BOSS 347 header misalignment

[wrw2497]

Has anyone dealt with the small block (hooker) header misalignment on the boss 347 ? the ports are quite a bit higher and apparently so is the head....because the headers now are raised in the opening on the body !! I changed from a crate 302 (6007-XB3M) to the boss 347......running well....but part of the port is definately covered......curious.....thanks

[dallas_]

If it has the Z head, the 351 boss has the same issue.
Stainless Headers has a mock up kit and makes headers that will fit. If it's the same flange, they already have the specs and have made several sets for FFR's.
Reasonably priced and very high quality work.

[wrw2497]

Yes,It's a Z304DA head.....I will check them out....and thank you for the info

[Gopher]

I'm currently working with Stainless Headers to develop adjustable header fixture the heads your using use the same Flange that my AFR heads do. There system works. See Adjustable mock up headers Thread.
There more expensive then FF headers but they are gauranted to fit or they will fix them for free. Chris from Stainless told me I quote "the price will be about 700.00 to 800.00 for mild steel and around 1000.00 for stainless steel and the price will most likely come down with the more sets they make. He says these are a rather easy header to build."Photo's of the fixture can be seen in my Photo bucket page listed in signiture line.

[wrw2497]

Nice to hear from you Gopher....I did see your mock up.....I also talked with Chris (after Dallas turned me on to him)...and he told me exactly what you said.....my FF headers came from hooker and never sealed very well....I put a straight edge on the flange !!!!!!not too good....filed them best I could......so,besides not fitting the new engine ,I need new ones anyway....I might even get more power LOL .....thank you for doing the hard work......It seems, that not only are the ports raised in relation to the bolt holes......but the bolt holes are higher in relation to the block..?? because my headers raised about a 1/2 " in relation to the body !! does that make sense ?

[wrw2497]

Forgot to ask you guys about mufflers.....mine are rattling inside the side pipes !( hooker strikes again) thinking about cutting them out and replacing with plain steel tubing...no mufflers.....I don't have a radio anyway LOL

[JUST RICK]

http://www.stainlessheaders.com/cobraheader

[Gopher]

I can not take all the credit some one else did the original fixturing for the headers. The headers that I got fit well but I wanted a change and this is what became of that conversation with Chris. He needed a guinea pig and a car as a test bed.It was being in the right place at the right time. The headers in the photo's are 1 7/8 primary tubes going into stock FF side pipes to show the fitment. The side pipes I made used Borla header mufflers with 2 1/8 pipes no photo's as of yet.I realy need to find out who did it so I can give proper credit.Found the persons name it is PREDOG4 from the other site.He did the first set.

[wrw2497]

http://www.stainlessheaders.com/cobraheader

Thank you....I would love to see the port side of the header flange....does it closely match the port shape ?which is kind of square ?

[Gopher]

Thank you....I would love to see the port side of the header flange....does it closely match the port shape ?which is kind of square ?
The header flange is a good match to a Felpro 1487 exhaust gasket.

[wrw2497]

Great ! thanks again......could you give me your opinion on cutting out my rattling mufflers and welding in straight pipe in their place.....??

[dallas_]

Thank you....I would love to see the port side of the header flange....does it closely match the port shape ?which is kind of square ?

8998

It's not cleaned up but should give you an idea of what it looks like.

[wrw2497]

I appreciate you showing me that....I believe that is going to work very well....and what a pleasure it will be to use those outer holes instead of trying to fight the bolts next to the tubes !!

[dallas_]

One thing to be aware of is that I have to remove a header bolt to change the spark plugs on 6 of the cylinders. It's no big deal, and maybe different header bolts or a different spark plug socket would prevent that.

[wrw2497]

WHAT...................................that would not be cool....................I have never fouled a plug....even with the webers.....but that would not be cool......I just went out to look at my car.........that wide set of bolts does look like it could be a problem....and with the 3/8 flange and all.....I do not doubt your word.....It just never occured to me that could be a problem.....at first I thought you were kidding.....I do look at my plugs on occasion.....are you burning your boots on the flange or bolts ? I know drag racers that will only use 4 piece flanges on similar heads....now I wonder/know why.......I'll bet your flanges are right up to your valve covers too....???