VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Personalized Modifications Fenton Header issues with 216 engine

Hi,

I'm having a local muffler shop install my Fenton Headers on my 48 Fleetline 216 engine with vacuum shift. Ran into an issue! The shift linkage hits the rear of the header.

Anyone run into this? I'm thinking of shortening the linkage bracket to clear the header.

Regards,
Art

I would just try to grind off the corner of that linkage so that it would clear the header. It seems there's enough metal on there to accommodate some grinding. This is coming from a DIY type mechanic, so not sure that's the right approach. You don't have a lot of options, I don't think grinding on the header would be suitable...just sayin'...my unprofessional experience says that metal parts don't tend to move around easily, so it's not as if you can relocate it.

Alan

I also first thought was to shorten it on the bracket. That would require QUALITY WELDING to re-attach the part sides.

Without being able to stick my hands or eyeballs in there, I would definitely consider rounding off the end of it to clear the header.

The motor should roll to the passenger side under load, would only come back when not under load.

Another solution would be to make a shim 1/8---1/4" to place under the drivers side motor mount to get it away from the header.

just my person thoughts.

mike lynch

Just took a look at the pictures. Thanks for including them.

One idea I have is to possibly slightly curve/bend the shifter arm to move the swivel end a little closer to the firewall. That would move it away from the "fat" part of the header.

I cannot tell from the pictures if that would create problems with other parts of the linkage.

Great ideas guys!

I really appreciate the help. I'll update everyone with pictures of the end result.

Regards,
Art

I might grind a little of the header and a little off the linkage. It appears that very little will have to be removed

Bill Pierson

I found a great thread over on "Chevytalk" on this subject. The bracket is cut and repositioned to clear the header. And all this time I've been searcjing for a 1/2 ton truck tranny of similar vintage