Header Clearance

[commandercool86]

Hey Guys!

I just got my headers in the ElCo.

Drivers side is touching/rubbing the fuel return or vent line (or whatever it is) just behind the a-arm on the frame. It's the metal line running the length of the car from the gas tank to where the old charcoal canister used to be, ages and ages ago.

Also, the passenger header is touching the upper control arm. My fix for that is to get the headers hot after I get her running and hammer a metal wedge until there's enough clearance.

This is probably a stupid question but should I be concerned about the driver's side touching that line?

 

[lilbowtie]

You need to have clearance - even more if your engine isn't hard mounted. Since the canister has been gone, lose the line but make sure the gas tank is vented. Kinda surprised your having trouble with the upper arm it's usually the lower - in any case I would clearance the a-arm but not so much that you get into the strength of it.

 

[mikester]

You should look at the clearance of the brake lines also. I had to redo the line that goes along the cradle from side to side because the tubes were about an 1/8' from the line. I'll post a photo of the new line later today. I had to do it for both cars.

 

[commandercool86]

You should look at the clearance of the brake lines also. I had to redo the line that goes along the cradle from side to side because the tubes were about an 1/8' from the line. I'll post a photo of the new line later today. I had to do it for both cars.

Luckily I have a good 1-1/4" between the brake line the driver's header. Look forward to your photo

 

[commandercool86]

You need to have clearance - even more if your engine isn't hard mounted. Since the canister has been gone, lose the line but make sure the gas tank is vented. Kinda surprised your having trouble with the upper arm it's usually the lower - in any case I would clearance the a-arm but not so much that you get into the strength of it.

Thanks, I will do that. To vent the tank I think I'll cut the line by the axle, sleeve some rubber fuel line over and tie it up by the filler cap.

As for the passenger header, it's barely rubbing the upper control arm. Below is a photo. I really don't want to cut unless it's absolutely necessary. I already lobbed off the drivers side a-arm ear for clearance. But if I gotta do it, I gotta do it.

I bought a MAP/Pro torch and am planning to torch the spot on the header touching the a-arm and tap the wedge-end of a sleever bar between the header and a-arm until I have a good 1/2" between t hem.

Question for anyone that has moved metal with heat: how long do I need to heat the header with MAP gas before the metal will give?

 

[fleming442]

Just take it out and drive it hard; it will clearance itself.

 

[Doug Chahoy]

Had same problem with my Hooker longtubes. Heat and beat.

 

[commandercool86]

Had same problem with my Hooker longtubes. Heat and beat.

How long do I heat it before I beat it (heh)

 

[Texas82GP]

Mine wasn't touching but I just trimmed the control arm for clearance with a rotary tool....

The bolt is below the tube and is/was not a concern.

**Edit - here is a better shot...

 

[Doug Chahoy]

Just heat till it glows,then repeat if needed.