440 exhaust manifolds

[440 challenger]

I have a 74 440 motor home engine in my 71 Challenger. It has exhaust manifolds on it with casting #3751071 on the pass side and 3751068 on the drivers side. On the pass side there is less than a 5/32 drill bit clearance between it and the valve cover. A little more than 1/2 " on the drivers side. I have looked at a lot of 440's on different cars and they all have lots more clearance. I think the heads are # 231. Any suggestions? Thanks

[72cudamaan]

The manifold was probably warped at some point, so it was milled down. Aside from using double gaskets or having a spacer plate made,you will have to replace the manifold or live with it.

[Chryco Psycho]

I have seen them that close , not much you can do about moving them away , I am not sure the factory castings are all that consistant

[440 challenger]

 I don't want to buy another manifold that is the same way. How hard is it to install TTI headers? Nicks has got a fairly good price on them.

[acudanut]

 Headers.. They create even more problems.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

  How hard is it to install TTI headers? Nicks has got a fairly good price on them.

Headers are no fun, but they do upgrade performance if that is a consideration. You would also have to modify your exhaust pipes. They would have to be shortened, and have collectors welded on to meet up with the headers.