Total Performance headers installed...fit comments also!

[Dan B.]

Finally got my TP headers installed. I've been shying away from this but really needed to get it done. I've had them for a year...or more.

Passenger side: This side required that I jacked the front way up to get the header in from the bottom side...installing from the top side was impossible. Also had the remove the starter. After the header was somewhat in place I reinstalled the starter...this took some work to get the right angle of each piece worked out. After all this I found out that the starter was the one piece that would keep this header from fitting! The tubes were hitting on the bottom of the starter.... This was not a huge issue though as I needed a high torque started anyhow...and it's also a mini! So the clearance issue is over. The starter will be in Sunday so I'll get it installed on Monday and have that side done.

Driver side: The header can be installed from the top side but the steering shaft had to be removed. The only issue I encountered was that the #2 tube was so close to the sparkplug that it would not allow the plugwire to be installed. Heck, for that matter, a piece of paper hardly slide through!!! I have no idea how TP would have missed this problem. After some "clearancing" with a 1.5" pipe and 3# hammer, this side is buttoned up and ready.

Hopefully on Monday evening a short hour will have the pass-side done. Then she'll be ready for a new exhaust and some tuning! This starts the run for mid-12's on motor alone and 3.55 gears. Once I get there the next step will be high 11's on steeper gears and more convertor.

So...did anyone else have problems like me...with the starter and plugwire clearance??

 

[v-8power]

I used a starter from a 1990 f-150 AOD No clearance issues at all.

As far as plug wires I'll have to check that out a little closer.

Also when you get it fired up you should make a short vid of it with open headers.

 

[baddad457]

 

[Dan B.]

Patience young grasshopper!! I'm actually stoked that those items noted are the only issues I ran across. I was expecting the worst and not really hoping for anything better. If all goes well she'll be mobile again on Monday. If there is no rain I'll get her out of the garage and make some video and pics to post on Tuesday.

Last trip to the track went mid-13's on motor, no carb tuning, stock ignition and manifolds with 2" kink bent pipes. The complete new MSD system and headers oughta step'er up a bit!!