Headers and column shift = :( June 11, 2007, 08:48:29 PM I recently installed the factory HO headers on my cat along with an aftermarket offroad H-pipe, sounds great btw, but one major problem reared its ugly ugly head. The column shift linkage doesn't clear the headers at all. I was luckily able to finangle it enough :hick: to be able to drive it temporarily but a floor shifter is essential for this install or some modification of the likage rod coming down from the column. Also the HO headers have a different bolt spacing then the non HO manifolds so an aftermarket H-pipe will not bolt up to the factory manifolds:punchballs:. So now i'm buying an aftermarket floor shifter swith a cable so I don't have to take out the valve body:shakeass:. Has anyone put one in their car? Quote Selected
Headers and column shift = :( Reply #1 – June 11, 2007, 09:01:44 PM All i had to do with long tubes was move the pivot on the k member a few inches forward not a hard or bad modification. Quote Selected
Headers and column shift = :( Reply #2 – June 11, 2007, 09:19:57 PM Mine will not allow me to move it enought to clear the headers. So for now the pivot rod is resting on one of the studs, until I can get a new shifter. Quote Selected
Headers and column shift = :( Reply #3 – June 11, 2007, 09:49:20 PM I did a V6 to V8 swap and was able to use the factory HO headers by just adding 1in spacers b/t the trans bell housing and pivot bracket.The bracket on the K member is in the V6 location. There's no binding and it shifts great. Quote Selected
Headers and column shift = :( Reply #4 – June 11, 2007, 09:54:02 PM I just moved the mount for the linkage around a bit. If you get greative and play with it, and the on the H isn't welded on ( Mine wasn't) then you can just swivle it around a bit to clear it. I have about 3/8" clearence from the exhaust tube to the shifter linkage. But if you want floor shift anyways, more power to ya bro Quote Selected
Headers and column shift = :( Reply #5 – June 11, 2007, 10:01:42 PM New motor mounts can get you the clearance you need. Is this an AOD then? If so...the bracket that bolts to the framerail, next to the column, can be drilled for new mounting holes. I had to do this on the convertible when it still had the column shifter. IIRC I moved the lever down about 1/2" or so. The trick is to keep that shift lever bar perpendicular; if it tilts much, the shifter will bind. Also, if you do this and run through the gears, make SURE you have all the low gears. I was missing 1 for awhile, on the shifter, until I monkeyed with that bracket some more. Oh yeah, I had to put some header tape on the shift lever bar for added protection from the header...otherwise there was a hellacious squeak. If you still want to put a floor shifter in, I have instructions on the site here. Quote Selected
Headers and column shift = :( Reply #6 – June 12, 2007, 11:12:29 PM I actualy just put a Summit off road H pipe in with my FMS stainless shorties and I got it to clear fine with no mods to the linkage. All I did was remove the bottom stud from the header and used a short bolt with a nut on the top facing the motor. Works fine and no leaks. I'll see if I can get a pic for you tomorrow. Quote Selected
Headers and column shift = :( Reply #7 – June 12, 2007, 11:30:09 PM Same here is you need Quote Selected
Headers and column shift = :( Reply #8 – June 14, 2007, 05:22:37 PM Pics not the greatest but if you use a bolt, nut, and washers on the lower part of the header collector instead of the stud it will clear the shifter linkage. Put the nut on the TOP FACING THE ENGINE. Quote Selected
Headers and column shift = :( Reply #9 – June 14, 2007, 06:46:10 PM I'll just get the B&M hammer, cable shifting ftw. I could not absolutly not move the linkage enough to get it to clear the which is welded. All I really need to do is take off the rod that comes down from the column, add maybe 1/4 ince to it and it would clear. But whatever I have this hole in my console where a floor shifter is supposed to go so why not? And If I use an aftermarket cable style shifter I don't have to take out my valve body or fabricate some fancy linkage for the XR7 shifter plus the XR7's handle is in rough shape. Quote Selected
Headers and column shift = :( Reply #10 – June 15, 2007, 09:34:23 AM The old thread's back there somewhere, but I think the search function lost it the last time the database went kerflooie.. Quote Selected
Headers and column shift = :( Reply #11 – June 15, 2007, 01:33:33 PM Hmm my FMS stainless GT-40P shorties and 2.5" H pipe fit fine around the linkage. All I had to do was use a bolt instead of the stud on the lower part of the collector. Could be because I have brand new motor mounts though. Quote Selected
Headers and column shift = :( Reply #13 – July 19, 2007, 07:11:36 PM I got the shifter in and it looks great I didnt actually have to drop the valve body to flip the linkage on the tranny around It really was pretty easy. Quote Selected
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