Long Tube Header Install

[Blue Streak 21]

I picked up a pair of the long tube Headman headers from Panoz, and put them on this weekend. To get them to fit, I moved the oil filter canister forward of the alternator, and rerouted the clutch cable. They bolted straight up and had lots of clearance around the frame and steering linage. I've got a pair of 2 1/2" dia. x 24" long Dynamax bullet mufflers to finish the exhaust system. The car goes to the muffler shop tomorrow to get it all welded up.

I plan to have the car dyno tuned after the exhaust system is complete to see if I picked up any power at the high end. My hope is that I've removed some restrictions from the exhaust, and that it breaths better. If I pick up 15 hp, I'll be happy.

During the past month I put the GTRA on a diet. I've removed 60 lbs from the car, and have set up the 30 gal fuel cell so I can run it half full. That should save another 100 lbs. The 160 lbs reduction is about a 6% reduction in the car's weight. It's not the full 200 lbs I was looking for, but it's better than getting heavier. A 5% increase in hp and 6% reduction in wieght should be a noticable improvement in the car's performance.

My first race is March 5 thru 7 at Arroyo Seco. I'm really looking forward to getting back on the track and seeing how the improvements translate to lower lap times. I'll post dyno results once I have them. Previusly the car made 350 ft-lbs and 315 rwhp.

[PanozDuke]

Good info, Jerry. Sounds like a easiest way to go.

Mike

[jmimac351]

Jerry, am I understanding that you were able to fit the 351 headers onto a 302?

[Gatorac]

Do you still have the 5.0 in the car? Are these the long tube headers for the 351 from Panoz? Pics?

[jmimac351]

Too slow, Pomroy.

[Gatorac]

Originally Posted by jmimac351

Too slow, Pomroy.

Get to work douchebag.

[jmimac351]

We need pictures of the steering shaft on his car.

[Blue Streak 21]

Originally Posted by jmimac351

Jerry, am I understanding that you were able to fit the 351 headers onto a 302?

Yes, they bolted up nicely. Before I purchased the hearders I asked several people (including folks at Panoz) and they said that port locations and mounting holes are the same for 302 and 351 heads. There is a difference in block deck height, but that didn't seem to cause any difficulties with my installation.

[Blue Streak 21]

Originally Posted by jmimac351

We need pictures of the steering shaft on his car.

I'm gald you guys like one another.... Otherwise I might wonder...

My steering shaft goes way below the headers. There must be 6" of clearance. The header tubes come straight out of the ports and run 12" before they begin to turn downward and get compined into the collector. The car is in the trailer, but I'll try and take a couple pics. The biggest issue is posting them. Gotta go back to the free server and remember my password and such.

If I remember your situation, you have an elevated steering linkage with a sweivel mounted to the frame. I've seen a picture of the set up. My first thought is that if the location of the mount is below the exhaust port, then you might be able to get these long tubes to work.

[Blue Streak 21]

I just went back and looked at the pic Jim Pomroy took of his steering shaft location. Those long tubes will clear that easily. No problem.

The header tubes as they exits the port come out level with the ground, they done slope down much if anything. They pass under the upper frame tube with about 1 1/2" of clearance. After they exit the frame, then they sweep down to the collector.

Hopefully I get you some pics later tonight. In the mean time I looked at a WC car at Wire Wheel. The pics of the engine showed the way the hearder run fairly clearly. Worht a quick peek.

[Dawgfan]

Blue Streak, do you fly a plane for a living?

[jmimac351]

That sounds like Pomroy's setup. If you send me the pictures I can post them. Modifying my steering shaft sounds easier than custom headers.

Jim at americanjim dot com

[Blue Streak 21]

Originally Posted by jmimac351

That sounds like Pomroy's setup. If you send me the pictures I can post them. Modifying my steering shaft sounds easier than custom headers.

Jim at americanjim dot com

PM sent with pics. Thanks for offering to post them.

[jmimac351]

Thanks Jerry!

[jmimac351]

Here's a shot of the 351 headers on a 351...