First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List ......................................................................... Hello Dan,
I am not familiar with that particular header, but I installed my engine with no headers or exhaust manifolds. It's just easier to bolt those on with the engine in place, and it gives you a little bit of extra room to get the engine in. Installing the steering gear box with the engine in place can probably be done, but it would be really tight. I would install the steering gearbox first and modify the header if necessary. I had Hooker Super Comp headers and they were so close to the power steering gear box that I suspect the heat contributed to the ps seal failure, even though I had wrapped the headers. When I pulled the ps gearbox to rebuild it, I ditched the headers in favor of R.A.R.E. brand long branch manifolds. I have no regrets about that choice and would highly recommend it. I will never buy another set of headers - they leak and have fitment, heat and clearance issues. I may lose a few ponies with the long branch exhaust, but with a 455 in a '67 it really is pretty immaterial. If you can get one engine mount bolt started (don't tighten it all the way), then you can set the engine down (cautiously) and reattach the engine lift to raise the unbolted side slightly. Then you can use a pry bar or crowbar to pivot the engine until the remaining engine mount bolt will line up. It really helps to have two people involved. Also, I did this before installing the transmission cross member, but I don't know if that makes any difference. Hope that is some help! David ----- Original Message ---- From: Dan LeBarge <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: First Generation Firebird-L <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2008 4:53:46 AM Subject: [FGF] Engine install advice First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List ......................................................................... I am at the point of installing my 455 in my 68' and was hoping someone had some words of advice. I just spent several hours attemping to put the engine in only to pull it back out again. I have Doug's "Shorty" headers and they are fighting me. I was able to install both sides but I could not get the passenger side motor mount bolt started. The engine is shifted over to the passenger side too far. It looks like the headers are hitting the steering box. Do I have to dent the drivers side header at the steering box? Is it possible to install the steering box after the engine is in? Another issue is that when the engine is sitting on the motor mounts, the passenger side collector is hitting the floor board and appears that the floor board will have to be dented to be able to bolt up the collector flange. Is this right? Lastly, what is the best way to install the large motor mount bolt from the bottom? With the engine hoist in the way, I can touch the hole with one finger but can't get the bolt started. Any advice would be certianly appreciated. Thanks, Dan ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Submissions to Firebird-L: <[email protected]> Unsubscribe from Firebird-L: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Help: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/firebird/Firebird-L.html> Classifieds: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/ubb/> Owner Pictures: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/> Donations: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/store/cart.mv?999999> FGF Merchandise: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/store>
