71 Charger, summit headers fitment complaints

[///Matt]

I couldn't find any definitive info during my search, so I figured I'd post for the next guy to look.

I bought Summit's long-tube headers for my 71 Charger 318, and was very annoyed to find out that the driver's side headers go 'around' the steering drag-link. I don't mean just under, or above. I mean literally around. 3 of the header tubes go under the link, and one of them goes above it. I had to remove the drag-link and thread it through the headers.

It fits fine otherwise, the header does not make contact with any other parts, and I didn't have to smash or dimple the headers to make clearance for anything.... but man what a pain, having to remove 4 ball joints to install headers, even when the motor was out of the car.

The clearance is fairly tight. The Pitman arm, when the steering is at full left lock, is about 2 milimeters from the header tube, and vertically the end of the ball joint stud is about the same above the tube... but there's plenty of room around the power steering gearbox and whatnot.



And yes, those parts are dirty and I 'should' have cleaned them... but the whole front end is getting a rebuild kit in a month or two, so I didn't feel like it. ha

 

[69Bee]

This is normal, so I don't understand the complaint...

 

[///Matt]

The complaint is that, sure maybe its normal... But its poorly documented so I was unaware of it, and I'm hoping to help someone else be aware if they search for it.

 

[Bigal75]

It's part of the game when you move onto headers.

 

[69Bee]

The complaint is that, sure maybe its normal... But its poorly documented so I was unaware of it, and I'm hoping to help someone else be aware if they search for it.

Fair enough... In my playing days, it was common knowledge that they did this. I didn't like to put street headers on because of this. Your going to want to either get a mini starter, or attach a heat shield to the regular starter so it won't burn out.