T/A shorty headers.

Discussion in 'Pro-Touring' started by redsixty9, Mar 8, 2015.

  1. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    Did you ever have a build that was going smooth until you hit that inevitable bump in the road. Yesterday when I put my 464 in my 69 GS400 pro-touring build everything went smooth until the T/A shorty install. Whammo drivers side header has severe issues. The steering shaft interferes with the 2nd tube. Not just a little but a lot. Basically hacked up my new shorties. Had to heat up the tube and dimple the sh@t out of it. Then I cut the and ground the steering shaft as much as I could to clearance the header taking as little metal as I could not to compromise the strength of the shaft. Doing this to minimize the the dimpling of the tube. Still rather skeptical about the flow of the tube. I bought the shorties to pick up ground clearance. Still glad I bought them I might have the tube redone when the car is repainted next year. Buyers of the shorties beware they are not just a bolt in header at least on my 69 GS400. Maybe I did something wrong. This isn't my first build but this bump certainly was a pain in the ass. I will post pictures of the mutilation when I finish this morning. Makes me want to puke.
     
  2. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    On the Riv mine fit near perfect. I was even able to bolt them to the head and then drop the complete assembly into the car. Only rub was just slightly on the back upper edge of my steering box and that was on the collector. Little dimple and no more problems.
     
  3. afracer

    afracer Well-Known Member

    I really wanted to run these on my 71 that I plan to lower, but after hearing all the stories like this I am glad I didn't.
     
  4. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    The problem. 024.jpg The so called fix. 027.jpg Yuk. nice new headers. huh? 031.jpg
     
  5. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    Aggravating day. I dared again to be different. Another reminder of why? "would I really rather have a Buick?" LOL Cause it's gonna be cool!:bglasses: 033.jpg 034.jpg
     

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  6. pro tour gsx

    pro tour gsx pro tour gsx

    Nice build , what kind of heads are those ? I wonder if the are in different from the stockers, I have shortys on my 72 an they fit perfect also have stg2 heads so I think that helps some. bummer for sure
     
  7. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    This is what drives me nuts. Had a stock 400 with some bolt ons long tube headers and poston intake. They are 69cc Bulldog heads. I really don't think it's the heads could be wrong but have seen other posts with the same issue.:Do No: Passengers side fits nice.
     
  8. racenu

    racenu Well-Known Member

    i put them on my lowered 71 skylark (455) and they fit perfectly no clearance issues at all. Gord
     
  9. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    Boy that really makes me want to.:ball:
     
  10. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    I wonder why someone from T/A hasn't chime in telling me I'm a moron. I sure would like to know why some people have problems and some don't with the shorties. It's not like I'm bitching just want the proper solution? Just looking for a answer or a note in asterisks applying to fitment when you buy. They were very strict about shipment and policies and worried about me being honest about payment. I'm not pissed obviously I have something wrong or they do? I'd like to be a perfect fit guy also.:rant: lol
     
  11. NvrDun

    NvrDun Founders Club Member

    We ran into the same problem on our 72 pt build with bulldog heads. the number two tube had to be heated at the steering column not as aggressively as what you did but still had to modify it.
     
  12. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    Thanks NvrDun. I'm not really glad you had a problem but I'm glad that it's maybe not something I did wrong. I was worried about motor position. Mounts etc. I did go to a JGC box haven't checked the shaft position compared to the stock box. I will check it tomorrow. Maybe the shaft is closer to the frame. It bolted right up just replaced the rag joint but never checked if the alignment compared to the old box was the same. Then again there was a guy on this website with a 71 455 upgrade from a 350 that had the same problem with stock heads? Searching for clues I guess. Thanks for the reply NvrDun.
     
  13. bizerre

    bizerre Gold Level Contributor

    Have them on my lowered 72 455 and they were a perfect fit. Taking them off to have a good coating put on. Not looking forward to that!


    Leo
     
  14. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    They are tight I have to heat cycle a them few times before the fenders go on and re-torque. Definitely need the right bolt sequence. I'm pretty good at taking off and reinstalling the drivers side by now. :shock:
     
  15. regal81455

    regal81455 Well-Known Member

    Bummer dude!! Looks good in it's new home though!! :beer
     
  16. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    Getting close. Work is slowing things down. Got a lot deeper into the project than I wanted to. Hope to drop your stand off soon. Last time I tried we got hit by that snowstorm. That sucked. Be out soon now the weather is breaking.
     
  17. David G

    David G de-modded....

    I have TA's shorty headers on the stock heads on the 455 just swapped in my 68 GS. Used new TA frame pads and motor mounts, original power steering. No clearancing required on the driver side at all. It is very close, but does clear. Seems odd you are so far off in your 69. Maybe it is the aftermarket heads, and motor mounts are worn? :Do No:
     
  18. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    I did put in new mounts and they were identical to the old mounts. Thanks for your input. it's bugging the crap out of me though.
     
  19. regal81455

    regal81455 Well-Known Member

    No worries Paul -- when you have time it will happen! :grin:
     
  20. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    The bulldog heads are the biggest issue they are taller and the runners are out further I believe. They raise the intake a little too. That and weren't the shorties designed primarily for the Rivs and just happen to fit Abody.
     

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