wrd1972

The passenger side primary is 1/4" from the plastic HVAC box and I am really concerned that his will be a problem when the engine twists under load.

Do you guys with similar headers have this clearance issue or is it just me, there seems to be no way of cheating it other than beating in the tube.

http://www.MyOnlineImages.com/Member.../DSCF00201.jpg

RedRyder518

How good are your motor mounts? I just checked mine as soon as I saw this thread and I have a good 3/4 - 1 inch of clearance between the primary and the box. I also have ES poly motor mounts by the way so maybe its time for new mounts for you?

wrd1972

The motor mounts appear to be okay but I cant say for certain.
Even if they were worn it would make sense that they would not create this problem. Worn mounts would cause the engine to lower and not slide laterally.

If you trully have an inch or so I will bet that the shape of my tube and the distance it sticks out is certainly different from yours.

This may be a major difference between the two headers.

Right now the engine is centered and cannot not be moved sideways or other clearance issues will arise. It also looks like I cant shift the box over to gain some room.

I may have to resort to the hammer if this becomes a problem.

Anyone else with RK's have this problem?

RedRyder518

I took a picture of the clearance:


I would say that about an inch of clearance, maybe a little less. I also measured the distance from the flange to the outer edge of the primary and I got about 3.5 inches. Maybe if you can stick a ruler in your engine bay and measure the distance the primary comes out, maybe we'll have a compairison.

wrd1972

thanks for helping me.
I will get that measurement tonight.
I wonder if the HVAC boxes are different cause the headers looks alike.
Somthing is definitely different.

Injuneer

Have you considered applying a layer of reflective heat insulator to your heater box?

I never measured the clearance between my AS&M's and the heater box, but after 5 years, the heater box is still OK. I'll see how much clearance there is when I go home from work.

wrd1972

Injuneer,
Thanks in advance.
I am looking forward to comparing measurements with anyone who has these type of headers.

Please elaborate on the reflective heat insulator, where can I get this and does it stick on?
It will definetly need to be very thin.

Injuneer

Look for DEI insulation on Summit or JEG's. It a mat of heat resistant fabric, that goes agains the heater box, and a reflective aluminum surface that would face the header tube. They claim the surface will stand up to 2,000degF.

Here's a link I found with a quick search.....

http://www.exhaustwrapshop.com/produ...onBlanket.aspx

wrd1972

Well i measured from the edge of the flange (where it bolts to the head) to the far end of the primary.
It measures 4.25".
It appears that RK header just sticks out further than the AS&M.

May have to do the heat tape thing.

RedRyder518

Well that would sure make up for the difference of clearance we have. Very interesting that they are supposed to be the same headers yet can differ that much. I would also try the heat tape as really there isn't much else you can do other than deform the header primary.

wrd1972

Yeah, im not going to "clearance" the primary unless that is the last resort.
I will try to find some tape locally.
Thanks again

Injuneer

My AS&M has about 3/4" clear to the heater box. The box is not damaged in any way, and the engine's been in the car at least 5 years.