warped header flange

[burdar]

Brand new set of TTI small block headers.  I ran into a couple issues with the PS header that I've been working on.  I had to slightly open up the end holes in the flange because the studs in the end of the heads were too far apart.  The header wouldn't slide all the way on to the head.  Then I realized a tube was hitting the block.  My 360 must be a truck block that has an extra boss on the side.  I just got done grinding down that boss for clearance.

Now I noticed that the flange is warped.  I put a straight edge on the sealing surface and there is about 1/8" gap between the straight edge and the center tubes.  Will the center of the flange be sucked in when I tighten the bolts?  Should I install a couple gaskets on the end tubes(none in the center) and tighten the header down?  Will that bend the flange back straight?  Maybe I need to call TTI?

I'm not sure I'm even going to use these headers.  It looks like they hang pretty low at the collector.  I might have to sell these and get a set of shorties.

[sassygreen]

 Sometimes you can cut out the metal between mounting bolt holes. The tubes will spring one way or the other whenthis is done. The tubes are easier to align after this modification. I Learned this from the old doug thorleys that never lined up.

[OUTLAW]

if it is only 1/8 of an inch out the bolts should pull them down fine - remember that is why you use gaskets and they will take up half that gap just as you heat and cool the headers keep snugging them up over time they will go flat again

[AussieMark]

You could bend it straight with a hydraulic press.

[brads70]

I ended up welding a bead around the port and ground it down to suit.