The dimple?

[will]

I'm in the process of having an engine built with trick flow heads. I have also read about dimpling headers because of fitment issues on various builds. I have Headman shorties, which are ceramic coated. I don't know if I'll have to clearance them or not. I have an out by using 440 source heads, but the trick flows are at the shop. 440 stroker, Fitech efi. What is involved in dimpling? I have a set I can practice on. Which tubes need to be finessed?

[XH29N0G]

Others will be able to advise with more detail.  I asked a similar question once, but don't know where the thread is.  Basically, I was advised to figure out where the dimple needed to be.  Then to heat that area to cherry red (I believe) with a torch.  Then to place a socket against it and hit the other end of the socket with a heavy hammer.  And repeat as necessary.  It was not a horrible task (I am a novice) and it worked.

[70 sublime]

watch this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azPKIjxmmdU

[will]

Thanks for the info! I'm not really concerned about the horsepower, I just don't know what the clearance area is for. Is it in the spark plug area or is it for the steering box? I'm not averse to dinging them up, I just don't know where the persuasion needs to happen.

[redgum78]

watch this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azPKIjxmmdU

Interesting!

[70 sublime]

Not sure what happens if you bash up ceramic coated headers if all the coating will fall off ?

[XH29N0G]

In my case, I figured out where to dimple by putting plugs in the heads and then marked where the headers were close or made contact.   I did not need to do much, but I needed to do enough to fit the boots on.  I think the ceramic was damaged (the dimples are on the underside so it is not obvious but I do not know if it will shorten their life).  Since doing this, I noticed that different plugs also can have different length ceramics.  This can work in your favor or against it.  I still cannot find the response when I asked a similar question, but will keep looking and post it if I find it.