Well, I've been working on the headers and the rear end on the car. The rear is painted and ready to start final assembly. I put the 3.90 gears and the Tru-Trac in a few weekends ago. I just have to pull the current rear and transfer the brakes over. I can't do that until later though. This works out pretty well since I really need to have the rear end out of the car to do the exhaust system.
The driver's side header is designed and tacked together. I want to wait until I have the passenger side completed before I do any final welding. I'm also thinking I may wait until I have the exhaust system tacked in place before I final weld. We'll see.
Here are some pictures of the header. I'm really happy with the design. For me, headers need to look good on the engine and have a good flow to their design versus just throwing them on there in whatever manner fits. All the primaries are between 29-32 inches basically. Ground clearance is great as it's only 1/2 half inch below the subframe rails. It's still one inch above the front subframe cross brace though. I'll get a picture showing that when done. This one slips in and out from underneath with ease. Spark plug clearance is better than what I had with this engine while it was in my 4th gen. I do have to make or buy a different spark plug tool to make number 7 easy to change. I can change the oil filter without getting oil all over the header as well. The number 5 primary is 1.5 inches away from the filter at its closest point. I am close to the floor pan and the lower control arm brace. I believe I'll be fine but I do intend to assemble the exhaust and drive it around to verify it works before having them coated. This has been a challenge but it's been fun.
Does anyone think it would be a good idea to connect the primaries together with some pieces of flat steel where they are very close together or touching like the #5 and #7 primaries do?
I believe I will be able to make the passenger side look like the drive's side from the top. Underneath will be a different story since I have to dodge a starter and knock sensor. I was working on it last night and I'm confident I can make it work and get similar lengths. I won't know for sure until I try though. My other concern are the fuel lines and can I make it so the starter can be removed without taking the header off.
Stay tuned.
Thanks.