Greg.H

I just finished using these headers: http://www.speed-engineering.com/sho...e-version.html on my 1969 firebird 5.3 swap. Yes I know they are intended for a 98-02 fbody, but that rear tube on the drivers side was perfect to clear my mechanical clutch linkage (Muncie swap).


The passenger side fit perfectly, absolutely no trouble here, you can just slide it right in, even after the engine is in.


The driver's side is where the mods come in. My engine is set back 1", to replicate the stock location of the Muncie and re-use the driveshaft. The two rear tubes don't need to be modded, only the front ones. Even a cheap mig welder and some .030 flux core wire will work here. The front two tubes need to be cut at the flange. Cut a section out here so that the tubes can be pushed in closer to the flange and re-welded in order to clear the steering box. After this, they can be installed, but you will most likely have to pull the engine up and feed them in through the bottom. I already had the engine out so I just lowered the engine onto them and bolted them up with the engine 3/4 of the way in.


You will also have to change some of the geometry of the driver's side front tube. It comes down too soon and interferes with the steering linkage. A shallower elbow and transition will fix this.


I know it seems like a lot of work just to save $300 - $400, but if you're patient and have decent mig skills it's a walk in the park. I finished mine in a couple of days, and I had the polarity on my mig backwards (there goes my credibility on this site lol) so imagine how easy it will be for you!


Any questions go ahead and ask. Thanks for reading.

t_raven

iTrader: (12)

Why do all of that when they have a 1st gen set of swap headers for the same price?

http://www.speed-engineering.com/ls-...6-engines.html


Edit: I see they only have 1 7/8" primaries for 1st gens and both 1 3/4" and 1 7/8" for 4th gen. I'm planning to put their 1st gen set in my 69 Firebird but it's got a 6.0.

Greg.H

Yes, I wanted to go with the 1 3/4 tubes since I only have a mild 5.3, but more importantly, that last rear tube on the driver's side would not allow me to use my mechanical clutch since the engine is in the stock location.

camarodude87

iTrader: (8)

I was looking at their 67-69 LS swap headers, idk if I want to take the risk or not. Have stock steering box with stock subframe.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

You could have started with some 1st gen BBC header. Cut the flang off and weld on some LSx ones. Tubes should be close to fitting everywhere and you get the bigger primary.
Just an after thought....

Greg.H

I thought about this but couldn't fine anything positive on it.

tuske427

iTrader: (1)

Just one question- where are the pics?

Greg.H

Passenger side



Driver's side. Not sure if it's visible, but the second tube from the front had to be flattened just a bit.

rstrittmatter

Do you have a better picture of the mechanical linkage?
I'm working on a similar setup, and still working through setback, etc.
What did you use for the pivot ball for the z-bar?

Thanks!
Richard

Greg.H

Sorry, It's a bit tight to get a pic of the linkage. I used the same pivot ball that the linkage was on originally, but with the 621 bellhousing, it was too far back on my car. I made an adapter plate out of 1/4" steel. It moves the pivot ball forward 1.5" and up .375" IIRC. It took some trial and error to get it right, it has trouble even if it's a little bit off.

LS1 pwrd NOVA

iTrader: (2)

I wonder what needs to be done using a hydraulic clutch and the hooker swap kit minus the headers. I thought no the hooker pushes the engine forward and down a bit. How far is your pass head from the firewall?

SS69LS1

iTrader: (108)

The latest hooker LS swap parts for first gen are different and everything fits nicely. Its not cheap, but you dont have to hack into anything- mounts/headers/oil pan/trans x-member etc. Lowers the engine and provides correct driveline angle for smooth running at highway speeds. For $229 its well worth risking those speedway headers. Most swap headers instructions refer to the required engine plates that work with the header. I did not realize these were so cheap.

Eztorres

I used these headers in my 1969 firebird with stock subframe and steering box and they fit great , only modification was to steering column neutral switch linkage bracket ( i just removed it since in using a different shifter with neutral switch ) trans-dapt mounts and Holley pan 510-302-2 clears all steering linkage ,

camarodude87

iTrader: (8)

You mind posting pictures.

LS1 pwrd NOVA

iTrader: (2)

Greg how far is your pass head from the firewall?
Imdoing a 1st gen swap using the hooker swap kit minus their headers.

Greg.H

With the 1" setback plates that keep the transmission in the stock location, my passenger side head has approximately 3/8" - 1/2" from the firewall. I can get a more accurate number for you when I'm home in a couple weeks.