Header options for hellcat in 73 challenger?

[lancef53]

Working on collecting parts for a hellcat install in a 73 challenger. What options are left for headers? It looks like TTI will work with stock K member, but don't list the 8hp90 trans? I am not 100% committed to stock front end, but haven't narrowed down the coil over options enough to make a decision. Thanks!

 

[Buckminster]

I am interested to find out what you end up with. I'm currently putting a 2006 5.7L Hemi in a '73. I have the 8HP70 transmission. I'm using the Holley motor mounts, trans mount and ceramic coated cast manifolds (from Holley) and the Holley aluminum cast pan. I'm also using a Steer & Gear refurbished factory power steering gear box, factory K-frame and Torsion bar setup. The difference being i've got the longer R/T pitman arm and then a longer idler arm out of I think a B Body. My first trial fit, the exhaust manifold hit the steering box pretty significantly. note in the attached photo near the drivers side shock tower.

At the time I ordered the parts, Holley had a Blackheart Header that they listed, but have since withdrawn any mention of it on their website. The header is no longer listed as a Hemi Swap option, nor is the cast exhaust manifold for this combination. I am not even sure the Borgeson unit will clear, but am going to try fitting it up again. This was the first test install, so I expected interferences to show themselves. The AC compressor also hits the K-frame. I've modified the K-Frame to remove interference and hope to get it trial fitted again.

As for headers, TTI had a lot of "conditions" listed for their headers to work. Unfortunately as soon as I added the longer fast ratio R/T pitman arm, that eliminated that option. I know that doesn't answer your direct question, but hope it helps with your decision process.

 

[lancef53]

Thanks for your response! It sounds like you are running into some of the same issues i have been reading about and trying to avoid. I will keep this updated when I get rolling on the project.
Thanks

 

[Chryco Psycho]

Call TTI & ask them ,, TTI would be my first choice by far

 

[Buckminster]

Thanks for your response! It sounds like you are running into some of the same issues i have been reading about and trying to avoid. I will keep this updated when I get rolling on the project.
Thanks

Update on installation. I'm now on my 3rd engine installation attempt. The Holley Cast iron manifolds do not seem to fit with the factory style Power Steering box using the Holley engine and transmission mounts. Some minor transmission tunnel massaging will be required. Looks like it's very tight up there, but do-able. The biggest interference is the transmission vent (after I ground off all the non-essential transmission lugs - there are several posts on this). I will have to "roll" the firewall to transmission tunnel flange as it hits there. I've ordered the Borgeson steering box to hopefully fix the clearance between the exhaust manifold and the power steering box. I did have to modify the K-frame which is in their instructions and that seems to work. I also cut the lug off the back of the AC compressor. I've not seen that listed anywhere, but it was the only way the Holley Mount will work with the low mounted AC compressor.

 

[lancef53]

Update on installation. I'm now on my 3rd engine installation attempt. The Holley Cast iron manifolds do not seem to fit with the factory style Power Steering box using the Holley engine and transmission mounts. Some minor transmission tunnel massaging will be required. Looks like it's very tight up there, but do-able. The biggest interference is the transmission vent (after I ground off all the non-essential transmission lugs - there are several posts on this). I will have to "roll" the firewall to transmission tunnel flange as it hits there. I've ordered the Borgeson steering box to hopefully fix the clearance between the exhaust manifold and the power steering box. I did have to modify the K-frame which is in their instructions and that seems to work. I also cut the lug off the back of the AC compressor. I've not seen that listed anywhere, but it was the only way the Holley Mount will work with the low mounted AC compressor.

View attachment 143849

View attachment 143850

Thanks for the update! Hope you get it worked out!

 

[WJW]

I am having same issues with Holley mounts with my 6.4L in a 71 challenger, I feel Holley let us down by disconnecting their support with their kit. I ended up buying a set of Doug’s Headers, had to clearance the first and second tube a bit ( hate doing that on new headers) then also had to grind down the adjuster on the steering box, which may cause issues later.
I have not had the chance to test fit back in the car but engine is on the k frame and looks like it might fit.
Also had to cut and weld for more clearance the cross member for the trans yoke and for the vent tube.
Want to paint engine bay before putting engine back in. Will be a month or two before I know if it all works. Frustrating paying for a kit that they say is a bolt in, then having to sort it out ourselves. Still better than having to fab everything your self I suppose.

 

[lancef53]

I am having same issues with Holley mounts with my 6.4L in a 71 challenger, I feel Holley let us down by disconnecting their support with their kit. I ended up buying a set of Doug’s Headers, had to clearance the first and second tube a bit ( hate doing that on new headers) then also had to grind down the adjuster on the steering box, which may cause issues later.
I have not had the chance to test fit back in the car but engine is on the k frame and looks like it might fit.
Also had to cut and weld for more clearance the cross member for the trans yoke and for the vent tube.
Want to paint engine bay before putting engine back in. Will be a month or two before I know if it all works. Frustrating paying for a kit that they say is a bolt in, then having to sort it out ourselves. Still better than having to fab everything your self I suppose.

The holley deal is a bummer, but it sounds like it is the result of the ownership change. Thanks for the info.