Big block swap shifter linkage issues
February 28th, 2018, 09:42 PM
#1
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Shifter linkage issues
Swapped a 455 into my 70 Cutlass S, was a 350 car. Heddman headers barely fit now my column shifter linkage hits the header, not even really close. I was told I needed to swap to floor shift but really don't want to.Anyone encountered this? Appreciate any feedback
February 28th, 2018, 09:54 PM
#2
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Big block swap shifter linkage issues
Has anyone experienced problems withe the stock column shifter linkage mating up with a big block swap into a 70 Cutlass S? Rebuilt 350 transmission utilized the original small block motormounts on both frame and block. Heddman headers, long tube, just doesn't even seem close. I've read I need a floor shift? Really don't want that at all, like the look of the stock interior. Any advice would be appreciated
March 1st, 2018, 07:51 AM
#7
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Depending on how a particular header manufacturer routed the pipes, you may or may not be able to retain the stock column shift linkage. I've installed many headers that simply did not allow the rod from the steering column to clear, whether it was for a column shifter or the backdrive linkage for the floor shifter. At best, you'll need to bend the linkage rod to clear. If that doesn't work, you can get a cable conversion for the column shift from various street rod shifter vendors.
March 1st, 2018, 10:57 AM
#8
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I was thinking the same thing as he didn't mention if these were the original 350 headers or a new set of 455 headers.
March 1st, 2018, 09:14 PM
#10
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I had flowtech headers on a 70 Cutlass S that was originally a 350 car that I swapped a 455 into with a column shifter and had no issues.
It sounds like the headers just weren't made with the linkage in mind.
It sounds like the headers just weren't made with the linkage in mind.
March 2nd, 2018, 07:17 AM
#11
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I think the headers I ordered were suggested by Oldcutlass to someone on a post at one time with a Hedman part #. I am going to go to the shop on the weekend and try and take some pictures to post.
April 16th, 2018, 05:10 PM
#19
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Camdon, I'm getting ready to do the same swap with the same headers and a '71. I'd like to know if you got this solved.
@ Joe, do you have a certain brand of cable conversion linkage you like?
@ Joe, do you have a certain brand of cable conversion linkage you like?
April 16th, 2018, 05:24 PM
#20
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I have not had the need for any, so have no first-hand experience. I know Lokar sells one. Heck, my 1999 Chevy truck has a factory cable operated column shifter. Possibly you could adapt a junkyard version, as I'm sure the Lokar one is not inexpensive.
April 17th, 2018, 05:28 PM
#22
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I'd also like to know how this turned out. It would greatly inform my swap.
April 17th, 2018, 06:33 PM
#23
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My car is a 64 but I had the same problem when I went to hedders. I could not shift it from Park to any of the gears. The rod was hitting the hedder
I cut it in 1/3s then eyeballed it and welded the pieces back together with a MIG so the rod would not hit.
It was a 3 beer job at most. I can take a picture if anyone cares to see
I cut it in 1/3s then eyeballed it and welded the pieces back together with a MIG so the rod would not hit.
It was a 3 beer job at most. I can take a picture if anyone cares to see
April 17th, 2018, 08:00 PM
#25
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Here it is. Was easy to get to since the engine and trans are out. Was just dangling there so I pulled it out.
My car had a 350 in it when this was done. 455 is going in within the next 30 days. Trans is a th350 I swapped in - Jetaway is gone.
https://imgur.com/gallery/1ywNj
My car had a 350 in it when this was done. 455 is going in within the next 30 days. Trans is a th350 I swapped in - Jetaway is gone.
https://imgur.com/gallery/1ywNj
April 18th, 2018, 04:51 PM
#27
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I haven't had a chance to take a look at my linkage yet. And the small block is still in the bay because of work and the fact that it won't quit snowing! Is it possible to simply bend the linkage?
April 23rd, 2018, 05:47 PM
#28
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Here it is. Was easy to get to since the engine and trans are out. Was just dangling there so I pulled it out.
My car had a 350 in it when this was done. 455 is going in within the next 30 days. Trans is a th350 I swapped in - Jetaway is gone.
https://imgur.com/gallery/1ywNj
My car had a 350 in it when this was done. 455 is going in within the next 30 days. Trans is a th350 I swapped in - Jetaway is gone.
https://imgur.com/gallery/1ywNj
I sure wish the OP would let us know how this turned out.
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