Yet Another Header Clearance Thread

[Wizbangdoodle]

I am just a smidge away from go-kart stage. Actually started up yesterday for the first time. Man, she just popped off immediately, which made me very happy.

Anyway, when I look at the clearance from the header bell to the DS footbox, it is very close. I am using Gas N' headers, so I do have some adjustment there, but looking at the picture, you might be able to slide a piece of paper between the flange and the sheetmetal. Right now, I have the sidepipes aligned where I think they will go. Even if they are moved a bit, I'm not sure how much clearance I'm going to get. Thoughts and opinions are appreciated.

209779

[JohnK]

That's pretty tight. The ball flange does give you some adjustment ability. If you add a wedge or two, you'll be able to move the flange forward and get some clearance. This is an extreme example, but this is what I had to do, to give you an idea (in my case, I was moving it backwards so you'd orient the wedges in the opposite direction):

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=183499&d=1682399718

[Wizbangdoodle]

Wow, that's a lot of offset. I hope it doesn't come to something like this.

[gbranham]

Can you loosen your motor mount nuts and twist the engine a bit? You wouldn't need to move it much to get quite a bit of clearance there.

[Wizbangdoodle]

I might have to give that a try. Not sure what kind of clearance others have on their car, but I'm guessing a half inch or more might be enough?

[F500guy]

Hard to tell from the picture, but I think you need to aim the ball forward (there should be more clearance between the flange and wall) then use a wedge to bring it back in line with the body. With out the body, you are guessing at clearance and it looks like the pipe is to close to the frame. I just wrapped up mine a couple weeks ago and what looked good at go-cart was not close with the body on. On Driver side I used wedges to get the tip back out along the body.

[GoDadGo]

1. Is the engine and transmission sitting square within the chassis?
2. Would it be possible to scoot the driveline forward 1/4" to 1/2"?
3. A little wiggle room goes a long way with most clearance issues.
Good Luck & We Know You'll Get It Sorted!

[gbranham]

I might have to give that a try. Not sure what kind of clearance others have on their car, but I'm guessing a half inch or more might be enough?

My 427 SBF with the FFR headers sits with probably 3/4" clearance where you have none.

[rich grsc]

Gas N' headers. Send them back and have them re-welded, that's not enough, and not right

[Wizbangdoodle]

1. Is the engine and transmission sitting square within the chassis?
2. Would it be possible to scoot the driveline forward 1/4" to 1/2"?
3. A little wiggle room goes a long way with most clearance issues.
Good Luck & We Know You'll Get It Sorted!

Yes, engine and transmission sit square and level, although I'm not opposed to nudging it one way or the other.

I don't think I have any room to move it forward.

When I get the chance, I'll try what F500guy said and move the ball around to see if it creates anymore clearance. Without the body on, I'm not going to get too worried about it quite yet, but want to be prepared for the future. Thanks for the tips guys.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Yes, engine and transmission sit square and level, although I'm not opposed to nudging it one way or the other.

I don't think I have any room to move it forward.

When I get the chance, I'll try what F500guy said and move the ball around to see if it creates anymore clearance. Without the body on, I'm not going to get too worried about it quite yet, but want to be prepared for the future. Thanks for the tips guys.

Until you have the body on you’re shooting blind.

Jeff