HERE'S what's different about '85-'86-'87 trucks (pics)

[swb85]

In response to this thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=217743

I bought those stainless headers off ebay that were supposedly for 73-84 only since it seemed there shouldn't be a difference in 85-87 trucks. They gave no explanation why they wouldn't fit 85 & up. Once I got the headers, I saw they were Wysco brand so I logged on to their website to check it out. Their explanation was that the #3 primary interfered with the control arm on 85 & up trucks but fit fine on 73-84. I test fitted the driver's side header tonight to see for myself, and sure enough......





The primary isn't actually touching the control arm, but it's about as close as you can get without touching. They're EXTREMELY nice headers otherwise. They don't interfere with my clutch linkage or anything else on the truck and spark plug clearance is perfect (which isn't the case on my current longtubes) so I still think they were a steal for the price. I'm going to go ahead and keep them and try to muster up the guts to dimple that pretty primary where the interference is. How much clearance do you think I need???

[C&C Chevy]

That's interesting indeed. Why would they make them like that? Seems they would loose out on alot of sales. Actually, it doesn't look to bad.

[C&C Chevy]

btw, can you post some under-truck pics? I'd like to see how low they hang. Thanks!

[swb85]

Originally Posted by C&C Chevy

btw, can you post some under-truck pics? I'd like to see how low they hang. Thanks!

I've already got my old headers back on, but the new ones tuck up probably 3" higher than the ones I have on there now!! If you could have both the new and old mounted at the same time, the new collector would sit right on top of the old one----if that makes any sense to ya . Definitely tons more clearance. I can post a pic of my current clearance if that'll give you a better idea.

[86swb]

Yes, we would like to see more pictures. Thanks for the info.

[swb85]

Ok, here's a few pictures of the headers that are currently on the truck, along with a lovely overlay in yellow (no laughing!!) of where the new header sits. You can see that my current headers are much lower, and I had to make a bend in the exhaust to route the pipe over the trans x-member. With the new headers, I can eliminate most of that bend and take a near-straight shot over the x-member. Anybody have a recommendation on how much clearance you think is needed around the control arm with the new headers?

[beaterC10]

I would try a small dimple in the offending tube and drive it a while and see what happens. I would think with good engine mounts the engine movement would be minimal. I know when I have had exhaust clearance issues, they were easy to hear.

[86swb]

swb85, no laughing here. I know I could not do any better. Man, it is higher. I have a set and will be installing after I get my truck back from the body shop later. Appreciate the information. I will put dimples in the offending tubes befor install. But these are really good looking headers. You can not beat the price. They also came with everthing you would need to install except the tools of corse. But I do not see a big deal fixing the problem.

[trkklr77]

why smash the pipe when you could just slip a shim under the motor mount base plate?

[86swb]

Would that not cause problems?

[86swb]

ttt