[brockb455]

Does anyone have experience putting a set of Ron's TribalTube Tri-Y Headers on a 2nd gen bird? I was lucky to get in on the original run of headers for my automatic 73 TA. I am JUST now finishing my restoration and dropping the engine back in... and I have a problem.

The left side header base-plate, between cylinders 2 and 4, directly blocks the dip stick tube. This is a thick piece of metal that connect the flanges that bolt to the engine. If you try to bend the dipstick tube out of the way it has such an exteme angle that the dip stick kinks.

What's the solution? Do I cut the base plate or is there a solution I am not thinking of?

[Tazzz2]

You can use a Dye grinder to relieve the flange and the tub should free up after a little messaging of the flange.... If not there are custom oil dip sticks and tubes you can buy that are flexible (just bought one for the 474 CV-1 head build we're doing)....

[tom s]

just cut or notch the plate.Tom

[brockb455]

Originally Posted by tom s

just cut or notch the plate.Tom

Is this what other 2nd gen firebirds did? Why wasn't the plate designed to accomidate the dip-stick in the first place?

[critter]

I bent my tube out slightly and had no problems. No kink to speak of.

[LeighP]

I didn't notice this when I fitted mine...used the Canton dipstick for their sump.
I'd just get a die grinder in there and relieve the header plate for clearance.

[superdutybob]

Originally Posted by brockb455

Is this what other 2nd gen firebirds did? Why wasn't the plate designed to accomidate the dip-stick in the first place?

You'd have to ask Ron that question. Most headers that I have seen have a scallop in that area to accommodate the dipstick tube.

[SA74SD]

I noticed the same interference on my SD when doing a mock up. Checked my old Hookers and sure enough there was a scallop to make room for the dipstick tube. Looks like die grinder time.

[brockb455]

Ron responded almost immediately to my inquiry. He was very helpful. The first batch of headers were subcontracted and had issues with the flange plate. Later pipes don't have this problem. The solution is to either bend the tube waaay down, or notch/cut the plate between the two cylinders. The early exhausts were heavy 14 gauge so the plate is not absolutley necessary between those two cylinders.

Problem solved and cudos to Ron for his quick response. FYI - these pipes are gorgious and fit well in the tight Trans Am engine bay.

[165th]

Does anyone know where you can purchase a set of these for a round port motor?

[brockb455]

Originally Posted by 165th

Does anyone know where you can purchase a set of these for a round port motor?

Ron at Tribal Tube Headers makes them for round port also. email him at
record7jet@aol.com