Ford vs Chevy Build-up

[Chris1529]

Rich,


could you post a pic after you get those Flowtech headers installed?

thanks

[HandOverFist]

Bob - I'll keep those rails in mind if I run into other problems.

Chris - I will document the header install for sure...going to try both sides without lifting the engine at all.

[HandOverFist]

Flowtech's in hand. This will be a huge improvement on the driver side. Not sure if I really need to cut the flanges on the passenger side, but I do see that it could be installed without raising the engine if I elected to do so.

[HandOverFist]

Flanges cut, surfaces trued and de-burred...ready for a shot of header paint. If these work well I'll buy another set and have them coated inside and out.





I will be putting these 2-1/2" stainless extensions on for effect.

[HandOverFist]

Chris - Here are those pictures you wanted. Driver side went on fairly easily, but I did need to slightly raise that side. A heads up from Brian about having to notch the driver side motor mount for tube clearance proved accurate.





I made a minor miscalculation the other night when I cut the passenger side flanges. That header has three slip tubes when in actuality it needs none at all...the complete intact header for that side can be maneuvered easily into place with the engine sitting on the mount. Installation was actually made more difficult by cutting the flanges into.



Random images from underneath...









C4 arrived today. Thanks to Tony Corley for the bellhousing. Regarding the two fluid lines/ports on the passenger side...use hardline or something else?

[west coast]

Hey Rich I have mine hardlined together never had a problem yet have about 500 passes on this tranny. Change fluid about 4 times a year. I see you put the headers in with out the tranny being in, may not go as easy with it in just a heads up.

[HandOverFist]

Looks like it will ease right in James with the car on the lift and using a trans jack. The starter might be worrisome tho.

[Rory McNeil]

Rich, did you lay the headers in the engine compartment first, then lower the engine, or set the engine down and then install the headers? I have the same FlowTech headers on my Mustang, and I never cut the flanges for the slip fit tubes on the passenger side, as I install my engine with the passenger header bolted up, along with the scattershield and starter motor. With the smaller bellhousing you may be able to get the C4 installed with the headers bolted up, the larger bellhousing takes up a fair bit more space. Not sure how hard or easy the trans dipstick will be to install with the header on. You may need to re&re the flexplate and block plate to fit the starter in place with the headers on, unless you have a small starter. Hopefully you will be able to access the starter bolts with the headers on. Lastly, what make is the steering shaft?

[HandOverFist]

Originally Posted by Rory McNeil

Rich, did you lay the headers in the engine compartment first, then lower the engine, or set the engine down and then install the headers? I have the same FlowTech headers on my Mustang, and I never cut the flanges for the slip fit tubes on the passenger side, as I install my engine with the passenger header bolted up, along with the scattershield and starter motor. With the smaller bellhousing you may be able to get the C4 installed with the headers bolted up, the larger bellhousing takes up a fair bit more space. Not sure how hard or easy the trans dipstick will be to install with the header on. You may need to re&re the flexplate and block plate to fit the starter in place with the headers on, unless you have a small starter. Hopefully you will be able to access the starter bolts with the headers on. Lastly, what make is the steering shaft?

Installed with engine already down on the mounts. Yes, you are correct...no need to cut the passenger flanges nor any reason I can see for slip tubes at all on that header.

I'm going to try the factory starter first and see how it goes. The steering shaft came with the manual rack...I'll have to go back and dig up what it is and where it came from.

[fordteacherguy]

Originally Posted by HandOverFist

Installed with engine already down on the mounts. Yes, you are correct...no need to cut the passenger flanges nor any reason I can see for slip tubes at all on that header.

I'm going to try the factory starter first and see how it goes. The steering shaft came with the manual rack...I'll have to go back and dig up what it is and where it came from.

Rich,

You'll appreciate having those slip tubes on the passenger side and cutting those flanges if some time later you have to pull just the starter or trans and you want to leave the motor in the car.