vern74charger

switched out a small block to a big block (440) used schumacher swap engine mounts etc. Hooker headers said unless the k member is for a factory big block the headers will not work. Headers hit the passender fender big time. with the new motor mounts, the engine is place in the factory OEM location. My question is, our inner fenders different for big block and small block cars? This car did come with big block opions including a 440.

John Van

As far as I know the k-member is the same for small and big blocks,but is different for the slant 6. Which hooker headers are you trying to use? Do you have stock heads or? The inner fenders are the same regardless of motor.

john

vern74charger

had a 318, using indy EZ heads same position as stock heads.1 3/4" hooker super comps polished ceramic coated.

vern74charger

sorry they are 1 7/8" headers part 3 5101-1

Archer

vern -

Been there, done that. Using old school Hooker headers, and they "JUST" make it in a 74 Charger. You might need a little heating and convincing, but they will fit. Also using Schumacher mounts 318 -> 440/



Archer

vern74charger

I don't think heating or banging is going to help on ceramic coated headers. I guess i'll pull them out and try some TTI's. Anyone have any experience with them?

John Van

Vern, Don't give up just yet. The Hooker supercomps should fit using the Schumacher motor mounts. Yes they are different k-members for the small block and big blocks. The Schumacher mounts should put it in the correct location. Check on the specs:

67-76 "A"-body / 66-74 "B"-body / 70-74 "E"-body applications: From the center of the crankshaft to the top of the K-frame, the correct distance is 5-1/4”. The engine is also offset towards the passenger-side. Measure from the center of the crankshaft to each frame rail. The difference should be 2-1/2”.

Strange to be having problems on the passenger side, usually they hit the steering box or torsion bar on the driver's side!

good luck, john

lou3500

I have a 73 charger i am building it was a 318 car i'm dropping in a 440. In my research i have found out there were two different inner fenders used on 73/74 chargers one for small block cars one for bigblock [why i don't know] i do know that a big block will fit in a small block car with out changing the fenderwell but headers may not work i talked to a guy who built the same car we have and saw the result he used hp manifolds and the passenger side bairly cleared in one area [but it had about an 1/4 inch] he also stated that he had to cut the engine mounts off the k frame and move them back 1 1/2 inches so the engine was not setting at the wrong angle [i suppose] said something about the fan chewing a hole in the hood. My plan is to cut off the engine mounts and move them back [like the guy said] and out to fit the 440 so i dont have to use the conversion kit [thats my plan don't know if it'll work but we shall see] i'm not gonna beat the crap out of the fenderwell/headers for the 440 to fit i'll use hp manifolds or if i have to i'll modfy the fenderwell for headers. I have not gotten to that yet still doing sheetmetal work the engine bay is my next project.

vern74charger

This just keep getting better. thanks for the info. let me know how your project is going.

lou3500

We went to garlets to find parts and to look for a smallblock car with a bigblock which we found along with the builder so i have seen the differances not sure if headers will work this thread shows one so i suppose they will but we are going with hp manifolds. We'll keep posting our progress as of now it's just sheetmetal work and bodywork on the shell and front fenders.

bremereric

Why don't you guys ask Michael Shumacher if his Tri-Y headers will work. My engine compartment in my Dart has to be smaller. I have plenty of clearance on the passenger side.

Commando

He should be able to help you out, I talked to him and went with his headers, tons of space now, used to boil my power steering on drivers side too (before the tri Ys).

vern74charger

Got a set of TTI's. Easy install and nothing hits. They make these headers only for Mopars. They do cost alot but it beats all the problems with clearances.
My next problem is going to be installing a Gear Vendors overdrive. Has anyone installed one on a B body? Their rep says there shouldn't be a problem, but after the header thing I don't really trust what they say. Remodeling the tranny tunnel is NOT an option. Thanks.

lou3500

Thought i would up date on our charger, metalwork is done [except engine bay and filling/smoothing firewall] in the filler/sanding phase starting in the rear working to the front. Need to turn the car around test fit the 440 [may make my own engine mounts] instead of shumacher kit [or maybe not] will see,using hp manifolds. My photo album http://s1138.photobucket.com/albums/...ger%20project/.