Hedman Sidemount headers install problems (HELP!?!?!)
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 692
Likes: 69
From: Juneau AK
Hedman Sidemount headers install problems (HELP!?!?!)
What's the secret to get the left side header past the steering box? I have the left side suspension half dis-mantled but still can't get both the header and the steering box past the frame rail.
I've unbolted the steering box from the frame rail, but with the header discharge going at the same angle as the steering box... there ain't room??!!? for both.
Do I have to completely remove the steering box and drop it in from the top after the header is in place? Looks like that's going to involve taking the master cylinder off as well... what a
PIA!!!!
By the way, I'm working on an '81... but this should be the same on anything '68 and forward for C3's. Hedman's instructions are the usual vague "this bolt in this hole" crap.
There's got to be a way...
Ideas? Help? Suggestions?
Thanks!!!
kdlp
I've unbolted the steering box from the frame rail, but with the header discharge going at the same angle as the steering box... there ain't room??!!? for both.
Do I have to completely remove the steering box and drop it in from the top after the header is in place? Looks like that's going to involve taking the master cylinder off as well... what a
PIA!!!!By the way, I'm working on an '81... but this should be the same on anything '68 and forward for C3's. Hedman's instructions are the usual vague "this bolt in this hole" crap.
There's got to be a way...
Ideas? Help? Suggestions?
Thanks!!!
kdlp
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Murrells Inlet SC
The secret is to use a hammer. Assuming that there is only a minor interference, place a small dent in the header to allow for the clearance. Note I said “small”.
After re-reading your post, maybe I misunderstood your question. I was referring to an interference existing after installation, not during installation on how to get it past other obstacles. With sufficient clearances from below I have always been able to 'jiggle' it past obstacles, but then I have a BB. Sorry, I guess I don't have an answer for you.
After re-reading your post, maybe I misunderstood your question. I was referring to an interference existing after installation, not during installation on how to get it past other obstacles. With sufficient clearances from below I have always been able to 'jiggle' it past obstacles, but then I have a BB. Sorry, I guess I don't have an answer for you.
Last edited by MEAN72; Jun 25, 2006 at 02:51 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 0
From: Ridgecrest CA
Originally Posted by CrossedFlags77
It sounds like you are trying to install it from the top. Jack the car up and slide it in from the bottom. I have them as well and have never had trouble installing/removing them.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 692
Likes: 69
From: Juneau AK
After clanging
and banging with the pickle fork I finally seperated the steering box and completely removed the box. As before, I put the header on from the bottom up and loosely dropped in a pair of bolts. Then I dropped the steering box back in place from the top.
Everything fits
, but what a PIA. My steering column was all ready disconnected as I hadn't reconnected it from having the body off. Had I known these headers were going to arrive as quickly as they did I would have waited a few weeks before dropping the body. (By the way, that's a pat on the back for the Jet-Hot guys, what a great bunch to work with. They got my headers coated and rounded me up collectors with oxy bungs and coated them as well. It was like they got here (in Alaska) before they hit the credit card bill....almost.)
Anyway, aside from some reassembly of the tie rods, steering, etc. the job is done. Shouldn't be that big a deal to drop in some headers, but with the side mount style, well they're just a little more bulky... Would be nice if the manufacturer would just let you know up front.
I suspect earlier Corvettes might have a little easier install based on a PM I received.
kdlp
and banging with the pickle fork I finally seperated the steering box and completely removed the box. As before, I put the header on from the bottom up and loosely dropped in a pair of bolts. Then I dropped the steering box back in place from the top. Everything fits
, but what a PIA. My steering column was all ready disconnected as I hadn't reconnected it from having the body off. Had I known these headers were going to arrive as quickly as they did I would have waited a few weeks before dropping the body. (By the way, that's a pat on the back for the Jet-Hot guys, what a great bunch to work with. They got my headers coated and rounded me up collectors with oxy bungs and coated them as well. It was like they got here (in Alaska) before they hit the credit card bill....almost.)Anyway, aside from some reassembly of the tie rods, steering, etc. the job is done. Shouldn't be that big a deal to drop in some headers, but with the side mount style, well they're just a little more bulky... Would be nice if the manufacturer would just let you know up front.
I suspect earlier Corvettes might have a little easier install based on a PM I received.
kdlp
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
hey quick piggy back question, any of you running or have experiance in knowing if angle plug heads work? i have a set of well ported old 292 turbo heads and i believe them to be angle plug. i have read they fit AFR angle plug heads but I am not sure they are the same angle
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Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
I swapped out a set of Headman sidepipe headers for Hooker sidepipes on my '80. Both the Headman and Hookers went in and out from the bottom no problem. Not sure why you had difficulties. The Hookers I had to "ding" for clearance near the steering box because it was close, but still installed no problem.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,936
Likes: 848
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
i used the OBX headers and they went right together . i didn't have to clearance anything, its close to the steering box but it doesn't touch.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 198
Likes: 2
From: St. Catharines Ontario
Glad you got it in finally. Not sure why it was such a PITA for you...I had my hedman headers in and out last summer with no problems at all. Mine is a '78 but not sure why it would make much of a difference.