Need help with rag joint clearance and headers.

[JustJohn]

So here's my issue:

I have minimal clearance between my new rag joint and the new headers. If it weren't for the metal keepers you see on the edges of the rag joint, there's just barely daylight between the rubber disk and headers. The metal keepers actually collide with the pipe.
Initially I thought I might have to look at a u-joint in it's place but have since considered the Borgeson rag joint might fit because everything is contained within the rubber disk radius.
The headers are ceramic coated but I also have some concerns about heat being so close to a piece of rubber and how much of a dent I can put it the header pipe because of the coating.
Any thoughts on my options here?

[dontlifttoshift]

You can dent the header quite a bit without hurting the coating.

I would install a U joint there.

[JustJohn]

Thanks. I sent a note out to Jim at gmtilt (he has my steering column) and he's building with a 1"DD shaft so I'll be able to use a Borgeson damper u-joint in there.

[dontlifttoshift]

Watch your length there.

Rag joint is about 3" long and a U joint is 3 1/4"......The vibration reducing u joints are 4 3/8".