I installed SLP 1 3/4 ceramic coated headers on my 87 Z-28 today. Before I installed them, I read that many people have clearance issues with the steering shaft and SLP has suggested replacing the motor mounts. I went ahead and replaced the motor mounts before installation. I used Energy Suspension polyurethane mounts. Replacing the mount was very difficult, but look at how much room I have between the header and the steering shaft. Hope this helps anyone having clearance issues.

 

Yup, I put new stock type mounts in with my new engine and have about that much clearance too.

 

They look good. For the record, I've got about a third of that much room with original motor mounts.

 

I still have my original motor mounts. The headers don't rub the steering shaft, but I had to tilt the engine to get the drivers side header in. Also, the header pushed my brake line over which caused it to carve a groove into my steering shaft. I had to move the line over a bit.

 

Hmm, that's interesting, because when I put my new 350 and 6 speed in I used ALL Energy Suspension mounts (motor and tranny) and my steering shaft does hit on my SLP 1 3/4" headers. Only when I turn left though, and only the first revolution of the steering shaft, if I'm makin a TIGHT left and crank the wheel around a couple times the shaft hits only the first time, and only on the fat part (shaft is kind of oval-ish shaped, flat on two sides, rounded on 2 sides) I dunno if anyone else has had this problem or not, but I'm trying to decide if I want to grind down the shaft a little bit (it just barely hits) because it has rubbed my Jet Hot coating off the header tube where it hits Anyone have suggestions on if it's smart to grind on the steering shaft?

Thanks,
-Paul

 

mine did the same thing... only rubbed when turned to the left. all i did was loosen up all of the steering column bolts under the dash and moved the column over towards the pass. side. it gave me almost 1/2" clearance from the header. i would try doing that before i would gring on the shaft.

 

hmm, moving it toward the passenger side gave you more clearance, huh? I suppose that makes sense since it would pivot at the joint where the column comes out of the firewall? I will definitely try that because whoever had the car before me shifted the column all the way to the left, away from the passenger side (no idea why! ) so I will definitely give that a shot! Unfortunately the Jet Hot is already rubbed off in that one spot oh well, such is life I guess!

-Paul

 

cant wait to get mine and install them, i am going to get a new o2 sensor and depending on how the gaskets look in the install kit i might have to buy better gaskets.