Collector flange hitting edge of trans pan

Dusty Dude · Apr 7, 2024

I'm running a set of Hooker long tube headers on my '69 Coronet. They're bolted up to a set of 440 Source CNC ported heads sitting on the numbers matching 383 block. The trans is a '75 727 with a slightly deeper stamped steel pan. The problem is that the collector flange on the passenger side header is firmly against the flange on the trans and the pan. I called 440 Source and confirmed with them that the header mounting face angle on the heads is the same as the stock 904 heads and was told that it is. I did not buy these headers as they were on the car when I acquired it and they show no evidence of having been damaged. When I pulled the engine a year ago to rebuild it my neighbor helped me and he was working below and I was doing the top side stuff so I never saw if it was that way when I got the car. Until just recently the furthest I had driven the car was from the front of my home where it came off the transport trailer to the rear of my home and into my garage where its been for the last year.
I'm at a bit of a loss as what can possibly be done to remedy this problem. If anyone has had the same experience I would be very interested in hearing what you were able to do to get some separation between the flange and the trans.

Thanks

33 IMP · Apr 7, 2024

Wrap a ratchet strap around the collector, and a tree, and pull the headers away. Could also use a comealong. Headers aren't sacred and usually not gold plated. "Adjusting" has been done to headers for decades.
I have some ancient hooker adjustable headers on my car, and the collector from the factory hung low on one side. A floor jack permanently fixed that.

Edit: chances are the 440 source heads have the same face angle.... but have a raised exhaust, which can certainly mess with header fitment.
I had some custom headers for the V8 in my Cortina. I checked the fit with iron heads, fit great, so I had em coated.
Put the good motor with aluminum heads in, the headers would NOT fit. (raised exhaust ports)
I machined a set of spacers with about a 5-10° angle for the header flange, that solved it.

MWbirdLOVER70 · Apr 7, 2024

Dusty Dude said:
I'm running a set of Hooker long tube headers on my '69 Coronet. They're bolted up to a set of 440 Source CNC ported heads sitting on the numbers matching 383 block. The trans is a '75 727 with a slightly deeper stamped steel pan. The problem is that the collector flange on the passenger side header is firmly against the flange on the trans and the pan. I called 440 Source and confirmed with them that the header mounting face angle on the heads is the same as the stock 904 heads and was told that it is. I did not buy these headers as they were on the car when I acquired it and they show no evidence of having been damaged. When I pulled the engine a year ago to rebuild it my neighbor helped me and he was working below and I was doing the top side stuff so I never saw if it was that way when I got the car. Until just recently the furthest I had driven the car was from the front of my home where it came off the transport trailer to the rear of my home and into my garage where its been for the last year.
I'm at a bit of a loss as what can possibly be done to remedy this problem. If anyone has had the same experience I would be very interested in hearing what you were able to do to get some separation between the flange and the trans.

Thanks

Can you grind the flange away some? Maybe pry bar some? Just my 2cents

68-500 · Apr 7, 2024

Large piece of pipe stuffed inside the collect and some force should remedy that. As 33IMP stated. Just giver!

Collector flange hitting edge of trans pan

Dusty Dude

Well-Known Member

33 IMP

FBBO Gold Member

MWbirdLOVER70

FBBO Gold Member

68-500

Well-Known Member

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