Dang Gum Headers!!!

[Juan_Hong_Loe]

Well, I have a TPI350 in my buggy from a 89 Camaro. When I was purchasing headers I decided to try direct replacement headers for the camaro because I knew they would clear all the plugs, sensors, etc. I bolted the passenger side up and man did it look good. On to the drivers side and dang it, wouldn't ya know it, issues! I really liked the way the passenger side fit and didn't want to send them back just yet. After looking online for a while I decided to just try to modify the one on the driver side. Well in doing so I took a few pics just in case someone else ran into the same situation down the road. However I am still not finished because I still have about a 1/2-3/4" to go. But the way I modified them only allowed me to move them as much as I did. Pics were taken with camera phone so sorry if they are kinda crappy (wife had camera hid somewhere). On to the story!

Here's the issue that I had, have. the header hits the upper control arm about 4-5" before full compression.


Then I marked the header at an angle so I could cut it. I just eyeballed the angle and hoped for the best. ;D


Not a good pic but this is what it would look like if I just put it back together like it was.


Now after you have cut the header, just rotate the smaller piece 180* and line it back up as good as you can.


Here i have clamped it in a vise just so its not so awkward to hold while welding.


After you have tacked the two pieces back together check to make sure it will work. For me I had to go back to the chop saw one more time and put a little more angle on the bigger half. But after the second cut I can't cut anymore because of interference with the oil filter.


Not too good of a pic but here it is welded back together.


And here is the almost final modified header.


As you can see I have just a little more to do.


Daniel

 

[BamaTJ]

Man that is a tight fit!

 

[Juan_Hong_Loe]

Oh yeah, I might have to run a remote oil filter thingy. Does anyone have any pics of one installed on a block. I need to get a reference to make sure I can make that plan C. ;D

Daniel

 

[blacksheep10]

ha, before I finished scrolling I was going to suggest that, but you got to if first.
get one off a tbi 4.3 4x4 blazer. I just scrapped another one 2 weeks ago. I think I have one saved in teh shop, but I cut teh hoses. the mount would be the same, though, just need hoses. I can send it bama way with miles if you need.

 

[P]

ha, before I finished scrolling I was going to suggest that, but you got to if first.
get one off a tbi 4.3 4x4 blazer. I just scrapped another one 2 weeks ago. I think I have one saved in teh shop, but I cut teh hoses. the mount would be the same, though, just need hoses. I can send it bama way with miles if you need.

LOL, I was going to suggest the same thing / vehicle... my ol S10 had one. laughing

 

[rock mafia]

IIRC the oilfilter adapter bolt holes are not the same between a 350 an a 4.3.

 

[InDaShop]

Had I thought I could have taken some pics of mine when i had it all torn a part a weekago. Sorry.

Yeah the 4.3 is different, is what I've read as well. no idea why.....

 

[P]

IIRC the oilfilter adapter bolt holes are not the same between a 350 an a 4.3.

thats queer as hell.. laughing

 

[blacksheep10]

sounds like you're gonna have to switch to a 4.3 now. I can get you that adapter whenever you get the new engine in









































any chance of a weld up/ redrill or too ghetto?

 

[3 tons o fun]

Now tha damn O2 sensor is going to hit!!!! What the hell were you thinking????

 

[Marty]

Now tha damn O2 sensor is going to hit!!!! What the hell were you thinking????

You have a good point....might need a 90* for that

 

[Juan_Hong_Loe]

The O2 Sensor bung hasn't got a hole through it so I dont have to run it where it is.

Got the header fixed tonight. Has about an 1/8" of clearance at full stuff. It's ugly as sin but after 3tonsofun grinds it, it'll be perty! ;D

Here are the pics.

 

[InDaShop]

Off topic but....do you work with the wedding ring on? Or is that just when you were taking pics.
I know several guys that have never taken theirs off, and work, weld, whatever. I myself have almost removed a finger with out the ring, so I can't imagine what would have happened had I had a ring on. Prolly torn my hand in two.
Seriously a huge safety hazard, and my wife understands that and is cool if I don't rock mine 24/7.
Just me being a safety prick. Proceed, header looks smooth.

 

[Marty]

i actually asked him that a couple weeks ago. I dont think he can take it off very easy. I have heard some horry stories but I'm not married so dont have that problem dunno

 

[blacksheep10]

I wear mine on saturday nights. sometimes to church on sunday If I don't think I'll be picking up (we go to different churches) laughing

 

[Juan_Hong_Loe]

Off topic but....do you work with the wedding ring on? Or is that just when you were taking pics.
I know several guys that have never taken theirs off, and work, weld, whatever. I myself have almost removed a finger with out the ring, so I can't imagine what would have happened had I had a ring on. Prolly torn my hand in two.
Seriously a huge safety hazard, and my wife understands that and is cool if I don't rock mine 24/7.
Just me being a safety prick. Proceed, header looks smooth.

Can't take it off unless its really cold outside and I got it lubed up. I always wear Tillman work gloves when I am working no matter what now. I cut my hands and have to go to get stitches way too often. Ask Cole or 3 tons o fun about it. It's also Titanium so I'm screwed either way. I figured I'll just take my chances. dunno

 

[3 tons o fun]

Yeah he can go as frankenstein for halloween and not dress up

 

[blacksheep10]

you need harder hands. I still weld and cut with nothing or jersey gloves. Mine seldom cut

 

[Bones]

My wedding ring caused me far more issues than a cut finger.

 

[Juan_Hong_Loe]

you need harder hands. I still weld and cut with nothing or jersey gloves. Mine seldom cut

Hands are pretty tough. I just used to not give a ****. Go full on and not be scared to put my hands in place they probably shouldnt belong. But now that it has started costing me money and me not being able to work when I am all cut up I try to take care of them a littel more. Also luck has a lot to do with it. I had a bucket of bolts and i was trying to find that certain one an I raked my hand through the bolts, and would't you know it a damn razor blade in the bottom and 4-5 stitches later. I was thinking Huh, I need a bolt bin!