TA shorty header clearance

Hello All,
I am installing my first set of headers. They are on a 455 in a GS. They are TA shorty headers and they hit the steering shaft and frame pretty hard. To gain clearance I am going to have to dent them about 1\2 inch. Is this a normal part of the process?
Thanks Jimray:

 

On my '67 Skylark, I had to dimple the driver side to clear upper control arm. I also have to install it as I lower the engine in. The passenger side will fit after the engine is set on the mounts.

 

What model year? It makes a difference.

 

The car is actually a 1970 GSX. My concern was the amount I needed to dimple to achieve clearance. The scrapped black piece is the steering shaft.
Thanks.

 

For the record. I would do the steering shaft mod mentioned in the other thread.
[video=youtube;azPKIjxmmdU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azPKIjxmmdU[/video]

 

Thanks for the responses, links and video. I do not want to alter the steering on my GSX so I will be going back with the stock exhaust manifolds. My engine is a strong Stage 1 build so the headers are not necessary just something I wanted.

Thanks Again
Jim

 

Porting your stock exh manifolds is another option then. Jim Rodgers offers ported manifolds.

 

Ported stock manifolds is an option I have not considered. I will check into it. Thanks Jim

 

You will be pleased with the Work Jim does. I bought a set and could not feel any difference from headers.

 

Jerry you fit 68-72 shorty headers in your 67? can we see some pics please?

 

I am having the the same problem with my 70' GS Stage 1. How much clearance is needed? I have maybe 1/8" after denting the header. How much can I "dent" the header without affecting the performance? There is a weld where I need to make the dent even larger, how likely is it that the weld could break?

Thanks

 

Engine Masters did an episode called, Exhaust Header Bash! Testing Power Loss From Dents.
I can't find it on Utube right now. The test proved that you have to beat them almost closed before you notice any real power losses.

https://www.motortrendondemand.com/...ash-testing-power-loss-from-dents/0_ujj8a8mw/

 

Guys - Larry’s message to read did not come through. I had the same issue on my 70 Stage 1, loosen the 5 or 6 bolts where the steering shaft goes through firewall. You can “slide” the steering column over about a 1/4”, maybe a touch more. That allows for the ta shorties to fit without bashing the headers. (Or at least it did on mine) This is a method from JW.. thx byron