engine swap; clutch linkage problem

[68lwb]

I have a '68 4x4 that came with a 292 with 465 transmission and 221 transfer case. I am putting in a 307 with same transmission and transfer case combo.
I used the old bell housing and flywheel, but when I took it to the muffler shop they told me the clutch linkage is to tight to the exhaust manifold and can't be bent. I found a 68 4x4 with V8 and 4 speed transmission, found the linkage to be different and changed it. I gained a little room, but doesn't look like that much. Anybody had this problem before, and if so how the heck did you fix it. I have looked at it from every angle I can and the only thing I see is possibly changing the manifold to one that dumps straight down instead of angling back. The only manifold I found that does this is one that does not have the front holes to mount the alternater on.
Help Please!!!
Thanks,
Jeff

['68OrangeSunshine]

L6s and V8s use a different Z-bar set up.

[Americanrider]

I'm pretty sure that all V8 4x4's came with center dump ram horns. Is there any way to update your alt mount using a newer mount setup that mounts to the holes in the head rather than of the manifold?

[68lwb]

Thanks for replying. I remembered that I had seen something similar on my old Corvette, so I went to a vendor for corvette parts. I found a ram horn manifold with center dump that was straight down (does not curve down and back like original '68 307 manifold) and they also have the mounting blocks for the alternater. I haven't got any holes in my head. When I installed this pair, it looks like the engine cross member was literally made for this type of manifold.
The z-bar for the six cylinder is about 1" shorter than for an eight cylinder and to correspond, the bracket riveted to the frame is turned around also. Also the rod from clutch pedal to z-bar looks totally different.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Yes, the L6 clutch rod has a slight dogleg in it. The V8 clutch rod has a 45* bend.