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Header interference....options?

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Old Jun 18, 2016 | 06:27 PM
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robertmee's Avatar
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Default Header interference....options?

So, I dropped the 360 Magnum into my 90 vert today. For doing it by myself with no help, it went pretty well. Lots of up/down, back/forth with the engine hoist, the truck and a jack underneath to support the tranny tail. I think next time, I would wait to install the transmission crossmember until after the tranny is hanging under the truck then install it from underneath. Oh well.

I was worried about the headers, especially the steering shaft/brake side, but turns out I have plenty of room on that side. I ended up with a problem on the passenger side. The collector flange ever so lightly touches the frame. I cant tell if the flange or the engine mount bolt is supporting the engine fully, but there's no gap between either. So I'd rather not take the chance of stressing the headers/head. So what are my options. My first thought was maybe putting a dimple in the frame at that point. The other option I see would be maybe have the exhaust shop cut the flange and rotate it...because even if I dimple it, not sure the exhaust shop is going to be able to bolt up the pipes.

Thoughts?


 
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Old Jun 18, 2016 | 07:55 PM
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Congrats! Remove the header to see if the motor drops or if the header bolts are being torqued by the weight of the motor. If it's not being torqued you can do whatever. Maybe cut the flange off and insert a piece of pipe to extend it down to where it clears the frame. Got to figure that motor is going to move when you punch it so the dimple in the frame would have to be pretty big.
 
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Old Aug 19, 2016 | 08:41 PM
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Amazing what a good welder can do...his welds are better than the factory. The 45 kickoff is my solution to my interference problem.
 
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Old Aug 20, 2016 | 12:11 AM
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That is nice work. Bet that put a smile on your face too, knowing that the header (and your front clip) is going to fit now.
 
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