John,
I recently installed a PaceSetter brand header on my '80 Spitfire. Out of the
box, it wasn't even close to fitting properly. First, I fooled around with
bending the lower lip on the chassis (downward) to gain the necessary
clearance. You may also have to cut the end of the bolt that protrudes from
the lower "A" frame. Slacken the engine mounts and jack the engine up. It is
a tight fit, but it will go in. Then, proud as can be, I realized the
end of the header to be too close to the frame and wouldn't allow the three
bolt flange of the exhaust pipe to bolt up to the header. So, save yourself a
day and a half and do this: lay the header flange (that bolts to the
head) on a flat surface and measure the distance to the inside edge of the
collector pipe. Take it to a shop and explain that (when the header is flush
with the head) you want the pipes bent an amount to cause the collector
to move inward 1-1/2". Actually, I had mine done 3/4" and ended with a rattle
against the frame at idle -- on a 1980, 1-1/2" would have been perfect.
Regards,
Ed Hamilton
John Hartman wrote:
> Has anyone installed a header on a 1500 Spitfire? Do you have to raise the
>engine up to get the header in place? I did that but the header hits the
>frame and won't bolt tight to the head because of the lack of clearance.
>
> Any help is appreciated!
>
> John
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