exhaust header clearance

[mdutton11]

So I have about 400 miles on my MK4 and was finally installing my side louvers. Drivers side exhaust collector (newer ball flange connection) and Gas n Pipes are spot on with at lease 1/2 inch clearence to the body. Passenger side collector has 1/4 - 3/8 clearance and I am worried about heat / paint / fiberglass. I have loosed all bolts on the flange and jiggled / wiggled but I cannot get more clearance - ideas?

[Cobraman]

This seems to be a issue that comes up often and is usually solved by loosening motor mounts and moving engine to make equal on both sides. Also with that said I would make the opening slightly bigger than is directed by FFR the reason I say this is I have a Freind that found this out the hard way after it was painted and it bubbled the paint. You can only imagine after an $$$$$$$ painting bill. So after talking to the painter he slightly oversized the opening solving the problem and hope this helps.

[Cobraman]

I have also read that some apply some heat shield on the inside around header exit to reflect the heat. I'm sure some others will chime in with som other good advice. Hopefully this gets you headed in the right direction.

[rich grsc]

That's enough, I had just under a 1/4" and never had any problems.

[mdutton11]

Thanks for the advice - I had thought about shifting the engine but really didn't want to get that deep into it. Also thought about enlarging the opening but I am already painted and really don't want to screw the paint job up. I like the 3rd option of having 1/4 inch clearence and no issues but I am still worried about it. Those who have bubbled the paint - any idea how much clearance they had?