1969 Camaro BBC with Lemon's Headers

[esenior]

So I finally got my set of Lemon's headers for my Big Block 69 Camaro. Clearance around the power steering box is absolutely wonderful! However, I now have some new problems on the passenger side.

With the headers bolted up, I have found that the tube for Cylinder #2 hits the power steering idler arm so bad I can't even get it to lay flat on the frame (the top kicks out). Also, the zerk fitting for the inner tie rod is hitting the tube for cylinder #8. It is impacting it so bad I can't even get the idler arm to bolt up to the center link.

Has anyone else had this problem? I plan to call Dan in the morning, but am leaving town around noon tomorrow (for the week) and would like to have this figured out before then. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

These 2 pictures show how the idler arm hits the Cylinder #2 tube (right at the boot):
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/69CAMAROPT_110828_13XJPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/69CAMAROPT_110828_14XJPG-1.jpg

This picture shows how the zerk fitting on the inner tie rod hits the Cylinder #8 tube:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/69CAMAROPT_110828_16XJPG-1.jpg

[67 ls1 vert]

wow Eric! thats really bad. I thought these headers were the answer to your exhaust problems. be interesting to see what Dan has to say.

[esenior]

Talked with Dan this morning. He called me before I even had a chance to call him.

First problem (Tie rod hitting) - Dan mentioned that his tie rods have the zerk fitting on the end of the tie rod, not the back. Suggested that I grease the fitting, remove the zerk fitting and cap the hole. I did a quick search on summit and found that they do sell a inner tie rod that has the zerk fitting on the end (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-TR-681N/). Thinking of going this route, but concerned over the quality of Summit vs Moog.

Second problem (Idler arm) - Dan said he had never heard of this problem and suspects my motor mounts. Since too much of the car has been built based on the current position of the motor, this really isn't an option to change at this point. Dan said if I ship back the passenger side, he would modify the tube and move it over to provide the necessary clearance. heading to Disneyland in about 2 hours so will have to ship it when we get back.

On a side note...for those that have never dealt with Lemon's, their customer support is top notch! It's always great to find a company that will work with you on any issue, especially when you are talking about custom cars where there are so many variables to deal with.

[esenior]

Just a quick follow-up...the inner tie rods from summit were not as pictured on their web site. However, I did find the correct ones from Ground-Up. Just received them this week and they do have the zerk fitting on the end. Here's a link ($30 each):
http://www.ss396.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=camaro6769&Product_Code=ES-681