clearancing headers while still installed?

[mrmustangman357]

the hedmans on my 351W in my 66 have one spot where the tube is touching the shock tower. Any bright ideas how to clearance it without removing the headers? I was contempleting heating it with MAP gas and taking a chisel to it to wedge the two apart. I have the motor sitting exactly where I need it, so no shimming or other tomfoolery allowed.

 

[dennis112]

I suggest loosening the motor mounts and jacking the motor up an inch or so. That should give you a more direct hit using a blunt object. Be careful using a chisel as you don't want to puncture the tube.

 

[mrmustangman357]

its right on the corner and I don't think I can get it jacked up enough to clearance it with a hammer. Anyone else have a special method they use? I am using the motor mounts that mount the engine lower for clearance with the hood but unfortunately it is making my headers hit

 

[valley firearms]

motor mounts

its right on the corner and I don't think I can get it jacked up enough to clearance it with a hammer. Anyone else have a special method they use? I am using the motor mounts that mount the engine lower for clearance with the hood but unfortunately it is making my headers hit

What motor mounts are you using? The Ron Morris Performance motor mounts can allow you to move the engine back and forth and side to side. He also has the same motor mount with a 1/2 drop. I am curious because when I get ready to put my 349 in, I will have clearance issues with the Weiand supercharger.​

 

[mrmustangman357]

I am using the i stud stock style one. It supposedly lowers the engine in the chassis about 1/2 inch. I didn't think to try moving the engine back; it hits right on a corner

 

[chromedog]

you can try loosening the four bolts that hold the engine to the mounts, jack the engine up until theres no weight on the mounts, and pry it over away from the shock tower.

 

[CraigMBA]

Mark it up with a shapie, and pull it out of the car. Bolt/clamp it to something solid and hammer away.

I know you don't want to take it out, but I don't think you have any other choices.

 

[mrmustangman357]

I really hate removing these headers. I did it twice already and they are a ---- um. . . . . Thanks for the tips though. If I can't get to the dang header, I'll just have to jack it and pull it. (the trans cooler lines and the h pipe are already removed in preparation for the T5) (yay)

How can I tell if the header gasket is still useable? If it comes off in one piece? I had it on the car for a whole 130 miles