Headers, Crossmember clearance

[Fastbackin1970]

The shop I have my truck in currently wants to put two rag joints between the motor mounts and the engine to create clearance so the headers/exhaust don't hit the crossmember. Any idea if this will create additional problems down the road?

[convincor]

so they want to raise the engine? why rag joints? i'd use a steel/aluminum block..
what engine? who's headers?

[Freightrain]

I've always had clearance issues with crossmember and headers(big block and small blocks). I've always just cut the flange off and used slip on reducers to get hooked up to remaining exhaust.

I'd stay away from shimming the engine up, especially using rag joints for shims!

[Fastbackin1970]

Ford 302, Headman headers.

[Fastbackin1970]

I've always had clearance issues with crossmember and headers(big block and small blocks). I've always just cut the flange off and used slip on reducers to get hooked up to remaining exhaust.

That sounds like a good idea.

As far as the rag joints in between the engine and the engine mount. I actually saw that done on an episode of "American Hotrod" The had a clearance issue on the oil pan if I remember right.

[70_F100]

A word of caution.

Raising the engine may create problems with driveline angles, especially if you have a two-piece driveshaft.

If you do shim it up, use metal spacers, like Convincor suggested.

[td]

ive put headers on three different bumps, 2 with 302's and 1 with a FE motor and ive had clearance issues with the cross member all three times, but with a little work they go without having to shim the motor at all. the ones im currently running have 3'' collectors and they were a pain for sure but they cleared after i trimmed the member a little.

[dustman_stx]

ive put headers on three different bumps, 2 with 302's and 1 with a FE motor and ive had clearance issues with the cross member all three times, but with a little work they go without having to shim the motor at all. the ones im currently running have 3'' collectors and they were a pain for sure but they cleared after i trimmed the member a little.

Don't know about the SBF, but I've used Flowtechs and Hedmans on my FE with no clearance issues. The Hedman's retained the ball and socket setup with no mods necessary. The Flowtechs were cut to use a belled pipe and clamp, so I don't know for sure if the original configuration would have fit with no mods.

[Jarred Hodges]

my headers on my 390 dump right on the crossmember so you can't open them up but I can't see a reason to raise the engine

[wildcard]

I had a clearance problem with mine on my little old 300. They cut the collectors off and welded the pipe direct to the headers. Which at the time seemed OK. Except on a 300 the drivers side has to turn across to the drivers side and goes right under the transmission. So to change my clutch now, I've got to cut my exhaust. I realize you won't have that problem, but if they weld them direct, make sure you can get to the starter when the time comes to change it. I ,luckily, had to change mine 2 weeks before I got the headers put on so I haven't had that experience yet. It's hard enough replacing the starter cable though. Just something to think about.