Header/Steering Box hitting - move engine on mounts?

Discussion in 'Street/strip 400/430/455' started by RoadShark, May 30, 2017.

  1. RoadShark

    RoadShark Well-Known Member

    The shorty headers in my '67 Riv are hitting the steering box. Unfortunately it's right at the welds where the tubes meet the collector, so I don't think I'll be able to dent the headers to gain clearance.

    If I loosen all the motor mount and transmission mount bolts, do you think I'd be able to move the engine just a little? Maybe grind the edge of the steering box a little?

    I dunno - any suggestions would be appreciatedā€¦
    DSC02669.JPG
     
  2. Stevem

    Stevem Well-Known Member

    Grind the box a lot if need be.
    Which way does the motor need to go more, sideways or up?
    Longer motor mount to block bolts with a 1/4" stack of washers inbetween both as saved me a number of times from swinging the 4 lb Ball peen Hammer!
     
  3. RoadShark

    RoadShark Well-Known Member

    It would be best if the engine could move forward just a bit. Up might help a little. but forward is what it really wants.

    I can only grind so much on the box. It's hitting the top plate at one of the ears for the bolts. I could put in a socket head cap screw and bevel the edge of the plate.
     
  4. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    My 68 hits in the same place. Last time the engine was out I heated it with a torch in that spot then used a ball peen hammer to make a relief.
     
  5. RoadShark

    RoadShark Well-Known Member

    Ugh. Thanks for the response. I was hoping for some magic fix, but deep down I think I knew there wasn't oneā€¦
     
  6. ken betts

    ken betts Well-Known Member

    A Bigger hammer is always a magic fix! With a big enough hammer you can make any part disappear!
     
  7. SteeveeDee

    SteeveeDee Orange Acres

    "Tuning dings". Just remember what those guys did to those headers and that didn't hurt the performance.
     
  8. RoadShark

    RoadShark Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the responses. It hits right at the collector weld. Not gonna be a happy place to just ding. Oh well, I'll probably just have to do as Briz suggests...
     
  9. papa roger

    papa roger Well-Known Member

    I've used a good socket of the appropiate size for the indentation needed and placed it on the end of an extension then hit that with a hammer. Leaves a nice smooth rounded indentation that looks like the header was made that way. Doesn't look like the ugly ball peen hammer job. Roger

    On The Eighth Day God Created Buick
     

Share This Page