I have a 1990 L98 car that has the TPIS long tubes on it and I'm going to be changing them out to ARH steped headers, going to a 383. So the TPIS headers have provisions for the alt suport bracket the ARH do not. The instale kit from ARH came with all the gaskets and header bolts and this bent pice of sheet metal that might be what they intend for you to use as a support bracket but its not bent quite right and the header bolts wont go threw it. The headers didnt come with instructions. So here is my question does anybody make a spacerwasher / sleave that I can use to space a longer header bolt out far enough so I can use the OE suport bracket. Thanks in advance

 

Just wondering why the TPIS Headers won't work with the 383? The TPIS headers should flow fine for a 383.
To answer your question, you can probably pick up a spacer or sleeve from any auto parts store or Lowes.

 

I wanted to go with true duel with an x-pipe, plus I changing from the accel bigmouth base and larger tpis runners, I'm going with a mini-ram set up and more rpm. bigger cam, heads and such.

 

find the right bolt. Locate a Fastenal store. If its got threads they have it.

or mfg your own brace. Not that hard. A torch and some flat steel, cut and shape to the exact fit. I made one for my alt that holds it solid to the intake on top and a lower to the header bolt. Don't even need the bracket with the 2 braces installed....

 

Welcome to my world!
I am working on my LT4 and at least you got the header bolts!!
They did offer to pay for my ARP stainless bolts after I bought them from Summit Racing. But no instructions. No alternator support bracket, I had to cut my bracket in 2 pieces and re weld it to make it fit properly. And yes that flimsy bracket. What the hell is that for?
I thought it was for the dipstick tube but no way was that going to fit.
I have them installed and they look very nice, but I am still not happy with how close my cats are to my fiberglass floor. I purchased Thermotec pipe covers for the cats and then I am going to install their adhesive heat barrier on my fiberglass where the cats are 1/2" from them.
I was told not to worry and that 1/2" is enough distance. I suppose if it is not your car that would be true!!! But I don't want my GrandSport catching fire
I don't want to knock the product because the basic headers are very nice but for the price it is a crappy kit. And I thought I did my homework before I purchased the headers (calling them several times to ask about fitment, emissions fittings, bolts, O2 extensions, Cat relocation and heat issues) they told me that the headers will install easier than the old manifolds will come out. And I will have no heat issues and I won't need O2 extensions, etc.. Well everything that I asked about needed to be addressed! If I knew now what I should have been told then, I would never have bought them!! I have spent another $200.00 in parts to get my installation complete! Not happy
But Good luck to you. The headers do look durable once you fit them properly!

 

Grandspt, thanks for sharing your feedback, in addition to your own posting. Your feedback has made my decision a little easier. I've been reading posts on header install and remain impressed with the quality of ARH headers, however the actual install, lack of instructions, something always seems to be missing from the orders will keep me on the sidelines for some time. The OBX headers, apparently have some fitment issues but for a whole let less money you can have the same aggravation once you get past the offshore manufacturing.

 

After some thinking and taking a good look I used exhaust manifold studs Napa #600-3236, for the alt support bracket the threaded nut side of the stud is the same lenght as the headers bolts so it went right in snuged up no problums and the smooth part of the stud is the right lenght, Then just thread a brass nut on the other end to give the bracket some thing to seat against and then another brass nut to secure the bracket and all done. And it looks pretty sanitary too. I used the same studs for the dipstick tube and the ac support bracket also. I'm sure the ARH are a direct fit for the LT1/4 cars but it takes alittle work for the L98 cars but its worth it.

 

neelas, don't be so sure about the direct fit on LT4 cars!
The alternator support bracket will not clear the #1 primary tube. The tube runs right across the bolt hole. I could fit the ARP bolt through it but no stud would clear. And even at that the alternator support rod is angled wrong as it can't clear the primary tube. I tried everything to make it work. I had to cut my support rod bracket and re weld, grind it for the proper angles.
Having said all this I see you are using the stepped headers which may be different then the 1 3/4" headers I installed.

 

Most on here just make a longer brace and use a tube spacer with a stock exh stud off the # 3 bolt hole

 

I just cut the old bracket in half, slid a rod into the bracket, tack welded it, removed it and finished welding it up...A little black paint and it looks like factory original........WW

 

Vetteoz the #3 bolt has two AC support braces already on the stud. No way I could get a third brace onto it. I made mine work out and it looks good. Just one of many inconveniences. For the price of the whole system I did not expect all the issues and I had. Just saying.

 

Youll never need more than a 1-3/4" header on a NA 383 if that saves you some $ and headache

 

These are the ARH stepped headers on my 406

 

383vette, that bracket on the back of th alternator is going to the #2 bolt (#1cylinder) on my LT4. Your bracket is where my two AC brackets are mounted.

 

This was after I modified the bracket. The bracket now looks like this after a welding nip and tuck.

 

I have an old 84 so everything is backwards and upside down.

 

383vette,84 that's Backwards and Upside down but Wheels Up
Very Nice!!!

 

Thanks