header Flange to cover the gap?

[LilRedBronco]

I was thinking I have seen some header flanges for sale without the pipes. they'd be the perfect width so that I didn't have to grind down the ridge on the exhaust manifold. Folks may remember that the ridge is keeping the exhaust manifold from bolting on to my aluminum cylinder heads.

With a gasket it would fit perfectly is it a bad idea to do that or would it be ok to have a header flange sandwiched in there with longer bolts?

 

[NicksTrix]

i've ground the bottom edge of the flange on the headers i had that issue with on the alumn heads. it's really just a 45* grind to get it to clear on the bottom. ther flange has too much material there anyhow so it won't hurt anything or compromise the sealing.
if you are set on putting in a spacer, SPD sells flanges. just be careful as it might push the header out too far. you'll need to find some new bolts as well. mcmaster sells 12 points in various lengths.
hth

 

[LilRedBronco]

i've ground the bottom edge of the flange on the headers i had that issue with on the alumn heads. it's really just a 45* grind to get it to clear on the bottom. ther flange has too much material there anyhow so it won't hurt anything or compromise the sealing.
if you are set on putting in a spacer, SPD sells flanges. just be careful as it might push the header out too far. you'll need to find some new bolts as well. mcmaster sells 12 points in various lengths.
hth

Thanks they aren't headers though they are stock exhaust manifolds. There is a rib that runs down the length of the manifold I assume for strength. That ridge butts up against the edelbrock manifold and keeps creates about a 1/4 space.

Right now I have a few choices but was wondering for expediency would it be ok to use a header flange to bridge the gap I have.

Sorry I suck at explaining stuff. I do appreciate your input though.

 

[57baja]

Thanks they aren't headers though they are stock exhaust manifolds. There is a rib that runs down the length of the manifold I assume for strength. That ridge butts up against the edelbrock manifold and keeps creates about a 1/4 space.

Right now I have a few choices but was wondering for expediency would it be ok to use a header flange to bridge the gap I have.

Sorry I suck at explaining stuff. I do appreciate your input though.

Why are you running a stock exhaust manifold on an aluminum head?

 

[DirtDonk]

He's going to run headers after he gets the engine running so he can get it down to the muffler shop and won't have to run it wide open at the house.

I don't think "the old header flange trick" (said, in his best Maxwell Smart voice) would be much of a long-term solution there LilRed, but it might work on a temporary basis.
I'm thinking there's just too much room for leakage with two gaskets and possibly mis-matched flanges.
But it might be worth the trouble, if you really don't want to "adjust" your heads.

Paul

 

[Broncobowsher]

Speedway motors sells header flanges. Part of the do it yourself header parts.

Personally I would grind the manifold for clearance.