you know those black long pieces that attach the assory(alternator and compressor, and powersteering pump) to a bolt on the exhaust manifolds to strengthen them or whatever.. well i took them all of when i was putting on my headers, and i can't figure out where they all go. does anyone have pics with these thigns in them so i can look at it and figure out where they go, or any information so that i can figure this crap out????

 

I had to deal with this crap a short time ago. Here's what I learned...

The biggest brace goes from the AC compressor bracket to the 3rd exhaust stud (from the front).

The 2 shortest braces go from the AIR pump bracket to the 1st exhaust bolt (again, from the front) and from the alternator to under an intake bolt.

The 2 mid-length braces go from the alternator to the 1st exhaust stud (straight) and from the power steering pump to the same stud (curved), but under the alt. stud.


However, they won't bolt on since you have headers. The exhaust flanges aren't as thick as were with manifolds, so you have to make up the slack. Now comes the fun part of fabricating spacers. This may be more work than you want to do, but I'll throw it out in case someone else needs the info.

You'll want to reuse your original exhaust bolts/studs for the areas were the braces attach. I threw mine away, so I had to order the 3 of them from the dealer. Take one of them and go to the local hardware store. Find the dept. where they keep thick-walled piping (it's not plumbing). Stick the bolt into the different size pipes. The one that fits the tightest is the one you want. Buy the whole pipe (about $5).

With the braces loosely bolted on, thread each bolt/stud in its proper hole until the braces sit flush with with the head of the bolt. Measure the space from the header flange to the bolt head with tape measure for all 3 areas and note the length. These measurements are how long the spacers should be. Take the pipe to a place that can cut it perfectly straight and have them cut the 3 spacers the right length. When you put them on, make sure you have enough threads going into the head. After that, all your accessory braces will bolt on with your headers. I did this so I could have the peace of mind knowing my accessories won't get prematurely ruined from excess vibration and have received nothing but compliments on how clean it looks. Hope this helps.

Mike

 

thank you very much. luckly my SLP headers had the spacers already on them. and once you told me where all the braces went, it took no time at all. thank you very much

 

Thanks for the info, I get the jist of it. I am putting headers on mine right now and will need to do something of the sorts as well. Would some newsky arp header studs work?

 

Hey guys,
I am rebuilding my 305...I am having trouble with this as well...the way I read this are there more than two braces? I only have two..I think the shorter one goes from the intake bolt(right in front of the thermostat) to the first bolt on the air compressor. The second one,I'm totally unsure..it's longer and slight curved with a slotted bolt hole on the end. Any idea or pics where these go? Am I supposed to have more bracing? Thanks in advance!