I just purchased a 2 1/2 exhaust system to be used on my 70 442 455 with W & Z manifolds. On the left side I am having a clearance issue.
The original pipe was dented at the chassis side.
Should I have to dimple the new pipe or cut off part of the bracket?
Anyone else have this problem and how did you solve it.
Thanks,
Joe

 

I'd be checking the motor mounts, as when they become oil soaked, they turn to mush and collapse!
Polyurethane mounts should move it a little.
If you really want to get some room - loosen the frame mounts and jack the motor over as far as you can go, although not an easy feat with the motor in the car!

 

Rickman might be on to something...I had a little clearance when I was running TT 2 1/2" headpipes with WZ's.

 

Or, pull the pipe back out, get that corner of the lower control arm bracket red hot, and adjust with a BFH!
Cool-off quickly or melt the bushing!

 

Thanks for the replies.
If I raise the engine it will just make maters worse. If you look at the third picture raising the engine will make the pipe hit more.
Any body have a picture of their setup?
Joe

 

Yeah, but if the other side is collapsed, it'd twist the motor the right way!

 

I've seen shims to help solve problems such as this.

 

Last weekend I jacked the engine up and lossened each chassis mount and was able to move them forward about 3/8". Then I installed new mounts pushing the engine as forward as possible.
This gave me more clearance.
Then I rounded off the 'A' frame bracket without removing a lot of material.
It gave me plenty of clearance. I will be installing the rest of the system this coming weekend.
I will keep you posted as to how it sounds and fits.
Joe

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