I managed to get the headers installed and found a several issues.
The missing bolt I discovered when removing the factory exhaust manifold was
actually a broken bolt. So I was unable to install a screw there. I am
hoping the seal with the header gasket provided will be sufficient.
The Header bolt openings where not clear in a couple of cases. One had a
little bit of a weld splatter blocking the hole. I was able to break that
free. The other was the header itself would not allow the bolt to fit into
the hole straight. I am going to see if I can air hammer it over enough after
trimming the bolt a little. Since I had worked it into position and took a
while to get the bolt aligned I did not want to have to remove it and try to
correct the problem. Just a word of advice make sure the bolt can fit through
the holes cleanly before attempting the header installation. It will be
easier to correct it when it is not mounted on the car.
Cutting the bracket the Rick suggested worked well and the header is still
pretty rigid.
I had to remove the power steering filler and belt to allow for room to adjust
the header into position.
There is plenty of clearance around the steering wheel shaft. This was an area
I was mainly concerned with.
The down pipe of the header is about as low as the original pipe. So I will
probably still have to be cautious when I exit my driveway.
When mounting the collector and reducer make sure that the flat surface is
parallel to the ground. This will give you about 1/2 inch additional ground
clearance.
I will temporarily installed a flexible connection to the existing pipe so I
can check for exhaust leaks near the bolts. I will replace it after
installing the passenger side header and completed the remainder of the
exhaust.
Hoping to get the car out of the garage to do a little cleaning and
reorganizing for the winter. This was my original intention before I was
forced to work on the header.
On another issue, I just purchased a couple of fiero seats and I have seen
work well with the Bricklin. I am now looking for replacement seat covers and
possibly sliders. Any recommendations would be welcomed.
Greg 0036
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