Fenton Headers on 8ba

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oldf1guy

Junior Member
First of all I want to thank ALL the Barn members for their help with my oil leaks (500 miles and not ONE spot on the floor!). Now on to my next fix it or break it. My 1951 F1 has a set of Fenton headers on it....the header flange on the drivers side is so close to the steering box that it is almost touching it! Makes a loud pop when I turn to the left into an elavated parking lot, didn't do this untill I put new header gaskets on the drivers side, for some reason the flange is closer to the steering box now than before I replaced the gaskets all the header bolts are tight,passengers side were fine. I have been looking at the center drop Reds Headers and the Patriot center drop headers. Don't have the measurements for either brand, but look like they would be OK on the drivers side. I am not to sure about the passingers side as my starter is a 12v and pretty good sized starter, haven't measured it yet but eyeballing looks to be between 4 1/2 to 5 inches radius. Just woundering if any of you have used these center drop headers and had any clearance proplems? I still don't understand why the Fenton headers (made for Flatties) hit my sterring box!!! This is my last major problem with the 51 and any input would be appreciated!! :confused:
 
If you have in fact determined that the flange is hitting the steering box then you can grind away material from the flange area to correct problem ( without removing excess material )
 
You might be able to remove the Fenton header and mill of some material to give you the clearance that you need. You could also shim up the motor mount on the driver's side to give some clearance. I believe that some of the parts carriers sell the shim kit. I am not sure which one. If need be you could probably use thick washers
Hope this helps
 
You can grind a little off the header where it hits and also take a little off the stearing box , shim the motor mount on the drivers side and also take off the header and put it to a large belt sander and take off about 3/32 from the mounting flanges that will bring it closer to the block . New rubber mounting blocks or buskits would be helpfull on the drivers side. Don' give up on the Fentons. Most of us old guys would had given up a girlfriend for a pair of them. LOL Good luck. frank pkny
 
About 1/4 " seems to me is OK here is a photo hope it helps. Frank pkny
DSC_7405.jpg
 
Some have even angle-milled Fentons, cutting the flange at an angle to tuch the bottom of header closer to block and redrilling the bolt holes/milling bolt head surfaces to allow proper fastening.
But try new mount biscuits as the first step. There can be half an inch hiding there.
 
a good friend of mine cut the piece out of the header that was hitting the box
and turned it around, then he welded it back in, it mace a little con caved spot there.
i had to walk away when he did that . it works great
 
Good thing! I almost ordered a pair for our F-1. I did look on Reds site. They're headers are designed different. Looks like a lot more clearance. Good luck F1guy. Ken
 
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