Header fitment rant, Doug's

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I bought these fasteners, 5/16x18x1" at ace hardware.
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Will need to use a ball end allen wrench for the outboard fasteners. Not talking about the studs on the ends, those are going to stay for now.

I asked for help regarding best bolt type and size, where to get them, zero replies.

Reminds me of the grouch at the machine shop, he needs to retire.
 
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Also once they're designed I don't really understand why the dougs are so much more expensive than Summit? Do they use a different material?
Different? I don't know... but more of it?? yes
 
Well what do you know, found the bolts. I didn't remember seeing them with the collectors but decided to check. I bought the headers over three years ago....
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Well what do you know, found the bolts. I didn't remember seeing them with the collectors but decided to check. I bought the headers over three years ago....View attachment 1715366515
A couple of things here. We all know header companies could make better fitting headers but then they'd have to change the designs we've been buying for all these years. Why should they, when if you don't like them or you don't think they fit right you can just send them back......er wait a minute don't they charge you a refinishing fee and restocking fee and don't you have to pay for shipping also. So we just keep going along as usual and make them fit one way or another like good hot rodders that we are. Lets face it they got us where they want us and they ain't gonna change!
 
MOA, if you try to install the headers with the studs still in you might get as frustrated as me when I tried it. It looks like it should work but....

I agree, I'm pulling the studs. Ordered some high temp sealant.
 
This is why ALL headers should have SLIP ON collectors and be 4 pieces instead of one piece. It's stupid to do that.

The best headers go on hard and fit when they are on. Junk headers are the ones that fall right on, but you can't get to the spark plugs, the tubes are small and the routing of the tubes is just silly.

I've asked TTI why they don't make the headers with slip on collectors. They said I'm the only one that's ever asked. For a street car.
 
I like reading threads like this, since Im new to the mopar scene I've picked up a few things from this thread. (wtf is a biscuit style motor mount? LOL) I suffered header issues when I stuffed the 351w into my 66 mustang, obviously an engine the car never was even designed for, even the special "custom" built headers I paid a small fortune for are now hammered all over and still could use more. LOL The 69 Dart I just bought has a 360 with a date code of 72 and has a set of long tube bottom draggers, I have been looking for info on swapping these cheap ones out for something that my steering link wouldn't have to go through or hit the torsion bar but really haven't found anything solid yet for my scenario, also the # 5 and 7 plug access is crap. MOA I am sure after some more "ranting" you will get these figured out, something I found out long ago is that after our patience has completely run out we sort of start over in our minds and then things get clearer on what we need to do.
 
Blu, you must of missed the pics I posted with the less than stellar flange machining. That's a quality control issue. Mopar has quality control issues too, I get that.

Since metal fabrication is what I've done all my life, I understand how much variation there can be and have the part look good but not fit good.
I may be able to shift the engine in the k frame a little? I'm certainly going to try, thanks for suggesting it.

As I said, I wish I had another one to try on the driver side.
To look at a problem and not consider all possibilities?

Well have to agree to disagree.

For those that just want to be dick heads, how is that being helpful? That's the kind of **** that stops people from asking questions.

There will be another person that comes along with the exact same problem, maybe my putting this out there might help them? My search didn't produce a lot on the topic, that's why the thread got started.

I saw the pictures of the flange machining. I didn't see anything worth sending them back for. As in, nothing that would have been a problem when they were mounted on the engine. Maybe I missed something? The header you sent back looks better than either one of flanges on the TTI shorties I have. The Doug's have a much better sealing surface.

It's been brought up multiple times, but have you tried anything other than those poly-locs? They're changing the location of the engine significantly compared to stock. With thinner mounts it would be easier to shift the engine over to the passenger side. I honestly think those mounts are the biggest issue here.

Also once they're designed I don't really understand why the dougs are so much more expensive than Summit? Do they use a different material?

They do use a different material. The flanges are thicker and the tubes are a heavier gauge, and there's more welding compared to the cheaper headers. Heck even compared to the TTI's I have. That may not explain the entire price difference, but the design to keep the tubes above the steering links is worth the money for anyone running on the street at anything less than stock ride height. On my car those cheap headers wouldn't have survived the first trip through the grocery store parking lot, they'd have been smashed flat on the first speed bump.

I bought these fasteners, 5/16x18x1" at ace hardware.View attachment 1715366514

Will need to use a ball end allen wrench for the outboard fasteners. Not talking about the studs on the ends, those are going to stay for now.

