Has anyone ever used headers with a columb shift automatic in a 69 Cutlass? If so what were the brand and were there any mods needed to make the shifter linkage arm that goes between the columb and pivot work? Also ran into there being a problem with the linkage between the trans and pivot hitting the top of the header. Any ideas?

Hope this makes sense?

 

The clearance issue is with the steering shaft on the drivers side, my '72 has all the column shift hardware and it wasn't an issue, passenger side was a small issue with the upper control arm at the back.

 

I did but it was back in 1989 I don't remember the brand of headers but there were no problems except header gaskets.

 

Unfortunately, it depends on the brand of headers. Different header manufacturers route their pipes differently for the same application, so you'll need to find someone with the same car and header brand and model number for confirmation of fitment. Of course, you can sometimes modify the linkage or, at worst, convert to a cable for the column shifter. Many newer vehicles (like my 99 Chevy crewcab dually) use a cable from the steering column to the trans instead of a rigid linkage. These cables are also available from the aftermarket.