This can't be a normal header fitment?

[brads70]

Hi All!
Just looking over my new to me 70 Challenger. This can't be normal for headers to fit this crappy! This is how the car came, I have no idea what brand of headers these are? I'm thinking of buying new headers, looking at headman? Any thoughts? The previous owner made His own motor mounts. I think I will go over the mounts as the welds look a little shabby! This was a 6 cyl car with a 440 transplant. Can anyone give me some measurements to see if the engine is in the correct spot? Maybe that's why they fit so bad, or maybe they are not for a challenger and he "made them fit" ? They hit the torsion bars the steering column and the steering box??

[72hemi]

With power steering that is about what you are going to find on a big block for header clearance. The only thing that might be better would be TTI headers or Hooker Super Comp, but than you are looking at around $700 for a set, and with the engine mounts being fabricated like that TTI's or Hooker may not fit that well either.

[71chally416]

Aren't Big Blocks great? 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Do yourself a favor... ditch that FRAM filter!! 

[NoMope Greg]

I have a big block with headers - no-names - and the fit is nowhere near that bad.  Those look like they might be headers for another application forced in there.

You can buy new mounts from Schumacher that will be much safer than those homemade mounts.

[72hemi]

It doesn't look like the Schumacher mount kits would work in this application because the K member has been modified to accept the big block mounts. The best route to take is to buy a k member and replace it.

[73Chally]

Is this a project car you're going to tear down, or just fix it up and drive it for a while?  If it is a project, you need to pull the engine and square away what looks like a number of issue (K-frame, mounts, headers, power steering setup to name a few).  At a minimum you need to fix the mounts.  That looks like death warmed over.

[Chryco Psycho]

most headers are aweful fit ,Hedman will not allow the mini starter to fit at all Hookers will hit as well , TTi are the best , never tried Dougs , they may be ok

[drewcrane]

Those headers fit like socks on a rooster,man whew see ya wouldnt want to be ya

[brads70]

Thanks for the replies! First ya I know about Fram filters thanks! They are junk! They are well known to come apart inside resulting in no/low oil pressure! Yes I agree the weld job is very scary!LOL I plan on addressing that.What a mess!
 If I can find a decent  ( not bent or rusty)replacement k-frame I'll change it! But for now I plan on re-welding and gusseting the mounts and replacing the rubber mounts with a  blow proof style! I plan on getting this car mobile and drive it for this summer and down the road I plan a complete tear down. Repaint +++++ you know how that goes!LOL
For now I have to install a magnaflow exhaust system so I would like to get a better fitting pair of headers! I was looking at headman #78038. Anyone use these? How's the fit?  I want to use these as I would like to down the road use firm feels idler/pitman arms for quicker steering. I agree the TTI look the best but they don't fit with the quick steering set-up.
Although it is "tight" it looks like it is possible to have headers that fit better around the steering column??? and the torsion bars! I could see a small "dimple at the steering box, but the rest sure is sloppy engineering! Any thoughts?
Thanks Brad

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I was looking at headman #78038. Anyone use these? How's the fit?  I want to use these as I would like to down the road use firm feels idler/pitman arms for quicker steering. I agree the TTI look the best but they don't fit with the quick steering set-up.
Although it is "tight" it looks like it is possible to have headers that fit better around the steering column??? and the torsion bars! I could see a small "dimple at the steering box, but the rest sure is sloppy engineering! Any thoughts?
Thanks Brad

Brad,

  I just put a new set of Hedman's on my 440. I just went with the oridinary ceramic coated, as opposed to those Elite's that you are looking at. You will need to make small dents to get around the steering box. I also had to make a dent to get the mini-starter in there. That set that you have on there now is scary loooking. It looks like that last tube is almost flat on one side to get by the steering column.   


  Mike

[brads70]

Brad,

  I just put a new set of Hedman's on my 440. I just went with the oridinary ceramic coated, as opposed to those Elite's that you are looking at. You will need to make small dents to get around the steering box. I also had to make a dent to get the mini-starter in there. That set that you have on there now is scary loooking. It looks like that last tube is almost flat on one side to get by the steering column.   


  Mike

Thanks for the reply Mike!
I'm not in the "loop" with mini-starters? Do you think a stock starter would fit better?  (That's whats on it now.)Worce? How was the fit around the steering column?
Someone got really caried away "fitting" the headers on now!!!!!

[73Chally]

Since you're pulling the headers, I would put in a mini starter.  They are about half the size and weight of a stock one, and the newer ones have a bunch more torque.  A stock starter should fit with the right headers, but I'll be replacing mine the next time I have to pull a header.

[ntstlgl1970]

Inexpensive aftermarket headers fit this way (in my experience) The last set of hookers I had on my car needed pretty much all the same dents the ones on your car have. Including denting the one primary tube that rubbed against the torsion bar for about 18" of it's length. The more expensive headers seem to fit better and not drag on the ground.

[quapman]

IMO, I would not attempt any new header/exhaust install without first REPLACING that K-frame. I've been down this road before with the home-grown mounting points and it makes EVERYTHING a nightmare. You could have mis-alignment issues in all directions, even front/back.

K-frames can be swapped with the motor in, you just have to suspend it with a picker while you're doing the work underneath. Of course, the front of the car will have to be on stands, too.

Steve