headers & plug wires

**sdetweil** · 10-10-2011, 05:20 AM

I am installing a 5.3 Gen III in a custom ford pickup (pics down in the classic section).. there is a very tight fit on the drivers side, with the steering linkage from the cab to the steering rack on the new suspension. I need to use some block hugger headers..

well, it looks like there are two kinds..

the front & back tubes on each side are closest to the block, and the two centers are further out

here are some hooker headers of this type

or the reverse,
the two outer pipes are further from the block, and the two centers are closer..

of course, I bought the 1st..

but how could they EVER work, for anyone? there is NO clearance for the second plug on either side. in the pics below you can see the reflection of the plug top on the header surface.. maybe 1/4 in clearance..

if I flip them side to side, the problem moves to the 3rd plug on each side. but they also hit the engine mount, so that won't work.

drivers side

passenger side

Sam

**tatertot91** · 10-10-2011, 08:56 AM

Ouch, thats right

**sdetweil** · 10-20-2011, 06:44 AM

I ordered these Hedman 68520,

we shall see

sam

**sdetweil** · 01-25-2012, 04:43 AM

these fit a lit better, but still had to be bent in the allow the steering linkage to pass by

and I still had to order multi-angle plug wires, so I can get the plug end up off the header tube.. should be here this week.

**tatertot91** · 01-25-2012, 05:01 AM

Glad you found something you could use
The first sets clearance was terrible

**1MileCrash** · 01-27-2012, 03:39 PM

did you look into some of the accel spark plugs? i know that they make a header series plug that is shorter in overall length outside the cylinder head to provide better clearance in tight applications.