Header clearance issue - Any ideas?

[ztoolman44]

I posted this in my build thread already but thought I might get more responses from the general posts.

I just installed my SBF (1994 Cobra 5.0 with stock headers) and the passenger side header is touching the motor mount plate/mounting tabs. I can remedy with a hammer but wanted to know if anyone else has had success installing a stock SN95 setup in the hot rod truck or what alternatives you have come up with. Something a little less drastic and more appealing but still budget friendly.

Thanks in advance.

157646157647

[ztoolman44]

157650

Something like this perhaps. Not sure if they aim too much at the firewall. Anyone tried these? They appear to be nice and tight to the block.

Thanks again.

[GoDadGo]

Could something like this possibly work?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bbk-15150

[Lickity-Split]

Maybe a local muffler shop could just cut out a 1/4 inch long section of that header tube out up near the header flange at the exhaust port and then bend the tube that much closer to the flange and weld it back together? This should pull the pipe just enough away from the motor mount to offer the clearance you need.

[McGuyver]

Can you hit that motor mount/tab wit a grinder and gain clearance needed?

[ztoolman44]

Could something like this possibly work?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bbk-15150

Kinda hoping someone has already purchased and installed a set of "insert brand here" and can tell me they fit. Don't really want to purchase a set and realize I'm in the same boat.

Thanks for the idea though.

[ztoolman44]

Maybe a local muffler shop could just cut out a 1/4 inch long section of that header tube out up near the header flange at the exhaust port and then bend the tube that much closer to the flange and weld it back together? This should pull the pipe just enough away from the motor mount to offer the clearance you need.

I might try cutting these up if there isn't an off the shelf option known to work. Thanks

[ztoolman44]

Can you hit that motor mount/tab wit a grinder and gain clearance needed?

The headers are hitting before the mount is even fully seated. I don't think I can grind that much off to gain the needed clearance. Need about 1/4 inch just to set the mount flush and even then it doesn't leave much room for engine movement. Perhaps a little off the mount and a little modification to the header. Hoping to find someone running a SBF in the truck and see what they are using. Surprised nobody else is having this issue.

Thanks for the idea though

[narly1]

Perhaps a different set of motor mounts that make the engine sit up a little higher?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZKbOM3tN_s

Earl

[NAZ]

If'n it was me, my first thought would be to raise the engine if I had room. Or fab a new mount on that side. Or modify the header BUT NOT WITH A BFH! I would not go to cast iron manifolds, I'd fab my own headers before I'd go that route.

Good luck, and have fun every chance you get.

[ztoolman44]

Perhaps a different set of motor mounts that make the engine sit up a little higher?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZKbOM3tN_s

Earl

Dang, those are fancy. I think for the money I would just leave the stock mounts and buy new headers. Thanks for the link.

[ztoolman44]

If'n it was me, my first thought would be to raise the engine if I had room. Or fab a new mount on that side. Or modify the header BUT NOT WITH A BFH! I would not go to cast iron manifolds, I'd fab my own headers before I'd go that route.

Good luck, and have fun every chance you get.

Engine is in a good spot. If I raise that then I need to raise the trans then clock the diff... Thinking I will try to modify the header to keep things on budget and see how it goes.

I'm guessing those cast hi-po replica manifolds flow better than the stock crimped headers. lol

Definitely have fun every chance I get. Thanks for the ideas.

[NAZ]

157681

I'd likely cut this section out to modify it for clearance then weld the modified section back in. The little adjustment required could be accomplished by mitering the straight section a few degrees which will have virtually no impact on flow. It's simply an iterative process of trial fitting a new section until you get the clearance you need. Summit Racing is a good source for tubing bends. I usually have a selection on hand for just this purpose. Many times I can make small mods on off the shelf headers to make them fit. Other times, it's easier to just fabricate from scratch. But in your case, making these headers fit will be easy. If you can TIG weld you can fabricate yourself out of all sorts of problems.

Go for it -- it'll be fun.

[wallace18]

I had a similar issue with my 35. I used 0.800" spacers between the block and motor mounts and gained the clearance I needed. I bought the spacers from a hardware store.
See Post #86
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?26958-Wallace18-s-35-Hot-Rod-Pickup/page3

[FF33rod]

I would expect that the fit of the SBF is the same for both the hot rod and the truck. For the hot rod, the suggested header is BBK 15150 - no interference with anything

Steve

[ztoolman44]

157681

I'd likely cut this section out to modify it for clearance then weld the modified section back in. The little adjustment required could be accomplished by mitering the straight section a few degrees which will have virtually no impact on flow. It's simply an iterative process of trial fitting a new section until you get the clearance you need. Summit Racing is a good source for tubing bends. I usually have a selection on hand for just this purpose. Many times I can make small mods on off the shelf headers to make them fit. Other times, it's easier to just fabricate from scratch. But in your case, making these headers fit will be easy. If you can TIG weld you can fabricate yourself out of all sorts of problems.

Go for it -- it'll be fun.

I'm fairly handy with a MIG, have never bit the bullet to buy a TIG. Maybe this is the excuse I need. Thanks

[ztoolman44]

I had a similar issue with my 35. I used 0.800" spacers between the block and motor mounts and gained the clearance I needed. I bought the spacers from a hardware store.
See Post #86
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?26958-Wallace18-s-35-Hot-Rod-Pickup/page3

Seems pretty straight forward, might give this a go. Ill have to see how much that changes the angle of the trans and rear end alignment. Thanks

[ztoolman44]

I would expect that the fit of the SBF is the same for both the hot rod and the truck. For the hot rod, the suggested header is BBK 15150 - no interference with anything

Steve

Thanks, Ill check them out.

[ztoolman44]

Thanks for the ideas everyone. I will be back to work on the truck in another week or so when I get home and will let you know how it goes.