How much clearance should there be between the header and the T-BAR? *quick ?*

[brads70]

Hi all!
I installed my headers only to find they hit on the power steering box , starter and torsion bars!! Car is a 440 Challenger stock mounts. Headman 78038 I paid good money for these, they are for the car with that engine?
Anyhow , I have about 1/4" around the  UNLOADED torsion bars after hammering it and the ceramic coating off!!! Grrrrrr! Is that enough?
The passenger side is close to the inner fender but OK?

[Chryco Psycho]

the T bar sit where it is & doesn`t move , the engine if strapped down will not move much 1/4" should be enough if you use a steel strap across the mount tpo limit movement & prevent the mount from seperating

[brads70]

  Ok thanks I'll button it up then!
 Kinda burns me that they don't fit??? I put headers in my 1986 Buick Regal with a 455 and never had to hammer any thing?? That was a custom install as it never was offered in that year/car?  This is FOR this car, year/engine everything and they don't fit??

[Chryco Psycho]

this is why I don`t buy headmans
 Everything is harder with a Mopar ... we are forgotten

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I have basically the same headers, only 16 gauge steel, so it is easier to pound on with a BFH. 

You should not have had to do anything to the passenger's side. The driver's side does need help clearing the steering box. If you have a mini-starter, that's another whack with the hammer. Trust me, I know the routine.   

  Mike

[brads70]

I have basically the same headers, only 16 gauge steel, so it is easier to pound on with a BFH. 

You should not have had to do anything to the passenger's side. The driver's side does need help clearing the steering box. If you have a mini-starter, that's another whack with the hammer. Trust me, I know the routine.   

  Mike

Yep you know it!LOL Nothing with the passenger side, had to pound clearance for the mini starter, power steering box, and the torsion bar all on the drivers side! I was advised on here to get a mini starter, can't imagine trying to "fit" them with a stock starter?

[erat340]

  Headman? RUN!

[Chryco Psycho]

stock starter actually fits a bit better as it less wide

[BruteForce]

I have a 72 Challenger 340, with tti headers. I also got slightly oversize torsion bars from Firm Feel. The driver's side header was slightly touching the torsion bar. I put in some motor mount shims and was able to achieve about 1/4" clearance.

I'm crossing my fingers it's enough.

[brads70]

I'm surprised to hear that even TTI headers have fitting issues? I thought they were the "be all,end all" I just couldn't justify the price! Glad I didn't spring for them. I would have been REALLY upset if they didn't fit!

[BruteForce]

On the driver's side, they touched the torsion bar. On the passenger side, I had to cut a half moon out of the flange on the lakewood bell housing for it to fit.

[brads70]

Ok so I let the car down off the jack stands and the steering box is hitting again! I had 1/4" before I let it down? Something must have settled or the flex in the chassis? I went to install the steering column now that's hitting too! I beginning to hate headers!

[tommyg29]

Sounds like my Hooker super comp 1-7/8" headers also. Hits the steering box and I think it rattles against the left hemi torsion bar. I also have a regular starter and I dont think it hits.
But at least I dont have ceramic...paying for that and having to smack it with the bfh
It causes the only annoying rattles in the car I dont think I can fix...at least not without replacing them and going another route.

[dodj]

the T bar sit where it is & doesn`t move , the engine if strapped down will not move much 1/4" should be enough if you use a steel strap across the mount tpo limit movement & prevent the mount from seperating

How do you 'strap it down'

[brads70]

How do you 'strap it down'

This is what I used.
http://www.engine-swaps.com/frames/frame_Torquestrap.html