T-5 swap headache

[given2fly71]

I thought I did all my homework before I started, but I guess I was wrong. I've read through many posts but cant seem to find the same problem to answer my question. Here is the deal: I have a 67' with a 351w with a c-4. I gathered up all the parts for the t-5 swap, and now that I have the trans in I can see that the cable setup is going to be a nightmare with my long tube headers. I have about an inch of clearance from where the cable comes out of the bell housing, is that too close? Should I look into a new set of headers? Or should I just stop with the cable setup and think about going with the hydraulic setup?

 

[rbohm]

if you have a T5 bellhousing, go hydraulic.

 

[jcode68]

+1 for the hydraulic. Lots of guys reporting problems with the cables sticking due to the heat from headers. Hydraulic allows you to plumb the line anywahere you want/need to. Are you running or plan to run power brakes? If so, that will present another challenge.

 

[LMan]

I don't know how you 'did your homework,' yet failed to see that cables + LT headers = trouble. That's probably the one thing every T5 swap thread/article/etc belabors over and over.

I have a cable on mine, but I moved a primary tube over. Took an hour or so, but saving $400 was well worth the time invested.

YMMV.

 

[given2fly71]

Thanks for the advice guys. Hey LMan, as my post says "I thought", I did my homework, and yes I did see posts talking about header trouble, but you never really know what problems you will have untill you get into it. My first thought was to re-locate the tube that is causing me problems. I think I may go that route. How close is too close when it comes to the cable in relation to the header tube? I have a little over an inch, so I was thinking of wrapping the header at the "trouble spot", and fabricating a protective sleave for the cable.

 

[mikemustang289]

An inch is fine. Mine runs pretty close and I fabricated a bracket to hold it from touching the header. As long as it doesn't touch you'll be fine.

 

[given2fly71]

Thanks mikemustang289, thats the answer I was hoping for. Now that I have The bell all tightened up, its a little more than an inch. Thanks again for all the advice guys..

 

[MitchGT]

you can also put on a little heat resistant covering over the cable. I put some on my starter and it made a world of difference.