View Full Version : Side pipes too close to ground
hitman912
09-06-2023, 06:19 PM
Hi,
My pipes are too low to the ground. I've found other people looking for help but didn't see any photos of the issue or confirmed solutions. Some people say shim the motor mounts and others say no don't do that. Some say header wedges and some say no.
Anyway, here's a photo and hopefully someone has advice and this can be used for others in the future. You can see the paint can doesn't fit under the pipe.
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Thanks!
First a question -- why are the pipes exiting under the body with no cutout? Any chance you're running 351 headers on a 302 block?
hitman912
09-06-2023, 06:58 PM
Sorry, it's a 289 in the usrrc body. That part of the forum doesn't get much interaction.
Sorry, it's a 289 in the usrrc body. That part of the forum doesn't get much interaction.
Yep - I missed that "little" detail. I probably would have to lean on other 289 builders since I have no experience with the 289.
Dave
hitman912
09-06-2023, 10:40 PM
I'll listen to any advice you have. Maybe the headers, j pipes, side pipes are all similar.
egchewy79
09-07-2023, 06:18 AM
do you have any pics of your header to side pipe interface? are you using straight tube headers or a J pipe? current ride height?
I'm using the ball flange headers from FFR. They do allow for some adjustment in all axis, but not sure of fitment on the 289. 351 headers are longer than 302 headers, which is why I asked that question.
hitman912
09-07-2023, 08:36 AM
Here are some pics.
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AtlantaCobra
09-07-2023, 08:42 AM
Put a 2 inch truck lift on it and you should be good. Sorry, I'm sure the last thing you want is some smartA$$ making comments.
Hope you figure it out. Car looks great from what I can see in the pics.
egchewy79
09-07-2023, 09:04 AM
you should have some flexibility w/ the flange section of the J pipe but ultimately may need wedges. curious that the 289 doesn't have cutouts on the sides of the body. this will definitely put most of your pipe below the level of the body. consider making some hangers for the J pipe so they don't droop over time and to take stress off the shorty headers.
CraigS
09-07-2023, 02:18 PM
When I look at pics of original 289s what always strikes me is how high they were. This was a time a few years ahead of all the racers figuring out that low is better. The OPs pipes look to me like they could be closer to the bottom edge of the body. A 3/8 gap pipe to fiberglass is all you need. If it were mine I'd seriously consider a 1/2 to 3/4 moon cutout in the bottom of the body to allow the pipes to be higher.
rthomas98
09-07-2023, 02:51 PM
What engine and headers you using? If it is a 302 it might be your header is a little longer then the stock manifolds on a 1989-93 mustang. The j pipes were designed assuming a donor engine. So a couple of options one of course is shims to tilt it upwards at the j pipe and side pipe connector. But you do run the risk of sag over time. The other option is find a shorter header (I would call LMR they should be able to help) or try to find a 302 manifold off from a 1989-93 mustang.
hitman912
09-07-2023, 11:55 PM
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Not the best pic of the headers, but they're shorties in a 289.
egchewy79
09-08-2023, 06:14 AM
189843
Not the best pic of the headers, but they're shorties in a 289.
I have the same headers and block. I also have a MK4.
Try adjusting the J pipe at the header interface as much as you can first. then I'd consider a wedge between the J pipe and side pipe.
and again, consider a J pipe hanger at the junction of the J pipe and side pipe to keep the tension off the ball joint.
John289
09-08-2023, 01:51 PM
Not sure if this helps you but I just had my first start and go cart with my 289 with a Boss 302. I only put the pipes on for that and are not adjusted yet. From the side of the can to the bottom of the side pipe there is an additional 1.5 inches of space. There is about another inch on the drivers side. The issue I am seeing is the j-pipe almost hits the 4" round tube and the engine may need to be shifted to allow for more room there. I am assuming you have the shorter j-pipe on the right side? My ride height also has not been adjusted yet but sits at just over 4.5" in the front.
A few pictures for reference.
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cnutting
09-08-2023, 02:05 PM
Looks about right. I just tried the can test on mine, and it doesn't fit either. Never really had an issue in the time it's been road worthy.
hitman912
09-08-2023, 10:39 PM
Not sure if this helps you but I just had my first start and go cart with my 289 with a Boss 302. I only put the pipes on for that and are not adjusted yet. From the side of the can to the bottom of the side pipe there is an additional 1.5 inches of space. There is about another inch on the drivers side. The issue I am seeing is the j-pipe almost hits the 4" round tube and the engine may need to be shifted to allow for more room there. I am assuming you have the shorter j-pipe on the right side? My ride height also has not been adjusted yet but sits at just over 4.5" in the front.
A few pictures for reference.
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That's a lot of space compared to mine! I'll mess with it this weekend and check back in on Sunday.