Hey fellas, So today I took out the linkage from the clutch pedal to the bellhousing today. I wanna run dual exhaust, so I put in the other linkage. But I can only bolt in 1 bolt to the frame an not the other cuz the mount sticks up too far. So everythingg is in place, but that one dolt to the frame. The linkage is hitting the steering box and when the pedal is pulled all the way out, it moves the engine about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Its really weird. Any suggestions on how to fix it? Or could I put the original back on and just have the muffler shop make a quick bend to get over that linkage? Its gonna have to be a pretty close bend. Any help or suggestions would be great. thanks! Rocky
Maybe you should quit fighting those manifolds and get the Red's Headers that are made for a '54 only part# 513-514,they are $210 but in the long run better performance and less h***le with fit.
Here's another take on your situation: I've got a real problem with headers being used on street cars unless there is no other solution. They are noisy, tend to be leaky and radiate a lot of heat into the engine compartment and onto the floorboards. Try this before you step up for headers: go to the parts store and buy a length of metal flexible heater duct hose the same diameter as your exhaust pipes - probably 2". It's made of aluminum, is very flexible and once bent it will hold its shape. It can be reshaped many times so it is reusable and not at all expensive. With the stock clutch linkage in place (or whatever linkage operates best and smoothest), get under the car and see if you can form the aluminum heater duct hose in a way that will clear all obstructions. If you can, a good muffler shop can bend exhaust tubing in the exact same shape. This will allow you to use your cast iron manifolds and have a smooth operating clutch linkage...without resorting to headers Hope this helps.
Well, I wont argue with Eric, he offers up to much info when I need help (Well that and he's been doin this a lot longer than me). But, I like headers to, so if you want'em, make it happen. I put in a hydraulic clutch in mine. Also my headers are ceramic coated, while not cool by any means, they are MUCH cooler than non ceramic headers. One thing I will say from just working on my exhaust, if its going to be a tight bend, you might be better off getting a mandrel bend to cut and weld up to get around the problem. Tight bends and muffler shop = major crimping of the pipe. Local parts stores like auto zone have short 45 degree and 90 degree bends on hand you could check out to, if they work you can cut to fit. Also in the same area as these bends, they have flexible exhaust repair pieces. I used that to mock up mine, flexible and hold shape well. I used mine for a couple of weeks, got the bends I needed, took it back I bought a U bend to work with my exhaust Hey if its real tight, you can even get a donut!
I know you must be joking, but hey I will play along. You use the donut for really tight turns, you cut it and use the it with your other pipe. Othereise your exhaust will just spin in circles if you don't cut it
What engine are you using ? If you are using long tube headers you are better to buy some Tri Y headers if not Take the long tubes and cut then about 3" from the heads then cut the tubes at the collector and start making what will work the best . Basically building your own but then they will fit very nicely . If using a SBF you have always use the early 289 dual exhaust manifolds and they really work nice to . You can power coat them silver or what ever color or just use header heat paint . That is really your best options . Now if you can't weld then get someone that can and just mock up the headers and have them tach welded then test fit . I know building headers sounds hard but it really isn't if you just take your time . Another way is make a simple set of LOG style headers . Take a set of either short or long tube and cut the tubes at the start of the curves about 2" to 3" from the heads , then add some straight tubes to where you want then from the heads , then weld a straight tube to connect all the tubes together . Very much like Lake Style headers and go from there . Now this will give you some different possibilities . When you get tired of messing with them , just walk away and get something to eat or drink and then come back and look them over to see what will work best for you . Remember headers don't all have to go straight down , they can go up and toward the firewall then down . As for heat , header wraps work great but I think they look like **** . But that's just my opinion on headers wraps . I am particle to long tube or fender well headers . Let us know what you come up with . Just remember , this is all the fun stuff of building your own car ! Gotta think outside the box and make things yourself . I am still very partial to the donut style with red and blue sprinkles on them ! Jim
Well I've been thinking about the headers from reds actually. Easy. I can't weld, so making my own won't work. Also, I figured with the holley 4 bbl and upgraded distributor, I might as well get headers. I can live with the heat from them ( I do live in arizona, its hotter than hell here most of the time). I appreciate everyones input! Oh, and the engine I'm running is a 292 y block. Thanks again! Rocky
My family had a '54 mercury with a 239 block (and later heads), that we ran dual manifolds on. We just had the exhaust shop (ralphs) get creative with that problem, and they did a pretty good job at not crimping the pipe to hell, but it was pretty tight. I'll be running a hydraulic clutch to try and solve this problem on my car. We'll see how that goes!
Missysdad, I don't wonder how the exhaust will get out of the donut, I wonder how it will get in. Osmosis?
Today 01:49 PM the-stig Missysdad, I don't wonder how the exhaust will get out of the donut, I wonder how it will get in. Osmosis? It's like electrical stuff. The smoke is already in there. It's when you let it out that all the trouble starts...
Is the Magic donut like the Magic Mushrooms ? Oh wait , I think I am on the wrong forum for that one ! Reds does make some really nice headers . Sanderson also makes some good one too . You might want to check out those as well . Really both cost about the same . I have seen Reds in person but not Sanderson's so I can't say anything between the 2 of them . the Reds are really nice and the people I talked with about them told me they fit really well and are very happy with them . Jim
re: Missysdad, I don't wonder how the exhaust will get out of the donut, I wonder how it will get in. Osmosis? Yeah, that's it! I think I tried some of that osmosis stuff in the 60s - can't remember for sure, memory's a bit foggy..or smokey...
Durn it, Ron, I think you're right. I thought he was talkin' about that famous small dog trainer, Osmosis Ben Latte, you know, the terrier-ist...
Anyone have a set of reds headers that they would be willing to trade? Would rather trade than spend the money.
I have a set of headers, but I doubt that they are Reds. If you are interested in them , I will get a pic of them, IMHO they look kinda cheesy, but they came free in the trunk of my car when I bought it. If you want them they are free for the cost of shipping.
Just thinking completely outside the square for a minute... had you considered running a hydraulic throwout bearing? Would buy you the room you need I'm sure . I built headers for Michelles ranchwagon (3 speed behind a Y) and used the mechanical set up but with a powersteer box and the linkages for the clutch its like trying to get lucky with a Nun
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