Who has MAC 1 5/8 longtubes?

[87lc2]

I wasnt worried about installing them until I recentll talked to a few people who have had them. I already have a mini starter, so that souldnt be a problem. However, Ive heard the stock steering shaft wont work, that it will rub. Is this true? I know i have to remove it to install them, but do i really have to replace it with a flaming river? I really dont want to do that, so any information on teh subject is appreciated

 

[04sleeper]

I have installed a few sets of them and I never had to replace the steering shaft.

I have had to remove it as mentioned but never replaced it.

With that being said it is not to say that it is always the case. MAC does not have the best quality or consistency so you may run into an issue.

Another thing to consider is your motor mounts. Different kinds will have the motor sit differently and could cause issues.

I am not trying to scare you but just inform you on what I have seen in the past.

It's best just to bolt them up and see how they fit.

 

[87lc2]

thanks for the info....I have brand new convertible mounts in the car, which i beleive cause the engine to sit lower. I have also heard about the incosistencies in the MAC products. I guess ill just have to put them in and see how they end up fitting ang go from there....thanks

 

[Deece]

I had a set of the 1 3/4 Mac longtubes, fit was decent no problem with my stock starter or the steering shaft. However with the vert motor mounts those things are going to be LOW.... My car is lowered a little over an inch and the collectors are only like 5 inches off the ground.. They would drag on alleys etc. The other issue with the vert mounts is the headers my rub/rest against your K-member (mine did) might wan to either go back to reg mounts or shim them up a bit

 

[87lc2]

Thats good to know...If I end up having to shim the mounts, whats the best way to go about that?

 

[Deece]

I had an old INCON kit that required it they were ust two flat pieces of metal one about a 1/4 inch the other less (you can use the same for each) and all you did was loosen the mounts off the k-member and slide them in they were about 4x4 inches ea with a notch for the bolt to sit between. Otherwise take the motor mounts off the engine and put some spacers (hardened washers) in there. just make sure you still have enough threads going into the block