Youngvettehunter

I just got some ceramic coated hooker super comp long tube headers for $100 on craigslist! and put em in (frame off) everything fit good except the z bar engine stud is directly behind a tube... What should I do??? Im thinking maybe fab up a different linkage but any suggestions?

Dynra Rockets

dimple the tube slightly. The engine doesn't move fore and aft so just a small clearance so you don't get a rattle/resonance is all that is needed.

That's what I had to do for my Borgeson install. My original plan was to use a set of early C4 exhaust manifolds I had as they cleared the Borgeson but when I went to install them I discovered the low positioned tubes fouled the Z bar. I ended up having to use a 81 exhaust manifold on the drivers side to clear the Z bar but then had to dimple it slightly due to the high positioned tubes to clear the Borgeson.

A couple wacks with the rounded end of a ball-peen hammer did the trick.

So for those counting I have a 84-90 C4 manifold on the passenger side and a 81-82 C3 manifold on the drivers side.

R

The Punisher

If the tube is right behind z bar stud I would sell the headers and buy the correct ones. To pay to have the header re-welded would be costly and to convert to a hydraulic clutch would be costly as well

TimAT

Something is not right.

C3 4ME

I have ceramic coated Hooker Super Comps on my 79 and there is no clearance issue with the Z bar on mine.

Youngvettehunter

Any pics to verify I have the same ones?

540 vette

You have the wrong headers. I have super comps on mine and they clear everything fine.

Lobzila

As others have pointed out, you have the wrong headers. I have a set of Hooker Headers ans side pipes and no clearance issues with either my steering box or Z-bar. Sell em for 200.00 and get the right ones.
So, I am at work and was thinking I could take pictures of it for you when I get home, then I remember my car is here at work and I went and took some shots for you. One from above looking down and one from under the car.
Hope this helps.

Ed

Youngvettehunter

is there anyway i can make it work with the headers i have now

The Punisher

Nope

Dynra Rockets

See post #2 "dimple the tube slightly "

Youngvettehunter

that wont work because the tube would almost be crushed before it fit.

Revi

Yes, you can keep the headers and sell the car. Then purchase the vehicle that the headers were made for.

Dynra Rockets

Well then you only two otions I can see are cutting the offending tube out and welding in a tube that fits better or eliminating the Zbar with a hydraulic throwout bearings. Both of which are a lot of work so selling the headers to a guy with an automatic and buying proper ones seems the way to go.

I suppose you could call Hooker and ask if they will sell you just the drivers side header to fit a 4-speed.

carriljc

I bought the wrong headers and ended up having to modify them to fit.

Here is my story - see post 8:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1579144595

Just get the correct headers. Mine still work, but they don't look the best with that fabricated tube I had to make.

AboveTheLogic

I have some headers I took off my '79 that cleared the factory z-bar. Just sitting in my garage. PM me if there is interest and I'll take some pictures so we can talk reasonable numbers. Would be good to see them put to use. I ran them on my '79 4-speed (at the time) up until I installed side pipes.