1971 camaro ls2 swap header help

[davidomilligan]

ok so i just did a swap into my 71 camaro. this is my first car restoration so im learning as i go. for my engine mounts i have the summit racing mounts and a speed tech cross member. is there a way to measure for clearances so i can order something with confidence that it will work? im kinda stuck at this point. any suggestions will help thanks

[Chris71RS]

I feel that even if someone had measurements, it's difficult to apply them as each car has subtle differences. For example: The type of body mounts you have can affect header clearance between the collector flange and the floor board. Old flattened rubber mounts leave less clearance. New urethane or solid mounts provide more. Also, LS Motor adapters come in many variations. Do your mounts place the engine in the "stock" location or do they move it forward or rearward?

I swapped an LS2 in my 71. Because the car was lowered, I wound up going with mid-length headers from Street & Performance. (www.hotrodlane.cc) They provided much better ground clearance and were very good quality. The LS mounts I was using pushed the engine 1.25" rearward (for a better center of gravity) and I still had no clearance issue with those headers.


If you've got decent ground clearance, good body mount bushings and the engine is close to the stock location, you should be able to go with any of the long tube headers from Dynatech, Hedman, Hooker, Patriot and more.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/400059779-1.jpg

[davidomilligan]

Thanks for the reply... my engine is mounted in the stock location. i ended up making a few phone calls to some dealers and ended up going with a set of stainless works headers. they said they are going to fit they should be here anytime this week and then ill know for sure. only time will tell at this point but im staying optimistic


I feel that even if someone had measurements, it's difficult to apply them as each car has subtle differences. For example: The type of body mounts you have can affect header clearance between the collector flange and the floor board. Old flattened rubber mounts leave less clearance. New urethane or solid mounts provide more. Also, LS Motor adapters come in many variations. Do your mounts place the engine in the "stock" location or do they move it forward or rearward?

I swapped an LS2 in my 71. Because the car was lowered, I wound up going with mid-length headers from Street & Performance. (www.hotrodlane.cc) They provided much better ground clearance and were very good quality. The LS mounts I was using pushed the engine 1.25" rearward (for a better center of gravity) and I still had no clearance issue with those headers.


If you've got decent ground clearance, good body mount bushings and the engine is close to the stock location, you should be able to go with any of the long tube headers from Dynatech, Hedman, Hooker, Patriot and more.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/400059779-1.jpg