I’m finishing up fabricating hooking up the headers to the mufflers and  noticed that on the drivers side the header is touching the metal pipe from the oil pan to the oil pump. Looks like it’s wedged in there. Anyone else ever had this problem or have any suggestions?

I don’t have that with the FPA’s on my 55 with the Mummert aluminum heads. I’m out of town, but I can get a look late this week. I know you don’t want to hear this, but I’d dimple the header tube for clearance if necessary. Vibration on tubing isn’t going to be good, and a dimple isn’t going to hurt performance on a full exhaust system.



miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I know a 57 "E-Code" owner who has FPA headers. I'll ask .

I have the Mummert heads if it makes a difference.  

I'm waiting for a reply from "Troy"; he doesn't have Mummert's aluminum heads, so you might want to ask John. 

I plan on calling FPA tomorrow. I’m wondering if I can pry the header over enough with my crowbar without destroying anything? It won’t take much to get the header off of the oil tube. 

Slumlord, if the headers are under warranty, any modification you do to make them fit probably will void the warranty. When you contact FPA, I would request any approval to alter/modify them to fit to be in writing. CYA! 

Thanks. Good idea.  

Talked to FPA today. Never heard of this problem before. Suggested denting the header as a last resort. Suggested prying it away. Was able to easily get it to move but it keeps springing back. Will try a bigger pry bar tomorrow. If that doesn’t work I’ll try loosening the oil pipe and see if I can move it. Don’t need much. Just need a little clearance. If nothing else works I can always remove the header and put a dent in it. Won’t take much.  

Your engine will move around a bit while running, accelerating/decelerating. You'll need more space than what's required when it's not running.