The headers are in for the umpteenth time. They'll come out again and there are still some issues to solve but, all-in-all, I think they fit pretty well considering they weren't designed for this application. The plan is to do the engine improvements (Performer intake, QuickFuel carb, Performer RPM heads, Lunati roller rockers, Lunate cam and lifters, double roller timing sprockets/chain and, of course, Hooker 6126s) but first do the exhaust. Gotta get mufflers on before the cam break in if I want to stay on friendly terms with the neighbors.
Driving a few miles with the headers installed is probably going to leave 1-3 witness marks on the headers. When they come back out for the engine work, the witness marks will let me know where to do a little massaging.
These are the issues with the header install:
Left Side:
1. Shifter bell crank. It was in contact with the headers. Another pair of holes was drilled in the frame-side bracket to mount it back 9/16". That gave at least 1/8" clearance and the shifter still works OK with the bell crank a little crooked.
2. Minimal or no clearance with the frame. Expect to see a mark on the headers.
3. Minimal or no clearance with the adjusting stud on the steering box. Probably another mark.
4. Transmission cooling lines. I removed about 3" from both lines where they go under the transmission to allow them to be shifted away from the headers. Spliced them together with 3" of transmission cooler rubber tubing. That provided adequate clearance for the left header.
No problem with the headers contacting the transmission cross member, as was reported in the Lincoln forum, and it lines up well in front of the hump in the cross member. Another installer had to cut the collectors and curve them down to fit in the cross member hump. Maybe the headers changed or ?????
Right Side:
1. The headers sat right on the brake line for the RF caliper and on the fuel tank vent tube.
a. The fuel tank vent tube was cut and re-routed to get it out of the way.
b. The brake line was bent to get some clearance. Clearance will be adequate for a few mile drive to the exhaust shop but its still too close. It'll be re-routed when the engine is out. This view is from the top.
2. The holes in the header flange were not spaced perfectly. I drilled them out another 1/64" and elongated the 2 end holes a bit to let the bolts start.
3. Transmission cooler lines. Removing pieces of the lines where they go under the transmission provided enough clearance on the right side for the trip to the exhaust shop but they're still too close. The header will be wrapped on that spot for the trip to exhaust shop but the cooler lines will have to be re-routed. That'll get worked on when the engine is out.
No problem with the header hitting the transmission cross member and the collector lines up nicely in front of the hump in the cross member.
I'll call Monday for an appointment with the Henry's Muffler Shop. Hope to get it done next week.