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Engine install: With or Without headers on?

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Old Dec 4, 2002 | 10:38 AM
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Default Engine install: With or Without headers on?

Is it possible to lower the smallblock into a C3 with headers already on the engine, or is that just dreaming?? :lol:

If not, then how do you install a dipstick tube into the motor with it IN THE CAR?? I'm assuming that is the only real obstacle.

Headers are HedMan 68301's (Ceramic) and the engine will be a 383 with regular Chevy 1.94 Cast Iron heads. (smog legal ya know.. )


[Modified by SanDiegoPaul, 3:40 PM 12/4/2002]
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Old Dec 4, 2002 | 10:41 AM
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Default Re: Engine install: With or Without headers on? (SanDiegoPaul)

I would not do it myself because it is very tight and you might scratch the heck out of them. It is not vey hard to put them once the engine is in and the acc are not on. Plus they will block the motor mounts a bit making it harder to get those bolts in.

But the engine does looks :cool: on an engine stand with headers attached. :yesnod:


[Modified by Fevre, 9:42 AM 12/4/2002]
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Old Dec 4, 2002 | 10:49 AM
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Default Re: Engine install: With or Without headers on? (SanDiegoPaul)

Wrap the headers in a blanket or something similar and place them in the engine compartment. Then install the engine. That way you're not maneuvering the engine with the headers on it, but you don't have to maneuver the headers in with the engine already mounted. That's the way I did mine and it saved me a ton of trouble.

:cheers:
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Old Dec 4, 2002 | 10:50 AM
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Default Re: Engine install: With or Without headers on? (Fevre)

Set the headers in the engine bay...then lower the motor in.. That will keep you from bangin them up....
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Old Dec 4, 2002 | 10:52 AM
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Default Re: Engine install: With or Without headers on? (SanDiegoPaul)

The dipstick tube was the only thing I had to remove. Its only a press fit.
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Old Dec 4, 2002 | 12:36 PM
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Default Re: Engine install: With or Without headers on? (Stewart's74)

The dipstick tube was the only thing I had to remove. Its only a press fit.


Thanks mucho. How do you press it in there though? I'm looking at the way the oem one is (location) and wondering how to get TO it later?? Gosh never had this problem with other hot rods :smash:


[Modified by SanDiegoPaul, 5:36 PM 12/4/2002]
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Old Dec 4, 2002 | 01:06 PM
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Default Re: Engine install: With or Without headers on? (SanDiegoPaul)

What I did with my dip stick is to take some sand paper and take the end that goes int othe block and reduce its diameter a little. Make it a slip fit instead of a press fit. When you install it put some good sealer on it and let it dry. This way if you ever have to remove the headers you can just pull the dipstick out with out ruining it. I have had mine out 3 times wit hthis trick.
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Old Dec 4, 2002 | 01:36 PM
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Default Re: Engine install: With or Without headers on? (Gordonm)

I installed my full length headers after the engine was in place. No problem putting the dipstick back in either. Guess that doesn't help you much. :rolleyes:
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Old Dec 4, 2002 | 01:48 PM
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Default Re: Engine install: With or Without headers on? (SuprJames)

I installed my headders after setting the engine in the bay. After I installed the engine I put the car up on jackstands to connect everthing under the car (tranny, starter, etc.) I got to looking and my headders (headman's BTW) slipped right in from under the car. It was very easy and I'll never do it another way again.
John
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Old Dec 4, 2002 | 04:19 PM
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Default Re: Engine install: With or Without headers on? (SanDiegoPaul)

I installed my engine first then headers. The headers would not go on with the dipstick tube in place so i cut the flange on the headers to allow them to slip on past the dipstick tube. I have tried to install the dipstick tube with the engine in the car and could never get a satisfactory seal. Much better to put the tube on with the engine out the car IMHO.
David :)
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Old Dec 4, 2002 | 04:31 PM
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Default Re: Engine install: With or Without headers on? (SanDiegoPaul)

You can install the headers on the motor, IF you remove the steering box...some work, but then again, six of one, half dozen of the other.
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