...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.

On my small block TTI step headers and Hurst 1/4-stick with a 5' cable I had to use a long extra heavy duty zip-tie to keep the cable pulled out of the way. Just gotta find a convenient point to attach it to. I replace the zip tie periodically and never got around to try a longer cable and/or different routing

A visual would help, but my cables never got near the starter.
Nothing beats "fire sleeve" for protecting cables/hoses/wires from heat; I've had it on stuff next to headers and no issues.

I learned after my first melted cable in 1986. I mistakenly ordered a very short replacement cable- the 3 foot cable I got was actually better as there was less cable out there vulnerable to the heat from the headers. A simple curve from the shifter to the transmission linkage and much less "Slack" to zip tie and keep away from harmful heat. In other word- get a cable that's just long enough and no more.

X2.

Also, at least B&M offers both a 'standard' version and a 'heavy duty' version of their cables. The H.D. version has a thicker sheath but the standard/thinner sheath is a little more flexible which can help with routing.

Thanks for the ideas guys.

I will try to take a pic tonight...heading out to the garage right now to toss the ride up some axle stands to give me a little extra room to work through this.

In parallel, I was able to score a B&M 80832 cable today (half price on eBag compared to the Summit pricetag), which is the Super Duty Race piece. It is 4-ft length, so shorter than the 5-ft that came with the shifter.

Once I get the old one out I will try to mock it up with various lengths.