Mike Posted October 1 Share Posted October 1 I stabbed the new BBC in there a few years ago. I put the headers on and I could not get the steering shaft back in. So we dented the headers (beer involved, looks like [censored]t) and i had a machine shop turn the collapsible shaft down in two spots as well. But the chinese made hooker headers look like hell from day one and it got me to thinking about fitment and replacing them maybe with stainless (house is paid off now, why not, kids are getting plenty). So i measured my buddy's 1971, from front frame rail to rail across the engine bay by the steering box. His is a half inch wider, as far as i can tell. Its a bit hard to measure straight down there. To your knowledge, I would think the frames are the same on all of the 70-72, no? He runs a BBC with hookers like me and has no issues with clearance. He actually has a fat quarter inch plus of space at least between the shaft and header. I also noticed that the drivers fender may not be original as its the only panel on the whole car that has tiny bubbles all over under the paint, like bad primer or something (Looks like fizz from a 7up). And the hood has a hole under the spear, so maybe it was a 71 hood? All that leads me to believe it was hit in the drivers front some time in the past. ANyways, is anyone running a BBC with hookers, and do you have clearance issues there? Any recommendations on how to measure? I dont mind taking it to a frame shop but I dont know any around me and I kinda would like to know before I go. Picture of shame attached. Side note, i did clear coat that shaft with hi temp clear but it looks like hell too. SO if anyone has a better suggestion i am all ears. Oh, i flipped the collapsible shaft to help the clearance. The female end of it used to be at the bottom by the rag joint. Thanks much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott S. Posted October 1 Share Posted October 1 How's the alignment ??? And are there a lot of shims between the frame and "A" arm ? These might tell if the frame's been bent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DragCat Posted October 1 Share Posted October 1 There's a bunch of header posts especially if you know model numbers. The search tool is a great help. There are a few of us that went the ARH route, again a bunch of info posted in the forum https://americanracingheaders.com/collections/monte-carlo/products/monte-carlo-ss-454-1970-1972-headers?variant=29943914948 Hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
420ponies Posted October 1 Share Posted October 1 (edited) You must be using the short engine mounts. I'm using Moroso / Mr. Gasket 6040 " Long "solid mounts.I think you would not have any interference with the steering shaft. I think it move the engine up 1" overall. Those shims look the same on my tubular upper A-Arms. Can't help you on the headers, I'm running stock manifolds. Edited October 1 by 420ponies Added content Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marks71 Posted October 1 Share Posted October 1 Your cylinder heads appear to be aftermarket. Just wondering if the exhaust port angles are identical to a standard BBC head. Just a thought. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72 Monte Carlo Posted October 2 Share Posted October 2 I had the same exact issue when I put my 414ci big block into my 72 MC. I bought Energy Suspension 3.1122G motor and trans mount kit, and it clears the steering shaft easily now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted October 5 Author Share Posted October 5 On 10/2/2024 at 1:16 AM, 72 Monte Carlo said: I had the same exact issue when I put my 414ci big block into my 72 MC. I bought Energy Suspension 3.1122G motor and trans mount kit, and it clears the steering shaft easily now. Im going to check my buddys Monte and see what mounts he has, he had plenty of space. Thanks Doug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted October 5 Author Share Posted October 5 On 10/1/2024 at 7:55 PM, Marks71 said: Your cylinder heads appear to be aftermarket. Just wondering if the exhaust port angles are identical to a standard BBC head. Just a thought. hmmm, might need to check that out. I did have to re-align the exhaust pipe up to the collector. The collectors were a bit higher, so i got a little more ground clearance. I didnt scrape anymore. Thanks Mark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted October 5 Author Share Posted October 5 On 10/1/2024 at 7:26 PM, 420ponies said: You must be using the short engine mounts. I'm using Moroso / Mr. Gasket 6040 " Long "solid mounts.I think you would not have any interference with the steering shaft. I think it move the engine up 1" overall. Those shims look the same on my tubular upper A-Arms. Can't help you on the headers, I'm running stock manifolds. I will check that out. YOu dont have any air cleaner issues hitting the hood? I didnt think I had any room left. Although i am going to a cowl hood soon. Thanks James. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted October 5 Author Share Posted October 5 On 10/1/2024 at 4:09 PM, Scott S. said: How's the alignment ??? And are there a lot of shims between the frame and "A" arm ? These might tell if the frame's been bent. So the car tracks well, doesnt pull any one way or the other. There are a couple shims on the front of the passenger A arm, and a couple on the rear of the drivers A arm. I have new springs and A Arms not too long ago. The guy was old skool and said something about not putting it exactly where he wants, but he was anticipating my springs "settling in" eventually and he was aiming to have them be correct then. Not sure how long that will take, but she tracks fine really. Thank you Scott. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted October 5 Author Share Posted October 5 On 10/1/2024 at 5:24 PM, DragCat said: There's a bunch of header posts especially if you know model numbers. The search tool is a great help. There are a few of us that went the ARH route, again a bunch of info posted in the forum https://americanracingheaders.com/collections/monte-carlo/products/monte-carlo-ss-454-1970-1972-headers?variant=29943914948 Hope this helps I have 41.5" across the front so...maybe its those mounts 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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