got a 69 camaro with a new 383 stroker installed. my uncle is having a problem putting on the headman headers on the drivers side. he cant get the header up tight against the head because the steering knuckle is in the way. we are thinking that we will have to heat up the section of the tub with a torch and then flatten it out a bit with a hammer so it will clear the steering knuckle. what do you guys think , is this the way to go?
thank guy , jeff

 

As long as it doesn't need too much of a dent to clear. If it's not more than maybe 1/3 of the diameter it wont be a major issue. More than that and it will restrict proper flow. Try to make it gradual too. A tapered indent is better than a sharp small indent to keep gases flowing good.

 

The steering knuckle? Do you mean the pitman arm off the bottom of the steering box is hitting the collector tube? The only thing that could get in the way up above would be the steering box itself. My car has manual steering which gives a little more clearance over a power box. I can just squeeze my finger between the tube and steering box, but there's nothing in the way underneath. However, I don't have Hedman headers. Do you have pictures?

 

well my uncle calls it a steering knuckle, but yes the steering box. the car has power steering.

 

mark the spot on the tube that needs to be dented and then just use a socket long ways across the tube (horizontil to where the gear box hits) and tap it with a hammer it will make room and not restrict the flow in any way!!

 

I have the same issue with my 68' with power steering. I have the Hooker Super Competition Ceramic long tube headers and they got all scratched up from one of the bolts on the steering box rubbing against the header when the motor torque's at high revs. I need to "slightly modify" my headers also. There has to be a better way than banging on a pair of $689 headers?

 

Nope, not really a better way that wont harm the surface of the headers. You could heat it with a torch and gently tap it in, but then the heat would discolor the coating.

 

The best way to avoid banging up a pair of $689 headers, is by buying a pair of $289 headers!

 

for installing the headers with engine in....pull the steering box off, install headers, reinstall steering box.

 

I just noticed that apparently I have built up some equity in my headers. I just looked them up on Summit and they are now $695.95