Robert,
The SS Phoenix header had several problems. The primary one being that the
header flange would not slide onto the studs in the head. They were
misaligned. The header has a front and rear flange. The rear flange was
welded on in a slightly crooked way which prevented it from sliding on with
out removing 2 of the studs. This seems to be a problem with the jig that
Phoenix uses for welding the header (meaning that it is probably a chronic
problem).
The second issue was that the flanges were not even with each other across
the mating surface. I'm not sure if this would have been a real problem
once the nuts were tightened but since I couldn't get the header on, I
couldn't test to see.
The last issue was that, I had the same problem you did with one of the
studs hitting the manifold (and having no room to fit the nut). Phoenix
advises installers to use a cap screw in place of the offending studs (as
you did).
Finally, I was willing to purchase a "good header" but no one on this list,
or from my other sources, could give me any first hand experience about who
sells them. I got a couple of leads (eg Racetorations) but they cost more
and no one could tell me that they were better (or even different). In
short, I made my decision based upon the information I had at the time (and
still have).
Oh, and I ordered the Eastwood leak down tester. I'll let the list know how
this "cheap" gauge works.
Happy Holidays to all!!
Peter
'68 TR250
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