1 3/4" Dynatech headers with Ridetech tru-turn steering system on f-body !!!!!

[Tony1968]

I installed a Ridetech front suspension with the tru-turn steering system on my '68 Camaro. All the part's bolted up fairly easy with limited instructions and the only real problem being with the headers on the passenger side clearing the inner tie-rod end. I am running a 436 cubic inch small block with 23 degree angle plug heads that have extensive porting work done on them. I was running a set of Hooker super-comp
1 3/4" headers with the stock suspension. The tubes off of cylinders 4 & 6 would not clear the inner tie-rod end with the Ridetech system. I had a couple of options with smaller tube headers, but didn't want to sacrifice any top end power as I take the Camaro to the dragstrip occasionally.
The dynatech headers (part#740-21310) 1 3/4" headers will work with this system along with a Summit mini-starter (part#sum-820323) even with a 168 tooth flex-plate. I was told by a Dynatech rep. that they would not work because of starter clearance. I assume he was referring to a stock chevy starter as being the problem. I had to take the motor mount bolt out of the drivers side and jack the engine up about 2" to get the Dynatech header in on that side in order to clear the CPP 14:1 power steering box. I have everything bolted up now and ready to move on to installing the brakes. Special thanks to MrQuick and the rest of you guy's for your input and help on this problem.

CAMARO'S RULE !!!!!!!!!!
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[TheJDMan]

Dynatech seems to think that no one should run a 168 tooth flywheel on the SBC.. They only miss clearing the stock starter by 1/4" but a miss is a miss. When I first installed my Dynatech headers I called their tech support and got a hold of some dim wit who basically told me that I needed to change to the 153 tooth flywheel. My solution was to cut the flange off of an old set of Hookers and place it between the head and the Dynatech flange using a longer header bolt and two gaskets. So far this has worked with no leaking. I don't know what Dynatech was thinking when they designed their header for a 153 tooth configuration but a simple extra 1/4" clearance would be all that is required to work with both flywheels.

[Tony1968]

I'm not sure where some of these companies get their technical guy's at, but some of 'em leave something to be desired for sure. The tech guy at Dynatech checked and called me back and said they would not work with my set-up......................oh well I said, gotta try something and what do you know..............I'll be riding this weekend !!!!!!!

[MrQuick]

Good to hear that they fit.

Its tough getting parts to fit all cars. A manufacturer would go broke trying every known combination.

I have dealt with JD over at Dynatech and he was great. Even went out into the garage to see if a certain box would fit and made to effort to get it fixed for future header builds. But this is what it takes. The installers putting in the work to find out if it will work. Thankfully we have a site like this to share experiences. They will get it eventually.

[bret]

I'm glad to see you guys are aware of what a huge job it would be to research every conceiveable combination...and are savvy enough to employ some hotrod skills to overcome these obstacles. Thank you all for your perserverence and your patience!

[mdprovee]

Tony, glad they worked for you.