...what combo works?

Or to be more precise, what B&M shifter cable will work with the 1-7/8" primary tube TTI headers (TTI340BEW2) on a small block?

I have a QuickSilver B&M shifter, it uses the 5ft. long shifter cable (80605), which upon my first start with this engine burned through. I thought I had enough room, but nope, that didn't cut it.

OK, so I need a better plan.

B&M does have different lengths in their 'Super Duty Race Shifter Cable' series...so I could do a shorter one, I am thinking I need a tighter turn so the bend in the cable does NOT come up to the starter and between the starter body and header tube (which is what my configuration was doing).

So on that note I am curious what others have used with same/similar combos?

How about recommendations for heat shielding?

I did have my cable wrapped in the Russel Wrap-It sleeve (the black mesh-like jacket, part# 629080), but that burned through as that's good to 500F.

I wrapped my transmission lines in the Summit Rcing Heat Sleeve (350115), which is the aluminum foil faced stuff that's supposed to be good to 1500F, so it's not like I wasn't paying attention to this.