I asked for help regarding best bolt type and size, where to get them, zero replies.

Reminds me of the grouch at the machine shop, he needs to retire.

Well what do you know, found the bolts. I didn't remember seeing them with the collectors but decided to check. I bought the headers over three years ago....View attachment 1715366515

To me this is the story of this entire thread. Take the time to look first. Header fasteners are a specialized deal, they're included with the headers, and the right stuff is readily available in multiple brands, finishes, etc
CHRYSLER 5.9L/360 MOPAR SMALL BLOCK LA Header Fasteners - V8 Engine Type - Bolt Fastener Style

As for not saying anything, I'm not going to go pull the fasteners out of my car to send you the measurements. Seems like the replacement kits come in both 1" and 3/4" bolt lengths, I don't remember what the Doug's supplied version was and I sure would hate to tell you 1" and have you come back on here ranting about how they were too long. Or tell you 3/4" and have you say they're too short for the thick flanges and now you're ranting about that. I love that FABO has the answers to all kinds of questions I have and it's a great resource, but to get mad just because you didn't get a question answered is silly.

Those button head allen key fasteners would have been a colossal pain in the rear. They'd be a pain to tighten enough to seal the flanges, and if you did get them tight enough 5 years from now you'd be cutting them off after rounding out the allen key and having nothing to grab onto.
 
MOA, if you try to install the headers with the studs still in you might get as frustrated as me when I tried it. It looks like it should work but....
Some headers do. Agree, you just never know. We got the TTI shorties to hang on the studs; with engine in the car, and without lifting the engine. Didn't use them for other interference issues, but the studs didn't have to come off to check the fit. Even the 340 manifold can be tough to slip in over the studs. Once you figure out how to do it of course its a bit easier. Patience and bunch of trial and errors sometimes.

This is why ALL headers should have SLIP ON collectors and be 4 pieces instead of one piece. It's stupid to do that.

The best headers go on hard and fit when they are on. Junk headers are the ones that fall right on, but you can't get to the spark plugs, the tubes are small and the routing of the tubes is just silly.

I've asked TTI why they don't make the headers with slip on collectors. They said I'm the only one that's ever asked. For a street car.
Production made headers are full of compromises - that's for sure!

You want slip on collectors? Multi-peice assemblies? pretty got to go semi-custom.
Only exception I can think of is the previous generation of Dougs for early-A with LA engines.
Mark Leshanko made some really nice looking 4 into 1s. Don't know if he's still in business.
perfweld-moparaview2600.jpg

He also was making some shorties - there's a FABO thread about it somewhere.

Headers by Ed did it a little differently. Worked great - but hang too low for most street use.
Could it be adapted for a higher ground clearance design? - absolutely.
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I saw the pictures of the flange machining. I didn't see anything worth sending them back for. As in, nothing that would have been a problem when they were mounted on the engine. Maybe I missed something? The header you sent back looks better than either one of flanges on the TTI shorties I have. The Doug's have a much better sealing surface.
Agree. And best I can tell both companies, along many others, use a raised bead around the ports for sealing. This method requires a thick flange and a thick soft gasket.
I can't really blame them although I don't like it. It's no easy trick to machine the flanges flat and in plane with each other.
TTI
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Headers by Ed
HeadersbyEd-8Flange148S.JPG
 
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Blu, in my opinion, headers are hard enough to seal without having defects.

There were cuts that are a possible failure point, the flange was not flat and it should be,another failure point.

The studs are coming out, I wouldn't be able to change out the gasket without removing them. Less than 1/4" between passenger side fender wall and header, the drivers side, not a chance.


Since I found the fasteners they sent with them, I'll use them.

Bill. You're absolutely correct, I do the same thing but didn't realize it. Have to take a step back, try to figure out what is going wrong.

I'm not so arrogant that i have to be right, I'd prefer my error is pointed out sooner than later, less painful.
 
There were cuts that are a possible failure point, the flange was not flat and it should be,another failure point.
I didn't see the cuts in your photos but not flat is norm. That's what I was trying to say. Generally there is a bow, sometimes worse.
You can take some out with lapping.
If you want it truly flat, a stationary belt sander is probably the best bet.
The thing is, you need to be carefull not to change the angle. That's hard to do without a jig or a willingness that you might have to do a couple trials.
Here's the TTIs again. Green is what didn't get lapped initially due to the bow. But using their gasket, or remflex, I'm sure it would have sealed as made.
I just wanted to make it better.
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While the raised bead insures a seal, the drawback is the fastener heads are not evenly loaded. This is one reason header bolts need to be checked regularly to be sure they haven't loosened.
 
