Poly 318 Header Installation

[Ron H]

I've searched wide and far for suitable headers to fit my 63 Plymouth Fury poly motor. I gathered headers that fit are not common and those that are come at a high price. TTI offers a nice header; but understand partial lift of motor is required (plus mini-starter and possible re-route of tranny lines). My questions: Are there other headers, maybe shorties that fit not needing motor lift? Or if the motor has to be lifted, would like to know what is specifically involved for those that have done this job, lift it a few inches or a foot or more? What requires disconnecting/dis-assembly to do the install (assuming this is much factored by how high motor has to be lifted)? My issue is I need to install new exhaust system now to be able to run for the summer with plans to rebld motor next winter. Meantime install headers maybe so that's set for the rebld later. Appreciate any words of wisdom. Ron H.

 

[Darter6]

No headers other than TTI for the poly on the market. During the installation of mine I replaced the engine mounts and tranny mount. All were loosened and one side at a time,the engine was tilted maybe 3 inches to install the header. This was done on a rack that made things easier.I am including photos of the installation that may be of some help. Engine and trans mount were from Schumacher's.At the same time I removed the power steering and installed a manual box.I do believe that they fit with power.I didn't have any fitment problems and didn't have to dent or damage the header in any way.I will look for more photos if I have any.

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This was done on a 64 Belvedere. I did tweak the tranny lines here and there for a bit more clearance by bending by hand but didn't remove them. I ALWAYS install new engine and trans mounts when installing headers.I learned that years ago when I beat a set of headers to death to get to fit only to find that the mounts were sagging and soft.

 

[Ron H]

WOW! Thanks so much for the detailed info! No issues I gather such as with the steering linkage hey? Yeah - guess if you found a pic or two of the motor from above that would be neat to see. Ron H.

 

[threewood]

I wish I could help you with specific deails but when I installed mine, the engine was already out so I dropped the motor down into the headers. Manual steering box and steering column is not an issue. Closest spot on my headers is the pass. side inner tie rod. I bought my TTI headers used andthey were already dented in that exact same spot. I'm using new mounts too so I don't know what gives.

If an engine lift is an issue, I have lifted the motor in the past with some plywood and floor jack. Put a chunk of plywood between the oil pan and jack. Take one mount loose and jack it up enough to get a 2x4 under the mount and install header. Same for the other side.

Another note....there are a few driver side header bolts that are difficult to get to. I used the factory studs on all bottom holes so mileage may vary. Top middle two bolts I had to use hex bolts because I could not get a wrench in there. Bottom, second from front stud I had to cut down otherwise the nut was impossible to thread on.

 

[Darter6]

Ron H, Was gone a few days,just got back. Here are the last of the photos.The top side you hardly see the headers because of the position of the exhaust ports. I got photo's so I'll share 'um. Everybody likes pitchers right??

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I even have a few more.