Too close to header? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**guyryan100** · 07-25-2005, 07:06 PM

Are my brake lines too close to the header? If you can't tell in the pic it's about 3/4" between them.

LUV2XCLR8 · 07-25-2005, 07:07 PM

YIKES, That is pretty close, but I'm no expert on whether or not it's a issue

tomatocity · 07-25-2005, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guyryan100

Are my brake lines too close to the header? If you can't tell in the pic it's about 3/4" between them.

It would make me uncomfortable but like LUV I am not an expert. What does everyone else do? Anyone have pics of theirs installations?

**guyryan100** · 07-25-2005, 07:28 PM

I guess it could only be an issue if the truck were ever actually cranked and driven out of the garage, so I may be safe at the rate I'm going.

LUV2XCLR8 · 07-25-2005, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomatocity

Anyone have pics of theirs installations?

Yeppers, but mine is a 4wd so it doesn't count

matthufham · 07-25-2005, 07:44 PM

when you open throttle the engine might shake and hit them.

frost89434 · 07-25-2005, 07:46 PM

I drove my old truck for years with them just like that and did not have an issue. I even drove it 900 miles.

arkracing · 07-25-2005, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthufham

when you open throttle the engine might shake and hit them.

Probably not....it COULD happen but probably not. when you floor it the left side of the motor raises up and away from the frame with the torque transfer (watch a drag car...usually the left front wheel will lift first)

as far as if they are too close...I would be afraid of boiling the brake fuild. I don't think it would get hot enough to do that but i would want to take the chance. the cheap and easy way out would be to buy some heat reflective tape (Summit & Jegs or your local speed shop) and wrap the lines in that area.

FirstGen · 07-25-2005, 08:42 PM

Mine are every bit that close. 7200 miles and no problems yet... no insulation either...

tomatocity · 07-25-2005, 09:01 PM

And that can be very hot country. So this answers my concerns. If he does not get brake fade then there should be little concern. 'Keep'em On The Road'

Quote:

Originally Posted by frost89434

I drove my old truck for years with them just like that and did not have an issue. I even drove it 900 miles.

72MARIO · 07-26-2005, 03:54 PM

I ran mine on the outside of the frame for peace of mind.

Fred T · 07-26-2005, 04:02 PM

I would at least make a heat shield out of aluminum. If it were mine I would run the lines outside the frame. It's not that tough to bend your own.

cableguy0 · 07-26-2005, 04:03 PM

mine are about that close and have been since the truck has had headers way back when my dad had it. rough estimate is 50k miles or so and never an issue. especially with the ceramic coated headers they hold the heat inside the pipe and dont let near as much into the engine compartment

boraxman · 07-26-2005, 04:12 PM

Mine are at least that close...no issues.

purple gas · 07-27-2005, 11:53 PM

Mine are that close too. I only have a few miles on it and was slightly concerned. But as stated above. Brake fluid is built for very hot conditions. Still, I may eventually move mine. I'm thinkin it must get REAL hot there.

Low69CST · 07-28-2005, 12:36 AM

it looks like your headers are ceramic coated. I've been told that is enough of a insulator that it keeps the heat inside the tubes and not much radiates in the engine compartment. However, I have heard of brake fluid boiling. I changed my lines like Mario to outside the frame and bought some insulation and wrapped the lines. I think the closest I get is about 1.5"-2". You may want to look on the other side under the truck. Where the rear line goes from the crossmember to the pass. frame rail was actually touching my headers. I had to change them around to the outside the frame rail.

Gray Ghost · 07-28-2005, 09:34 AM

If they aren't within 1/2" they should be okay, but I'd get a second set of eyes on it when you torque the motor just in case. When I installed the headers on my Elky, the brake line was close enough that torkin' the motor put a hole the brake line. Took me several days to figure out there was a problem...coulda been real dangerous....

GloryHound · 07-28-2005, 10:05 AM

Most of the new brake line kits put the lines on the outside of the frame rail. You should be able to get a new set of front lines for less than $100.00. Even though your clearance may not be an issue, I like the peace of mind running it on the outside would give me. New brake lines are always a bonus anyway! You may even want to think about going to stainless brake lines while your at it. A complete kit will run you around $200.00 to $250.00. With this you'll gain a lot more peace of mind. I'd hate to see someone put all the time, money, and effort into fixing up a nice looking truck just to rearend someone or hit a tree and total it shortly after getting it on the road. Alot of attention has been turned to brake systems in alot of auto magazines. Is this for a reason? I think so.

