TTi Header Fitment Issues (HELP!)

[charlie45]

Hello,

after visiting my mechanic yesterday I saw that we have a major issue regarding the installation with the TTi Headers on my 1968 Charger. Here are some of the facts so that the experts can maybe help and advise:

- Engine is a 528 Ray Barton Street HEMI
- Engine Mounts are Schumacher Conversion Mounts
- Steering Box is the new Borgeson Unit

According to my mechanic the issue would not be any better with the old power steering unit because it is even larger than the Borgeson setup.

He is not convinced that dimpling the headers will solve the problem, alone because he can't even manage to get the headers in  place to determine where&how one should dent them.

He thinks having a piece of the headers cut out and then having a specialist creating a new piece that is re-routed and welded in place. Basically re-tubing one part of one of the header tubes.

I have no idea but I'm just surprised that a) the fit issues are such an immense challenge, and b) don't know how comfortable I feel with cutting some nice new TTi (ceramic coated!) headers.  :'(BTW, attached are some Images.

There has to be a solution. Could it be that the engine is not mounted correctly or that the Borgeson isn't mounted right, my mechanic said that it was mounted in the stock location... I'm really lost here and would appreciate some help from you guys! 

BTW, attached are some Images.

Best & Thanks in Advance,

Charlie 

[garner7555]

Not sure if you are aware of this, but the headers will not really go on with the engine bolted in.   It would be fairly normal to unbolt the engine mounts and jack the engine up several inches to be able to slip the headers into place.   Once they are bolted into place on the head, you may find that they will fit around the steering box after all.     

I bolt my headers on before lowering the car down onto the engine (as shown in picture) because it is so difficult to get the headers slipped into place once the engine is in the car

[garner7555]

With the headers bolted on already, the assembly will slide right up between the frame rails.               But if you try to slide the headers in with the engine bolted in the car then you would swear that they don't fit.   

[garner7555]

Mine is a RB instead of a Hemi, but this is what mine looks like with TTI's and Borgeson box.   

[justcruisin]

No experience with the hemi but I find the best way to fit headers with the engine in the car is to pull one mount bolt and lift the engine so that it rolls over install that side then drop it down and do the same for the other side. Lifting the engine with both mounts off doesn't always work. Don't forget to remove your fan shroud if you have one.

[charlie45]

Thank you guys for your feedback so far.

I'll see if my mechanic can try squeeze the headers in there by doing what was mentioned above.

I wonder if the Schumacher engine Mounts could maybe be mounted wrong (see Images)?? Or possibly the Borgeson unit? However he mentioned that Borgeson was mounted in the stock location which doesn't leave much room for interpretation.

I'm just surprised that things fit so poorly. Their probably won't be any option around denting the headers significantly. That will probably mess up the ceramic coating on the headers... Not too many choices at this point...

Any other ideas appreciated... Will Keep you guys posted. Thx!

[charlie45]

Okay the latest is the following:

I spoke to Mike at TTi and they have been updating there headers to fit with the Borgeson units. They are right now in the process of adapting the headers for our cars for the Borgeson and they should be ready in the next 6-8 weeks. I will hopefully getting the first one off the production line... I hope it all fits this time around. Will keep you guys posted.

Anyone buying a Borgeson just keep this in mind! I wrongly assumed that the Borgeson was smaller and more compact and would easily fit with the other parts. I learned the wrong and expensive way.

Lets hope the gen II header from TTi fits!