Burnt shifter cable today

well i was lucky to get the car home, but it would appear that i have burnt the shifter cable all to **** against the TTI headers. 71 Big block duster, 727 trans B&M shifter. Debating whether or not to order the longer cable? is there a particular route or secret to this? I had clamped the cable away from the exhaust with a bracket and bolt from the oil pan, i guess that didnt work.