67chops · 08-01-2005, 09:40 PM

I know I need to get this fixed, but my front brake line is touching the header. I have driven on it every day for the past 2 months without a single problem.

07-25-2005, 07:06 PM	#1
guyryan100 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 489	Too close to header? Are my brake lines too close to the header? If you can't tell in the pic it's about 3/4" between them. Attached Images

07-25-2005, 07:07 PM	#2
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,474	YIKES, That is pretty close, but I'm no expert on whether or not it's a issue __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

07-25-2005, 07:44 PM	#6
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	when you open throttle the engine might shake and hit them. Last edited by matthufham; 07-25-2005 at 07:45 PM.

07-25-2005, 07:46 PM	#7
frost89434 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: sparks, NV Posts: 1,141	I drove my old truck for years with them just like that and did not have an issue. I even drove it 900 miles. __________________ 68 short fleet with 71 front clip 2wd jaguar blue 99 chevy ext cab shrtbed z71 loaded 99 chevy swb fleetside(daily driver) Sparks, Nevada

07-25-2005, 08:42 PM	#9
FirstGen Just Don't Stop! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,239	Mine are every bit that close. 7200 miles and no problems yet... no insulation either... __________________ 1968 C10 build in process TT LSA/6L90e/9"

07-25-2005, 07:28 PM	#4
guyryan100 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 489	I guess it could only be an issue if the truck were ever actually cranked and driven out of the garage, so I may be safe at the rate I'm going.

07-26-2005, 03:54 PM	#11
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,051	I ran mine on the outside of the frame for peace of mind. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

07-26-2005, 04:02 PM	#12
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	I would at least make a heat shield out of aluminum. If it were mine I would run the lines outside the frame. It's not that tough to bend your own. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

07-26-2005, 04:03 PM	#13
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	mine are about that close and have been since the truck has had headers way back when my dad had it. rough estimate is 50k miles or so and never an issue. especially with the ceramic coated headers they hold the heat inside the pipe and dont let near as much into the engine compartment __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

07-26-2005, 04:12 PM	#14
boraxman Keepin an eye out Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: So.Cal Posts: 3,920	Mine are at least that close...no issues. __________________ 1970 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3 1996 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 2007 Vespa GTS 250 Scooter ZIP 91351

07-27-2005, 11:53 PM	#15
purple gas Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: saskatoon, planet earth Posts: 697	Mine are that close too. I only have a few miles on it and was slightly concerned. But as stated above. Brake fluid is built for very hot conditions. Still, I may eventually move mine. I'm thinkin it must get REAL hot there. __________________ I got a bench seat baby, you don't have to sit over there.

07-28-2005, 12:36 AM	#16
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	it looks like your headers are ceramic coated. I've been told that is enough of a insulator that it keeps the heat inside the tubes and not much radiates in the engine compartment. However, I have heard of brake fluid boiling. I changed my lines like Mario to outside the frame and bought some insulation and wrapped the lines. I think the closest I get is about 1.5"-2". You may want to look on the other side under the truck. Where the rear line goes from the crossmember to the pass. frame rail was actually touching my headers. I had to change them around to the outside the frame rail. __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

07-28-2005, 09:34 AM	#17
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	If they aren't within 1/2" they should be okay, but I'd get a second set of eyes on it when you torque the motor just in case. When I installed the headers on my Elky, the brake line was close enough that torkin' the motor put a hole the brake line. Took me several days to figure out there was a problem...coulda been real dangerous.... __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. Last edited by Gray Ghost; 07-28-2005 at 09:34 AM.

07-28-2005, 10:05 AM	#18
GloryHound Working on a Nova. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: ## Posts: 506	Most of the new brake line kits put the lines on the outside of the frame rail. You should be able to get a new set of front lines for less than $100.00. Even though your clearance may not be an issue, I like the peace of mind running it on the outside would give me. New brake lines are always a bonus anyway! You may even want to think about going to stainless brake lines while your at it. A complete kit will run you around $200.00 to $250.00. With this you'll gain a lot more peace of mind. I'd hate to see someone put all the time, money, and effort into fixing up a nice looking truck just to rearend someone or hit a tree and total it shortly after getting it on the road. Alot of attention has been turned to brake systems in alot of auto magazines. Is this for a reason? I think so.

08-01-2005, 09:40 PM	#19
67chops Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Newark, DE Posts: 81	I know I need to get this fixed, but my front brake line is touching the header. I have driven on it every day for the past 2 months without a single problem. __________________ -Chops-



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