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Sanderson Headers clearance issues.

Chevy454CUCV

Chevy454CUCV

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So I’m scratching the piss out of the ceramic coating on these headers and even though sanderson says driver side should fit without modification I’m having issues. Can’t seem to get them to position without getting stuck on the frame. Chopped up the frame on the other side and wanting to avoid more of that...

Any tips???

454
1 ton D30
Military version - M1031

8F61788D-3F02-49A6-B493-3EF9C821F6D8.jpeg

41DB9F25-7E62-4251-A5EB-8F45163FA343.jpeg
 
No engine hoist available. Just a backyard mechanic here. There was no mention of jacking engine from sanderson so I’m hoping that doesn’t have to be done but appreciate the tip.
 
Don't need a hoist. Floor jack or bottle jack, wood block and the bottom of the harmonic balancer.
 
So gm heads, no biggie there, these are supposed to fit the c/k trucks? Where is it hitting on the frame?
 
Nothing to add right now, but watching.
I hope that they didn't screw you with a bad part, or improper boxing.
 
What part number did you get?

Afaik, the frames are basically the same around the engine so I don't think the fact it's a CUCV should matter (except for the models with the frame stiffening brackets by the front spring, rear hangers).

I have Sanderson shorties (# bb8) on my Blazer and they fell in to place with zero interference, modifications or lifting of the engine. I will add I have ORD motor mounts and crossmember but they aren't supposed to change the position of anything.
 
@nvrenuf I got the BB8 headers also which should fit fine as I understand but also hear the 1 ton frames are slightly thicker / different than others?? I just didn't think that would be an issue though. The passenger side went in with just a slight notch in the frame but that was only to keep them from rubbing while installed and also took starter off to make easier install. Driver side gets hung at back end where frame starts curve out at the pipe and also the collector on the block where the oil filter mounts.

Any tips of how you positioned yours? bring it in from top, bottom, any other type of tips to avoid hang ups?
 
Could it be that your motor mounts are worn out and letting the motor sag a little?
 
I'm also curious about the motor mounts and condition.

I was able to snake the headers in from up top, the long tube Hedman's that I used to break the motor in had to go from the bottom up. I don't have any interference issues with the starter (it is a mini) or the oil filter / boss and clutch slave cylinder.

This is interesting because @mrk5 had interference problems on his 1 ton but it was attributed to his frame being a converted 2wd, maybe there is a shape difference. 1 tons are definitely shaped different under the cab (frame is "deeper", vertical = 11" vs 8" on 1/2 & 3/4 tons) but I always though and heard that the section forward of the front cab body mount was basically the same with the exception of year differences (up to '80, '81+ frame horns) and the added brackets and pinion snubber that some trucks have.
 
Here are a couple of bad pics of mine that sort of show the space between the frame and headers. I'll try to get some better pics and lunch and update this post.

full


full
 
something to consider, how far could a motor sag from worn out mounts? seems like more than just being a hair too tight to squeeze through but that could be part of it.
 
nvrenuf said:
This is interesting because @mrk5 had interference problems on his 1 ton but it was attributed to his frame being a converted 2wd, maybe there is a shape difference. 1 tons are definitely shaped different under the cab (frame is "deeper", vertical = 11" vs 8" on 1/2 & 3/4 tons) but I always though and heard that the section forward of the front cab body mount was basically the same with the exception of year differences (up to '80, '81+ frame horns) and the added brackets and pinion snubber that some trucks have.
Click to expand...
I don't think I had any problem on the driver side tho. I had to notch the frame on the passenger side like the OP, and I had to trim the bellhousing of the trans. I would mention that I put in new poly motor mounts when I did mine too.

Word to the wise, I should have notched my frame even further because I noticed I dented my passenger header on the frame. Of course that's with some heavy wheeling.
 
I want to say a stock 454 set up has roughly an inch between the oil pan and engine crossmember, take a look at that gap.
 
I'm thinking yours is showing more space between the headers / frame than mine has. I'll snag a couple pics in a little bit to show difference though.
 
@beags86 spoke with Sanderson and they agree with you to jack up engine, and slide them in. Says I have the wrong frame mounts for this engine to slide them in... ughhh 1 step forward 2 steps back with this truck lol

appreciate all the help guys!
 
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