Headers not clearing steering box

[doctor4766]

So a mate of mine got a set of headers in from the States for my Charger and he fitted them up last week.
He did mention that there wasn't much clearance around the steering box and had to bang the second and third pipes a lil to make them fit. I am generally pleased with the change ov er from manifolds but after a bit of a drive over the weekend it seems there is a knock. Not all the time, but when I put her in reverse it'd definately more noticeable, and sometimes in drive.Oh, and they were also supposed to be matched to my car and engine combo. ie 69 Charger with 383

I dropped by to see him today and he was asking if the engine mounts were old, as perhaps they've squashed in a bit, but I'm sure we put new ones on when we were building the car. Is it even a possibilty that this could happen?
He is also suggesting the he may be able to shim the engine mount somehow and raise the motor up for that little extra clearance it needs. After looking under the car myself it's difficult to tell if it could be done.

I will add that this shop works on loads of drag cars and hot street machines, so he's not just some backyarder.
The headers are ceramic coated Flowtechs and sound and look great.


Thoughts anyone?

[elacruze]

My Hookers touch everything and I have a knock occasionally that can only be attributed to the header hitting the frame.

[lisiecki1]

My Hookers touch everything and I have a knock occasionally that can only be attributed to the header hitting the frame.

You need a stronger pimp hand. 

[doctor4766]

My Hookers touch everything and I have a knock occasionally that can only be attributed to the header hitting the frame.

Doesn't it piss you off?

[BigBlockSam]

You need a stronger pimp hand.  hah

[RallyeMike]

Thoughts anyone?

Typical header install issues. Lot of pipes to get through a confined area and it often requires these kind of measures.

[elacruze]

My Hookers touch everything and I have a knock occasionally that can only be attributed to the header hitting the frame.

Doesn't it piss you off?

Not enough to take things apart...

[440]

Louder mufflers are the answer, then you cant hear the knock and problem solvered...

I'd find out where they were hitting and try to resolve that issue before shimming the mounts. Solid mounts are another option although they could make the problem (a new one) worse with vibrations and other nasty harmonic things.

[doctor4766]

Just read in another thread that someone had shimmed the engine mounts for the same reasons.
Just curious because after looking under the car at the way the mounts sit, there doesnt seem to be a lot of room to add shims.

[bobs66440]

Make sure that they are for your application (ie: power steering/non power steering). I had the same issue with mine and it turned out the headers were for non-power where mine is power. Of course, in my case, it would have taken a lot more than a shim to get them to fit.

[BigBlockSam]

I have a knock occasionally that can only be attributed to the header hitting the frame.

me too . on my roadrunner . my hooker comps knock every once and a while

[A383Wing]

BFH usually solves clearance problems

Bryan

[doctor4766]

Agreed. But since I paid for the privelage of this new PITA I think I'll let the mechanic deal with it.
Sometimes ya wonder why you don't just leave well enough alone.....

[bobs66440]

Agreed. But since I paid for the privelage of this new PITA I think I'll let the mechanic deal with it.

I agree. You have to choose your battles...