Speedtech upper control arm clearance

[rubeng805]

Hello I ran into a problem today and was wondering if anyone can help give me some insight. I have a 70 nova that I ls swapped and am finishing a speedtech front and rear suspension upgrade on using the stock front subframe. I am having clearance issues with the upper control arm on the passenger side and the header. As you can see the header is very close nearly touching the bushing area. I'm sure other members have done the same or similar upgrades to what I have done and I was wondering what headers have you used? I am currently using Doug's 83337 ls swap headers for the nova, dirty dingo swap plates on the second most forward mounting holes, the engine is nearly touching the firewall, and a g force trans crossmember. I would prefer to continue to use a long tube/full-length header. I realize I may just have to bite the bullet and get the speedtech header but if I can avoid spending 1500 on it that would be ideal.

[Lincoln7]

I don't know how complete the rest of your drivetrain is but could you raise the transmission tailshaft some? You can probably just shim the trans mount up with ~1/4" metal pieces. Adjust pinion angle to match. It won't provide a lot but it might be enough. Cost effective backup plan it to clearance your headers some

[rubeng805]

I've got a t56 I suppose I forgot to mention that part in the original post. Unfortunately im about maxed out there to not much room to go up atleast not with out chopping up the floor

[Rick Dorion]

I had a close area like yours on my Bel Air. I used a socket and my 20 ton press to put a slight dimple in the one tube.

It looked factory and solved my problem.

[rubeng805]

How close was it after you clearanced it? Perhaps I'm overthinking it but where there any issues with the bushing or anything I also worry about the bushing getting possibly damaged from the heat of the exhaust.

[Rick Dorion]

My issue was the steering box. I gave myself about 1/8 clearance. I haven't had heat issues with the steering. You might also slide in a reflective piece of DSE heat shield using stainless zip ties.

[rubeng805]

So I decided to go with a header wrap and or the dei heat shield for now and check the temp of the bushing with a ir thermometer make sure its in a good range. Thank you all for the input.