Bill. You're absolutely correct, I do the same thing but didn't realize it. Have to take a step back, try to figure out what is going wrong.

I'm not so arrogant that i have to be right, I'd prefer my error is pointed out sooner than later, less painful.
Might want to check the engine placement relativeto th eframe rails and K.
There may be others, but Schumacher's dimensions for placement is the one I've seen around for awhile. I *think* its what I used for comaprison after doing my own homemade /6 to v-8 conversion.
SB Header Installation
 
tti location measurements

CHECK THE ENGINE LOCATION:All K-members are not identical and the dimensions must be checked to ensure proper fitment of the headers or exhaust system. If the engine is not located correctly in the chassis our products will not fit properly. If necessary place shims between the insulator assembly and the K-frame mounting pad to achieve the proper factory dimensions.Shims: For small position adjustments, shim packs are available through Schumacher Creative Services of Seattle, WA.From the center of the crankshaft to the top of the K-frame the correct distance is (A). The engine is also offset towards the passenger-side(B). Measure from the center of the crankshaft to each frame rail, the difference should be (C).Factory Engine Locations -SBA(inches)B (inches)C (inches)67-76 A-body
A=5-1/4
B=1-1/4
C=2-1/2
 
Got the engine back up in the car with headers snugged up with .0625 washer to simulate compressed gasket, remflex gasket is getting beat up, without steering box because of interference with header.

Driver side = 16.375
Passenger side = 13.5625
Height = 5.3125

Using tti's numbers, I'm off to the passenger side by .31, that should help, at least it's not to far toward the driver side. After a little more thought on this, maybe being over to the p side is causing the problem? I'll get it sitting as close as I can and see where I'm at then.

The p side has about .1875 clearance from fender wall.

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That doesn't bother me.

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Wish I had another header to try. I'm not convinced the header is within quality control spec.
 
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Got the engine shifted over towards the driver side as much as I can, referring to measurement from crank center line and frame rail. Was able to get it to move over abt 3/16".

I take back what I said about quality control, header seems to be right.

I now have enough clearance for steering shaft and coupler, still need to put the steering box back on.
0725191115.jpg
 
Can you loosen the three bolts at the bottom of the column mount and cheat the column away from the headers a bit?

I already did that, but I didn't mention it.

A lot of good suggestions, thanks to all of those that helped.

I'll post pics after I get the steering box installed. Since its hidden, I may dent it anyways just get the header a little further away from the steering box. Move the heat away a little.
 
very cool it looks like your on the way to get everything to work, a year from now somebody will google how to install headers and this thread will come up, it will make them feel better they saw someone else rant and solve their problem a lot quicker
 
Glad you're getting it figured out! You're almost there. I must admit though, part of me wanted to see the rant after you stripped the button head screws.
 
Mo power: it would of been an epic rant for sure.

Still hits the steering box here.
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Hmmm
 
How is it that they've been making these headers for years and still haven't revised them to not interfere with the steering?

A body with original 318.

I cut a 1/4" shim to lift up the drivers side, haven't installed it yet so I'm not sure if it will be enough.

Exhaust tube for #3 is a tight bend, why didn't they do the same on #5? It would of fixed this problem. May create a different problem, but I dont think so.

I'm getting tired of things not fitting properly, really frustrating! I'm a retired metal worker, I get my **** right, why can't they? I shouldn't have to be shimming anything on this.

Just a mild rant.....
Tti isn't any better in my opinion I had to cut and beat the **** out of them to fit. Not happy. Had them ceramic coated because they said they would fit.
 
In the process of denting them now, a little more to go.

This makes a good argument for manual steering. Most of the components on the car came from the factory this way, figured it would have less problems since it is original parts.
Some stuff isn't original but most of it is rebuilt original parts.

If I hadn't already spent 400 bucks on the steering box, firm feel stage 2, I would switch to manual.
 
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It's really cool to see the coating flaking off. I'm a lot less in love with these at this point. If they work, good enough. The coating doesn't stay looking good anyways.
 
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