Patriot Header installation

[chargerdon]

I have a la 360 engine dropped into my 74 Challenger.     The car came with a new set of Patriot Full Length headers that were purchased by previous owner at Summit.   See:  http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pte-h8206-1     

What do I have to do to Install these headers??   Anyone have any experience with them??    Please recognize that I do not have the mopar cast exhaust to even think about.   

I am NOW guessing that being full length headers they cannot be installed from the top with engine installed.   Will they go in with the engine in place from the bottom, or should I unbolt the engine mounts and raise the engine as far as the transmission allows??   Or unbolt engine from transmission and raise it up higher and then drop the headers in?? 

Or leave engine in place and raise car as high as possible and go in from the bottom??   

Advice is appreciated  !! 

[chargerdon]

Wow...  Summit tech support pretty doggone good.    Called them and asked for installation instructions, which they did not have.    The Tech said that he had a 73 cuda with a crate 360 and he installed headers a couple of years ago.   He then searched for me and knowing that Patriot headers are made by Pertronix he went to their web site and found the correct instructions!!    If anyone is interested the url is:  http://www.pertronix.com/docs/instruction-sheets/H8206%20Installation%20Instructions.pdf 

Following their instructions I managed to wiggle them into place without too much trouble.   So far the problems I'm having are:
1) The center link bar goes thru the headers and its a tight fit.    I might have to take drivers side back off and hammer in a dimple.   Wish the headers had been 1/2 longer.  RIght now they are even with the bottom of the extra capacity Moroso Oil pan.    Or another option is to loosen the power steering box and put in a shim on the top that should lower the Pitman arm about 1/2 inch.   OR both if needed. 

2) You have to raise the engine 2 - 3 inches to wiggle in the headers on both sides.   Problem now being that there isnt enough clearance to get bottom motor mount bolt back into the frame.   Going to buy 1/2 shorter bolt (using 4 " right now to see if it gets the clearance.   

So far no issues on the passenger side.   Will keep you posted.   PS...they look real good!!

[73_Cuda_4_Me]

 

[dfrazz]

They will last about 5 min before being completely crushed.  You need to either go with mainfolds, or get a set of headers that go up and over the linkage.  TTI and Dougs make those.

[GreenFish]

one trick i always do when installing headers is loosen/remove motor mounts and rock the engine one way or another to make room. Not sure if that helps you because I don't know your exact issue but it may help.