a dentside 2WD with an FE? These are the ones I purchased which are advertised as fitting my application (73 F-250 2WD auto transmission).
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/big-32540flt
I bolted the headers up to the heads today and discovered a serious interference problem with the shift linkage. I don’t know how I’m going to bolt an exhaust system up. See pic below.
Maybe slice a wedge shaped piece out of collector behind the header flange and angle it outward to the left and re-weld so that your exhaust will clear the shift linkage?I don’t see many options other than go with a different set of headers.
Yeah, I don’t see any way that I’m not screwed. Dammit. Did no one from this company actually try to fit these things up to the vehicles they claim that their parts fit?
My setup is similar to yours except for the transmission linkage. The C6 pictured is from TCI so it has a different, more adjustable linkage system. Thus, I did not have the issue that you reported here.
Replacing the stock linkage is not easy in that one must remove the valve body. TCI replaces the stock shift linkage and provides a fully adjustable arm with a number of mounting holes for the stock pin that fits the shift column linkage. There is a delicate little clip there that I had to buy from Dennis Carpenter b/c I destroyed the one on the old transmission getting the pin out to mount on the new gear selector flange. Sorry I don't have pictures of the completed linkage install but I do recall that it was a rather tight fit even with the new, improved TCI shift linkage. I PM'd the part numbers to you so that you can check to see if your headers are the same as mine.
I don’t think that will be the case unfortunately. When in park, the linkage is pretty much in the middle of the tube. I should have gotten a picture looking parallel to the cross section.
Thanks Frank. So you're still using the kickdown linkage? I was just about to send you a PM about that. It looks like the shift lever is now inboard of the kickdown lever. Did you have to modify the linkage from the column to the the lever or the kickdown rod at all? I can purchase the TCI lever as a standalone part. Much cheaper than a new set of headers.
Thanks Frank. So you're still using the kickdown linkage? I was just about to send you a PM about that. It looks like the shift lever is now inboard of the kickdown lever. Did you have to modify the linkage from the column to the the lever or the kickdown rod at all? I can purchase the TCI lever as a standalone part. Much cheaper than a new set of headers.
Yes, the TCI hardware enabled this configuration though I had to lengthen the stock kickdown arm to accommodate the higher intake manifold plus 1" carb spacer. On the transmission end all stock parts work as expected. On the carb end of it I used Edelbrock's kickdown linkage adapter.
The gear selector lever simply cinches down on the outer tube of this linkage (kickdown is inside that) so it has 360º to choose from. Switching to the TCI linkage will require careful planning and execution.
Have you tried just setting a carb and kick down link on it and and putting a reducer in place on the collector. You can easily modify the reducer that will bolt on, easier than modifying the header flange or collector. You could even slightly flatten the reducer and a section of head pipe as they pass the linkage if needed, at the exhaust shop (or your garage) as the installing of pipe takes place.
Doesn't the rod from the column shift come straight down from the top?
OK, thanks again Frank. Not sure if I'll need a kickdown adapter? My Quick Fuel carb came with a kickdown lever on it. I'll probably have to lengthen the arm though since I'm running the same manifold/spacer configuration that you are. Do you happen to have a picture of the setup on the carb?
Have you tried just setting a carb and kick down link on it and and putting a reducer in place on the collector. You can easily modify the reducer that will bolt on, easier than modifying the header flange or collector. You could even slightly flatten the reducer and a section of head pipe as they pass the linkage if needed, at the exhaust shop (or your garage) as the installing of pipe takes place.
Doesn't the rod from the column shift come straight down from the top?
I did hold the reducer up to the flange and the shift lever smacks the thing dead center when it's in park or reverse. It's not even close. I don't think any amount of flattening the pipe is going to help. I'll take another look at it when I get a chance which will probably be in a week or so since my buddy's shop is closed while they're out of town.
And yes, I believe the shift rod comes down almost vertically.
Maybe just pull / brace collector end away a little? OK, I'll drop it.
As to a question asked of another about kick down extension, I made mine long ago, just for an idea. It's a5/16" shaft, uses a E-clip in a groove.
I really appreciate the advice. I'm going to try and see if there's any way I can make it work next time I get to take a look at it. I really don't want to spend hundreds on new headers, and who knows if they'll have the same fitment issues? Modifying the shift lever is easier, but then I'll have to drop the pan and pull the valve body. At that point, I'll just pull the trans back out and ask the shop to do it so I don't void my warranty.
Also, thanks for the pic! I understand what y'all mean now. I don't see any reason why I can't just make my own.
OK, thanks again Frank. Not sure if I'll need a kickdown adapter? My Quick Fuel carb came with a kickdown lever on it. I'll probably have to lengthen the arm though since I'm running the same manifold/spacer configuration that you are. Do you happen to have a picture of the setup on the carb?
Here is the carb with the Edelbrock FE adapter and linkage installed. You can see the accelerator and kickdown links attached. This product is probably specific to Edelbrock carbs.
OK, I'll drop it.
