Dream Bikes

Hi guys, I've got a fitting problem with my new headers. The second spark plug on the left side (driver) hit with header.

I'm doing a frame-off restoration with many mods so isn't so difficult to find fitting problems..

My engine has Edelbrock Performer RPM heads with angled spark plugs.

I know that I can use headers spacers/flanges but I need thick ones, about 1.15"...

So the bigger problem isn't to find it (there many companies that makes custom machined ones) but that I can't use it on the right side because I will hit steeroids plate..

Can I use spacers with different thickness on left and right sides?
Will this affect performance?
Also a 1.15" spacer will affect performance?

I know that the best solution will be to change headers, but I like them and they're quite expensive especially shipped oversea (I live in Italy..)...and also buying a new couple won't give me the right fitting guarantee

redvetracr

header spacers, thats a new one on me

Dream Bikes

Also called flanges :

http://www.stainlessheaders.com/engineheaderflanges

scottyp99

Well, the only thing I can think of is that if you move the header itself by 1.15", you might end up with a clearance problem somewhere else. Plus, I'm in redvetracr's boat, I never even heard of such a thing before today. How did you end up with the angled plug heads, anyway? Did they come on the car when you bought it, or something like that? The straight plug heads are the ones you want to clear headers.

Scott

REELAV8R

Which plugs are you using. Could try shorter plugs.

76Rat

These are 3/8" thick header flanges for buiding your own headers, not spacers. Though, I guess you could use them as spacers.
Definately try shorter plugs

redvetracr

header flanges an inch thick?

Dream Bikes

I already bought the shortest spark plugs that I was able to found (Champion RC12YC) but almost nothing changed...
My Engine is a 383, so has this aftermarket Edelbrock aluminum heads with angled spark plugs...many high performance engines has angled spark plug heads..

C3 Stroker

Sorry, I don't have better news for you, but very few headers provide spark plug clearance with Edelbrock angled heads. (Hooker states that their headers don't fit with them). Edelbrock uses their own "angle", which is different from the standard L-98 angle used by Chevy, AFR, and other head providers.

redvetracr

if it`s just one tube why don`t you get someone to move that one tube?

Dream Bikes

I supposed it
Do you know which are compatible?

76Rat

Or try to dimple it to clear the plug

Dream Bikes

They're SS polished...I don't know if is it so easy to move one tube, but I've two friends that are Stainless Steel vendors so I can try to ask them if one of their customer that works with SS are able to make this job..

Dream Bikes

1.15" are a bit too much for a dimple, or not?

c69vete

Spacers are an option, with no problems here. Mine are only 1/2 in. thick. As long as they are sized correctly, there should be no performance penalties.
I made these myself, mostly because I could. They give me a bit more room for plug removal and provide a bit more clearance to the motor mounts. Shorty headers have been known to melt urethane motor mounts.
Pushing straight out as far as you want could cause a clearance problem with the steering box. I had to taper the spacers on the driver side to tuck the headers in a bit at the steering box.
If you have a local machine shop working with you, you should be able to work thru any issues. Good luck.

REELAV8R

Once the plug is in you'll need clearance to get the wire on too. Make sure there is enough for that as we'll if you modify them.
Is it a problem with getting the plug started with headers on, or is the plug in and the header tube hits it?

Dream Bikes

Thanks for the pics c69vete :-) Are your spacers steel or aluminum made?
Here's my situation :

REELAV8R

Looks like the boot is just touching the primary. I'd be tempted to double up the manifold gaskets and relieve the primary a little to get maybe 1/4" of clearance. Might require a heat shield tube to keep from cooking the boot.
Like one of these.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/tay-2570

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/the-14250

c69vete

My spacers are aluminum.

Dream Bikes

Thanks! So you have gasket between header and spacer and between head and spacer?