Modified Z-bar for Doug's Headers

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73SwingerBuild

73SwingerBuild

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'morning FABO.

I'm getting ready to order headers for my 340 going in my 73 swinger with the A-833 4 speed. I was between Doug's and TTi, but it seems Doug's are the same fit and finish for a better price.

Now in terms of installing them, I know that I will need a mini-starter, and I know that there will be modifications required for the z-bar to function as desired. I have done a bit of research but I can't seem to find either (1) modified z-bars for sale (I believe TTi used to sell them) or (2) Instructions on how to modify my existing z-bar. I would really appreciate any help with this.

The motor, trannsmission, and k-member are all currently sitting on the floor. I plan to install the power steering pump on the k-member, install the /6 to 340 mounts on the motor, bolt the motor to the k-member, bolt the transmission to the motor, install the mini-starter from a '92 Dakota, then install the headers on the motor. I believe this entire assembly can then be raised up into the engine compartment and bolted in with the transmission crossmember and the k-frame bolts. I have a 2-ton chain hoist above my lift, so I should be able to maneuver it into place.

I know i spun off of the original exhaust post, but i believe the entire installation is fairly relevant to the headers and required z-bar modifications. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

-Mike
 
Either put an S bend in the bar downleg or cut leg off and move it slightly to drivers side.

I always cut the downleg off and weld it back on.
 
x2 on the cut and weld. Just make sure the linkage lines up proper before you do anything more than a tack weld.
 
So you would both recommend raising the entire assembly into the car, cutting the linkage arm off, and then tacking it into place as it should sit? Sounds like a better way to be sure it'll fit. Thanks for your input.
 
Correct.

The problem is the arm swings in a decreasing pie shaped area. Move it too far over to the drivers side, it hits, not enough, it hits.

Tack it in place, finish weld on the bench.
 
I just modified my z-bar for my 440+6 in my 69 barracuda. I found a picture of a repro z-bar on the computer, blew it up to full size, and traced the "s" shape on a piece of paper (I knew what the tube length was so I just measured that on the screen). I then used my torch to get the metal red hot and bent the metal to match my template. I tacked it on and fit it in. It took a couple of tweaks, but now works and looks perfect. The cost, free...
Rod
 
Figured I'd blow the dust off this thread and see if anybody has taken any pictures of this modification. I'll be doing this install in the next couple of months...
 
It's trial and error. Cut it and refit. Don't have any measurement that dead nuts correct.
 
That's understandable. Regardless of the pictures, I'm going to cut it off and tack it on once I have it in place. It would just be nice to see how it turned out on other people's cars.

You know us, Cracked. We like pictures!
 
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