So my dad and I tried to install these Hedmans yesterday (the engine swap is drawing to a close) and i do not think that it is possible to make them fit. The engine bay just seems too small. Does anybody have a trick they used to install them? It just sickens me to have to use the stock manifolds. Thanks

Car info:

'88 Firebird V6
Removed V6 and installed a very healthy 350/TH350 combo

 

whats the issue? you cant get them on with the engine installed?

they are the correct f-body specific headers?

I have never heard of these particular headers not fitting.

If you have to, remove the motor mount bolts and raise the engine a little to get a little more room.

 

What hedmans are they? I don't remember my part number right off but they are the standard 1 5/8 shorties that most run and they fit in fine once you persuaded them to go into place. No clearancing of anything, just had to find the right way to push them into place.

 

The only clearence issues I had with my headmans were these,


drivers side, needed to make a slight dent to clear the steering shaft

pass slight dent to clear the hard line for the heater hose that runs along the framerail.

I did not even have to unbolt the motor mounts.

Pass side droped in from above

drivers was easier being fed up from the bottom.

 

i had trouble with my hedman also the only prob i had so far was when installing the passenger side the headers hit the frame where the a arm bolts up..and i read somewhere you have to take the oil filter off to get the drivers side on

 

I just installed my Hedman shorties on Saturday. Driver's side was a little more difficult for me. Just had to remove the steering shaft by taking out the pin under the hood, then pulling out a few bolts inside the the car. I just took out my a/c a few weeks ago, so this would be an easier installation. With a few "slide in and move around to see where it fit test runs", it went in fairly easily. If you need to, take off the valve covers to give a little more clearance. Make sure you dont get any dirt in there though. I've heard of a lot of people removing the motor mounts and jacking the motor up for more clearance that way.

 

i just took out hedman shorties and i chose to pull the motor mount bolt on the drivers side....when we put the motor in the headers were bolted to it already, tho i did have pull the passenger header cuz the whole assembly didnt fit between the steering shaft and passenger rail

the passenger side will literally fall on the ground when you unbolt it. i have no ac tho so passenger side is pretty roomy