headers and shifter

Topic: headers and shifter (Read 1014 times) previous topic - next topic

headers and shifter

July 26, 2006, 02:27:18 PM

anyone here tried using aftermarket 1 5/8 headers and a 2 1/2 h pipe with a column shifter on our fox body birds/cougars? im about done with building my new motor and im putting those things on, just wondering if anyones tried to make it fit and what they had to do to make it fit. id really appreciate any advice anyone has.

headers and shifter

Reply #1 – July 27, 2006, 10:30:47 PM

I'm using 1 1/2" headers n 2.5" h pipe w/ the column shifter and had alittle fitment issues with the motor mounts and steering shaft linkage. Had to do alittle rigging to get the fitment issues to smooth out.

Nothing that you can't handle. P.I.T.A. but managable.

I'm assuming that your headers are shorties? Long tube then I have no idea of fitment ??

Good Luck!!!

headers and shifter

Reply #2 – July 28, 2006, 01:53:53 PM

yeah their shortys. i know of issues with motor mounts and how to deal with them, but what probs did you have with the steering linkage? didnt really look like it was gunna be an issue.

headers and shifter

Reply #3 – July 29, 2006, 08:31:08 AM

Steering linkage shouldn't be too big of an issue with shorties, unless you have severly sagging motor mounts. I initially used stock HO headers and a 2.5" off-road h-pipe and the way things were lining up, it looked impossible(although others have done it) so I just bought a B&M floor shifter...problem solved. If you ever go with full length headers, you'll definitely need to lose the column shift...and you'll probably still have clearance issues...I do.

headers and shifter

Reply #4 – July 29, 2006, 09:31:32 PM

so sounds like it could go either way? well, good thing im a mechanic, maybe thatll make it easier, but if anyone else has tried this id like to hear what you did.

headers and shifter

Reply #5 – July 31, 2006, 06:23:33 PM

You should have no problems but the left mount just bend the retainer a little, the linkage you need to widen the holes where it mounts to the left side frame and move it out of the way a "little" and reajust the shifter.No steering issues
I'm using 1 5/8 bbk's shorties with H no problem.On a 87 cat.

headers and shifter

Reply #6 – July 31, 2006, 08:28:21 PM

a friend of mine used bbk shorties on his bird and the only thing he had to do was "adjust" one of the header tubes. only because the engine would twist under power and lock up the steering... kinda like my car does so i had to clearance some stuff, but i have long tubes.

headers and shifter

Reply #7 – July 31, 2006, 08:41:21 PM

longtubes? i would love to see those fit, cause who knows, if a blower finds its way under the hood someday, hmmm, the possibilitys.