I have finally gotten around to resuming my 383 roller project on my '82 Z28. A couple of problems have surfaced;

The Edelbrock TES headers (used) interfere with the factory oil cooler hardlines on the drivers side.

I need to locate a thread in plug to eleminate the O2 sensor.

I would like to find a #" cat oulet pipe somwhere.

The biggest deal is the oil cooler. I decided to install the factory oil cooler from a '91 Z28 350 car because if GM decided they needed one on the 350, then need one on my 383.

I hope you guys can help me. Thanks, Andy

 

Which oil cooler are you using? If you're using the version with hose clamps you might try finding one of the later assemblies with crimped hoses (like A/C hoses), they might take up less space. I think they made the change in mid-late 91. But chances are you'll have to ditch the cooler or go to different headers.

Search "oxygen sensor bung" on Summit and you'll find several with plugs, and plugs available separately.

For the cat-pipe, I assume you're asking about the flange on the end of the converter where the intermediate pipe bolts up... In which case you probably won't be able to find a pre-made adapter in 3". However, you can probably find a 3" male ball flange with the right spacing for the exhaust pipe, and have an exhaust shop fab the male side of the joint. If you want the exhaust hanger provisions you might have to dig a bit deeper. I'd be looking at an adapter for a universal catalytic converter, or fab one out of 1/4" steel plate and drill/tap the holes yourself.

 

I am using the "late style" oil cooler. I tried to reform the lines, but no luck.

You are correct, I want to use the factory style exhaust hanger. I guess I have some fab work ahead of me, unless I can locate an old cat.

Thanks, Andy

 

Ditch the oil cooler, you don't need it.....