Header install order......
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Header install order......
This baby is getting closer everyday to being done and we have the lower part of the engine together now. Gonna be dropping it back in soon but I have a question for anyone who may have experience in this....
The car is a 74, 350 with AC. I got a set of Hedmann Headers to install and need to know if I should put them on before I drop the motor back in or if there is enough room to do it after. I'm not sure if the bend in the headers is going to be a problem to deal with. I'd hate to drop it in and then have to take it back out because I can't get them situated. AND I don't want to put them on first and then find they have to be removed to get it in correctly.
Anyone got any info? Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Pat
The car is a 74, 350 with AC. I got a set of Hedmann Headers to install and need to know if I should put them on before I drop the motor back in or if there is enough room to do it after. I'm not sure if the bend in the headers is going to be a problem to deal with. I'd hate to drop it in and then have to take it back out because I can't get them situated. AND I don't want to put them on first and then find they have to be removed to get it in correctly.
Anyone got any info? Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Pat
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 530
Likes: 0
From: Victoria Texas
On the 73 i just did last weekend, I had to have someone hold them in from the top till I got from under the car to bolt them up, I had the engine in it and all bolted up with no problems at all, it is a small block auto car.
I had the car up off the ground about 16" on jack stands.
I had the car up off the ground about 16" on jack stands.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Dropped my engine in without the headers (Flowtech headers). I have mine up on jack stands and installed them from under the car without any problem; plenty of room. Many years ago I heard of people setting the header in the engine bay and tying them up so they are out the way. If you have them attached, see how it goes that way. It's no big deal to remove them if they get in the way.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 763
Likes: 0
From: Loveland Colo
I certainly wouldn't want to try setting the engine in a 'Vette engine bay with them on the motor....It'll be a ladydog to install the starter motor as well. It's really quite easy afterwards, going from underneath.
You may have to clearance them to your steering idler arm. My Hedmanns rubbed on the rubber grease boot. Install them, snug but don't torque up the bolts, mark where it rubs, take it back out, dimple the tube a bit (a torch to heat it to red makes it a lot easier but you can do it cold), and reinstall permanently. Takes a few minutes, but it's worth it.
John
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
I think I would also agree that installing them after the engine is in the bay would be the easier method. I am trying to visualize the extra problems that you may with clearance and position when trying to lower the engine into the bay with the extra width that the headers would add to the overall dimensions. It seems that putting the engine in first, and then adding the headers is the preferred method.
kdf
kdf
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,783
Likes: 2
From: Engineers do it better.
74 header install is easy. Passenger side goes in from top without any issues.
Driver side is from bottom, with someone to hold from top. You 'may' have to remove one spark plug or oil pressure sending unit.
Driver side is from bottom, with someone to hold from top. You 'may' have to remove one spark plug or oil pressure sending unit.
