Header install question

[4x4man514]

Hey guys I'm trying to tie up a few last ends before I drop my engine in. The body will be back soon so I'm trying to be ready.

I have bc shorty headers for my 393. Can I put those on the engine and then drop it in? Or will there be to much interference and trouble going that way? I'm just looking for the easier path.

Thanks guys!

 

[DirtDonk]

It can be done I'm pretty sure. Most of the time I've done it after the fact, but pretty sure I've seen it done both ways.
An important thing though I think, would be if there are other obstructions on the driver's side that are already in place. In other words... Do you have power brakes, steering shafts with rag joints, or any other "stuff" over on that side already?
If so, your job is going to be much harder with the headers installed.

Good luck. Let us know how you fare either way.

Paul

 

[4x4man514]

Thanks. I'm starting from square one stripped body so not too many obstructions. I don't want to beat or bang anything up but know how headers can be a pita to get to sometimes. I'm just feeling out the best order in which to do things.

 

[DirtDonk]

Sounds good. If'n it was me, I'd install them and try to do it that way. It's easy enough to remove one or both even with the engine hanging on a hoist if it turns out they're not going to work.

The issue I see is that they do indeed need to fit down between the frame rails, and are a relatively tight fit. So if push comes to shove, and your frame is slightly different from the next guy's, you may find it less hassle to do after.
Last set I installed we had to grab the engine and rotate it slightly in the cradles/towers so that the headers fit the rails better. Passenger side was touching.

But as said, easy enough to bolt them on now, and pull them off in mid-drop if they cause trouble.

Good luck.

Paul

 

[4x4man514]

Thanks. Did the ones you did have the trans. In them already? Mine does and that is what I'm wondering will cause me some issues

 

[00gyrhed]

maybe, my 393/770R4/D20 went in as one unit with the core support in place. i didn't put my modified shorties on because i just didn't want to complicate things. i had to remove the drivers side valve cover to clear the stock MC but I have trick flow heads which have a 1/2" higher rail plus i have extra tall finned valve covers. i remember thinking when i got it in that my headers would have probably fit.

 

[DirtDonk]

I've only done an engine/tranny combo once, and it did NOT have headers on it.
I'm with agent OO here though. I think they would just add another layer of complication to the whole affair. Yes, it's maybe easier to install the headers with the engine out, but I think that would be outweighed by the extra bulk when maneuvering that beast around.

Just my opinion on that. Many prefer doing it as an assembly.

Paul

 

[4x4man514]

Maybe y'all misunderstood me. My zf transmission is not attached to my engine but it is installed in the truck. I didn't know if the lining up of the clutch and shaft would create clearance problems with the headers on the frame.

thanks guys!

 

[DirtDonk]

Ok, no prob. Don't think that would be too much more trouble than it already is then.
One trick to getting it that last little bit in (if the plate isn't perfectly aligned to begin with) is to get it up as far as you can (usually within less than half-an-inch or so) and then connect the clutch linkage, push the pedal and the thing will pop right in. Headers or no.

I had to do that by myself a few times, so couldn't just "push the pedal" and had to manhandle the clutch fork with my foot! Worked like a charm though.

One thing I would do too, if you haven't already, is to make sure that the new ZF sized pilot bearing is a good fit for your shaft snout. Not that I've ever heard of an issue with the ZF, but it has happened a few times with the 3550's where the snout did not want to go all the way in. It appeared from the outside that the clutch was not lining up, when in fact it was the tip not going into the pilot.

Post the video when you're done. With full orchestration and audio of your cursing.;D

Paul

 

[4x4man514]

Lol. I'll be sure to do that. Its bound to be colorful! Thanks a ton for the advice. I've never heard the push the clutch trick before. I'll Def keep that in mind. It's an internal slave cylinder though so I'm sure I'll have to get someone else to help. Thanks again guys

Kevin

 

[00gyrhed]

I didn't misunderstand I was just offering it up that I thought the whole assembly would have made it and without the transmission and t case I think it would have been no problem.

However, it can be a real PIA to have that engine down on one mount and unable to set all the way on the next because of header interference. At that point you really don't want to pull it back up and the interference may limit your ability to take it off without pulling it off.

 

[4x4man514]

I'm with you 00. Thanks for the clarification. That is a good point about running into a problem half way through. That's kinda what I was worried about. Thanks again