Headers too close to lots of things

Posted By: domingo

Headers too close to lots of things - 01/28/13 11:51 PM

Hi!

Im doing final assembly on my 67 HEMI cuda race car and I notice that my headers are super close to lots of things:

1.-External 12 AN 90� oil fitting out of the oil pump (I only have about 1/8" clearance between the fitting and one of the primaries). Do you think Its a problem and I should put some header wrap on the offending primary?

2.-Its also close to some brake lines, and close to the metering block....Not rubbing but close...and the exhaust gases will exit beside the brake line....Will the heat affect the brake fluid?

3.- Its also close to the trans oil cooler braided aeroquip lines, but I guess I can shield those...

4.-And last, the header collectors ARE TOUCHING the trans blanket. Do you think the nylon lining of the blanket can catch fire if it's in direct contact with the header collectors?

Thanks in advance for the input.

Domingo

Posted By: Leon441

Re: Headers too close to lots of things - 01/29/13 12:09 AM

Don't know about catching fire but it will definately melt the blanket. Don't ask how I know.

I have a set of headers with the wrap all over several tubes. Just can't figure why the headers where not built around the tight spots. Especially the #3 tube. Could have went over the steering rod and made things easier all the way around. Now I have to pull the column to get the #3-5 tube set out.

Leon

Posted By: DusterDave

Re: Headers too close to lots of things - 01/29/13 12:13 AM

Domingo, here's how close my fitting was to my headers. It didn't hurt anything. Tight clearances is part of the game with a stock chassis HEMI powered A-body.

I would replace the blanket with a carbon fiber trans shield.

Posted By: domingo

Re: Headers too close to lots of things - 01/29/13 12:28 AM

Thankls for the replies.....

Any thoughts on the brake fluid being exposed to header heat? Should I re-route the brake lines away from header and exhaust heat?

Posted By: DaveRS23

Re: Headers too close to lots of things - 01/29/13 01:04 AM

I am using insulation in one form or another at a number of points that the headers are really close to. Like the brake lines, starter cable, steering box, speedo cable, etc.

I don't know yet how much it will help (if any) but it can't hurt to keep as much heat as possible from those items.

I have gotten several really cool foil backed insulation sleeves from the pick a part yard off of late model wrecks. It is cheap and it looks like it is custom made for my job.

Posted By: domingo

Re: Headers too close to lots of things - 01/29/13 01:24 AM

No wrecking yards around here!!!

Which header wrap and insulation sleeves do you guys reccomend?

Posted By: MR_P_BODY

Re: Headers too close to lots of things - 01/29/13 01:32 AM

Quote:

Thankls for the replies.....

Any thoughts on the brake fluid being exposed to header heat? Should I re-route the brake lines away from header and exhaust heat?

Keep the heat away from the brake lines... you wont
like what happens when the fluid boils... wrap the
pipes if needed

Posted By: topside

Re: Headers too close to lots of things - 01/29/13 01:49 AM

What Mr P says. If the headers are within 1" of the brake lines, you need to shield them from heat. Especially on a street car or anything that will be running for awhile. On my '63, I had the Maxie exhaust & a dual master cylinder, and until I installed a heat shield, you could feel the brakes going away from the fluid being boiled.
The trans blanket outer cover will melt within minutes if it's touching the headers/collectors.
Fire sleeve on the brake lines will help a lot, but even that requires a little space from the headers.

Posted By: rowin4

Re: Headers too close to lots of things - 01/29/13 05:01 AM

I use the fiberglass spark plug boot guards on my starter wires that are close to the header pipes, probably work for brake lines, it's rated at 1200 degrees.