I'm sure shortie headers aren't the most popular choice for an engine with TA Stage II heads, but that's direction I'm going on my '72 Skylark/455 combination. I have no desire to run full length headers on my "cruiser". To anyone with that combination: Did you run into any interference issues when installing the TA shortie headers on your Stage II-head equipped BBB in your '70-72 GM A-body? If so, I plan on purchasing raw shorties, "massaging" them as needed to clear suspension, steering, etc. components at the mock-up stage and then sending them out to be "Jet-Hot" high luster ceramic coated. If no clearance issues, then I'll simply buy them already coated directly from TA. I've read that the stock/stage 1 headers occasionally/frequently (?) do need to be "massaged" to clear A-body chassis components. Hopefully, the Stage II versions fit a little better. Thank you in advance for your responses.
I had S2 shorties on my 72 GS. I ordered them uncoated, and test fitted them. I had to massage the driver's side around the steering shaft. Then I sent them to get coated. The engine had to be raised up in the car to install. I had the stock casting "nubs" on the sides of the block that caused some issues, if I remember correctly (every motor since them has them removed!). I also had the T/A head pipes. My car is lowered about 2", and one of the head pipes got flattened a bit over time. I now have the long tubes from T/A that fit easier! They have been flattened a little over time as well. These cars have a lot of production tolerance, so your plan is a safe one.
