Headers/collectors getting in the way of everything!

[jsimpson]

My 70 convertible ex-race Vette has header/collectors with 2" primaries feeding into 2-1/2" pipes. I can't get to ANYTHING because of those headers and it looks like I would have to remove the entire steering system to get them out! I'm trying to jump the starter relay and I can't even get at it! Help!

 

[Vette/Berlina-coupe]

-just the personal-opinion of an Automotive/Design-engineer...

-the truck-designers at GM did a foolish thing when it stuffed-in an oversized/overweight motor into what was suppost to be a sportcar, --as it was a case of diminishng-return owing that an already overweight car is given truck-like handling qualities by the absurd 200-lb added nose-weight! At least they are getting rid of the old truck-design crew with the C5/C6, --yet some of that remains... The Vette-designers are however to be congratulated for refusing to install the absurdly overweight and over-sized engine like the Cadillac has fallen victim to. The C5 and soon C6 Vette-engines (2nd/3rd-generation of the C3/350v8) are far superior to anything else in terms of power per cubic-foot of engine-space displacement (ie: that volume displaced by dunking the entire engine in water). Lesson-learned: --that you were suckered into owning one of these heffer-monstrosities is only something redeemable by passing it on to the next foolish buyer...
~Bob Vonheck
:nono

 

[mfendley]

Putting a big engine in a little car is what American Muscle cars have always been about. If you're not intenting on racing the car anymore, you can get a set of headers with smaller primaries/collectors that will give you a little more room around the engine compartment. Where in Florida are you at? I'm in Kings Bay, GA about 30 minutes north of Jacksonville, FL and I'd be happy to help you wrench on your Corvette if you're not too far away.

Mike

 

[jsimpson]

Thnaks; but I'm afraid I'm too far away - Ft. Lauderdale! I sure could use a good man with a TIG and a good window mechanism man, and a good top mechanism man.

 

[mfendley]

Road Trip

Ft. Lauderdale! That's the defination of a road trip. In fact, I drove down to Miami to buy my '77 in April, and I was down there just last month (we have our submarines drop us off down there every once in a while). I'll save your email, and let you know the next time I'll be down your way. I haven't TIG welded in years, but I spent a lot of time adjusting convertable frames when I had my 69 442 convertable. I'll let you know about the window mechanisms soon, I just ordered new door panels, and plan on redoing the window adjustments while I have it all apart.

Mike

 

[jsimpson]

Sounds great to me; keep in touch!