Topic: ? for all '82's with Hooker side pipes
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Dave,
If you can take a bunch of pictures of everything that can possibly be involved in the alignment issue and post them, I'm guessing someone will see something that gets us going in the right direction. My headers with the exact same part number fit like a dream on my '81. Hooker has been building that exact same header forever, so I feel like the odds are that you have something different on your car vs. there being a problem with the headers.
If you can take a bunch of pictures of everything that can possibly be involved in the alignment issue and post them, I'm guessing someone will see something that gets us going in the right direction. My headers with the exact same part number fit like a dream on my '81. Hooker has been building that exact same header forever, so I feel like the odds are that you have something different on your car vs. there being a problem with the headers.
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Lifetime MemberHere are some photos showing the problems:
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82 
I'm wondering if maybe the left side motor mount (frame/crossmember side) not the part that bolts to the engine block may be positioned to far down and "vise versa" for the right side mount. Basically making the engine sit a little lopsided in the engine bay.
I can't remember (it's been so long) if those mounting pads on the frame/crossmember side have enlongated bolt holes to allow for "axial" alignment of the engine.
Just another thought.
TKO500 5 spd.
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
Dave -
Don't know if this would be a factor but were the headers made for the stock setup versus the new setup?
If there are any external differences between the stock block and heads versus the new engine block and heads that might explain why John didn't have any problems with his setup and you are.
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
[QUOTE=Norsky]Dave -
Don't know if this would be a factor but were the headers made for the stock setup versus the new setup?
If there are any external differences between the stock block and heads versus the new engine block and heads that might explain why John didn't have any problems with his setup and you are.
[/QUOTE]
That's what I thought and I called Hooker and they said they only make one header-sidepipe, that's it. They said sometimes aftermarket motor mounts can cause problems so use the orig. ones, except one of mine were broken. I took out the aftermarket ones and put in a good ureathane set and I gained about 1/16". Well I'm going ahead with it like everyone says. Hopefully bolting the side pipes in place will help with the header location. We shall see. I you see me at Hot Springs with my side pipes dragging on the ground you'll know it didn't work 
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82
Dave,
Sorry I've been off the forum a few days. Vacation...
Anyway, in looking at your pictures, I don't think this is a motor mount issue. Your steering box clearance is the same as mine. That tells me the engine is "center" (actually off-centered) where it is supposed to be. However, the engine/tranny appears to be in the car crooked, with the rear of the tranny too far toward the driver side. If you can bring the rear of the tranny around ot factory location, the pipes should come straight back on both sides AND that should get you better clearance on under the psngr side frame rail. There has to be a reason for this - my guess is non-factory tranny or cross-member for your year vette. Possibly rear tranny mount installed incorrectly? Try loosening the rear tranny mount and pushing the rear of the tranny toward the psngr side and I think you'll see what I mean.
Hope that helps!
Sorry I've been off the forum a few days. Vacation...
Anyway, in looking at your pictures, I don't think this is a motor mount issue. Your steering box clearance is the same as mine. That tells me the engine is "center" (actually off-centered) where it is supposed to be. However, the engine/tranny appears to be in the car crooked, with the rear of the tranny too far toward the driver side. If you can bring the rear of the tranny around ot factory location, the pipes should come straight back on both sides AND that should get you better clearance on under the psngr side frame rail. There has to be a reason for this - my guess is non-factory tranny or cross-member for your year vette. Possibly rear tranny mount installed incorrectly? Try loosening the rear tranny mount and pushing the rear of the tranny toward the psngr side and I think you'll see what I mean.
Hope that helps!
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)