1969 Road Runner - 383 Header, Starter, Steering Box Issues

[Soshimoo]

Hello All,

This is my first post, but have been creeping and learning a ton of information on my project. So, thanks all for your previous post and info dumps.

I've started with upgrading the steering/suspension on my 1969 Road Runner, (383, 4-Speed). It's morphed into a disk brake conversion, steering column rebuild, and much more - as you all know is pretty common place. The car had headers on it with factory starter and steering gear box. The box was old and leaking so ordered a Lares replacement. It came with a note; This Product May Look Different Than The Original But Will Work - I paraphrased. To get the gear original gear box out I had to remove the driver's header and starter. So, figured I'd upgrade to a PowerMaster mini on the install. The first one (Part# 9300) didn't fit, hit #1 tube. So, upgraded to the adjustable version (Part# 9523), closer fit, but still hits to the point fitmit is impossible. So, back to the original starter it is, and it fits fine. However, now the steering gear will not. I had it in place but unbolted so I could manipulate it for header install.
I do not know the make of the headers, so, my question is - Do they make something that will work with the mini stater and gear box? I'd like to bolt up to my existing collectors that connect right after the engine/bell housing area.
Any information you could offer would be a great help. Thanks!

 

[493 Mike]

I would dent that tube for the clearance you need/want. Just touch up the paint afterward. Do not worry about exhaust flow.
Mike

 

[Soshimoo]

I would dent that tube for the clearance you need/want. Just touch up the paint afterward. Do not worry about exhaust flow.
Mike

Thanks for the feedback. I've though of that, and trust me, I have no love for these headers and a only suffering with them until the 440+6 is built. But, don't you think the distance I need to gain is going to be too much to achieve with just bending a tube?

 

[493 Mike]

Thanks for the feedback. I've though of that, and trust me, I have no love for these headers and a only suffering with them until the 440+6 is built. But, don't you think the distance I need to gain is going to be too much to achieve with just bending a tube?

Have you seen the episode of "Engine Masters" concerning clearancing headers? The boys beat the hell out of a set with no change in horsepower!
Mike

 

[ckessel]

Put Michael Jackson on in the background and do as he says. "Just Beat It". When you do the 440, if you go with TTI's, they have quite the list of combos for fitment on starters, heads, shifters, trannies, steering, blocks etc. Not sure if Doug's has any fitment info but other members like them too.