Hi just about ready to install my 455 into my 86 and have ta headers. Anyone have any words of wisdom, tricks? as to installing them? Will they hit anything ? They aren't the large tubes. Will they interfear with the clutch fork( using a t-10) or frame, or lower control arms ,or mounts or upper control arms or bolts? Steering colum? o No: Just wanted to ask, its one off the last jobs before it hits the streets and I've been kind off putting it off. Thanks Brad 1986 regal t-type clone 455 t-10 ford 9" lincoln Versailles rear end( stock rear disc brakes) 3:90 trac loc 1975 impalla spindles (12" rotors) LOTS OFF CUTTING AND PASTING!!! oh ya .... and time!!
well there are a couple good links with info on how to do the swap, i used the large tube ones, and it was a real bitch. i had to cut the ears off of both upper control arms, im 99.9 percent positive it cant be done with the engine in the car, i had to start the first bolt on each side and drop the engine down between them. and i still havnt figured out how the hell to get the underneath middle bolt in, but seeing that im finally gonna fire it up this week i better get it in.im running a th350 so im not sure about the whole fork thing.my modified xmember wouldnt work with the headers either, i ended up haveing to buy one of the xmembers.com ones. very nice piece.im sure one of the other members will put up a link to one of the instructional postings.dan
Brad, You're gonna find that you might have to trim some material off the lower control arm mounts. Also, the passenger side upper control arm itself. The metal is soft and can easily be cut with something as small as a dremel tool with a cut-off disc. Other choice is to ding the headers. Good luck! Ramin
Wow they went in in about an hour!!!! All I had to do was cut about 3/8 off of one upper a-arm bolt!! Never had headers before and was dreading this job!! I don't have any shims in the a-arm yet so I might have to trim that. ( as some of you mentioned!) Before I put them in the car I tried to bolt them on to another motor and the tube thats not attached to the flange was about 1/2 out so I heated it up with the tourch and let it cool bolted to the head. problem solved! Now I can get busy building the exhaust. In a couple of weeks it should be on the road!!! I figure I'll build the exhaust with the dummy engine ( empty block with some old heads attached) and then drop in the motor!! I'm suprised ( pleasently!!) the headers didn't hit the frame or lower mounts! Lucky me!!! I have the engine as far back as you can get it with about 1/2 " clearance from the firewall. I cut the heater box and put the heater were the Ac condencer was. Now I get to make a plate to cover the hole! Thanks everyone for the tips!!! Brad
