Spitfire Installation

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PolarBear

PolarBear

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I've got a couple of questions for anyone who's done a header installation on an early A-Body.

I'm in the early stages of installing Spitfire headers on my 273 '65 Barracuda. I've modified the tranny crossmember, and I've removed the passenger-side exhaust manifold. I've taken all the bolts out of the driver-side manifold, and it's ready to come out - but it looks like I'm going to have to pull the steering column out of the way to do so.

The service manual I've got doesn't really get into much detail about the steering column, other than to say loosen the connector coupling bolt and loosen the two underdash bolts - then pull the column back.

Is it really that simple? Doesn't the turn signal wiring, etc. come into play? How far can I pull it back without screwing something up, as I'm guessing 6" would allow me to get the dang manifold out of there.

Also (and this is a really stupid question), I have a Mopar right-angle oil filter adaptor. Does it only fit one way? Or can I manage to mis-mount it?
 
You will have to pull the pin out of the steering coupler(or knock out with a punch)best to take a marker and mark for proper re-install.Unplug the wiring on the column,3 bolts on the firewall under dash and 2 bolts holding the column up.I just finished doing the Spitfire install,removing the column was easy.Like I said mark your coupler for re-install,then you will know it,s back in right location.Hope this helps.
 
Thanks pettybludart - very helpful advice.

I'll re-check my service manual, as I do not recall reading anything about a pin in the steering coupler.

Do the 3 firewall bolts need to come all the way out? ...or just be loose?

And it sounds like I can probably pull the column by myself, but will replacing it require a second person to help align the shaft?
 
You might have an allen key bolt in yours?3 bolts under dash have to come all the way out.You should be able to do it yourself.Here,s a pic. of after my exhaust install,I had a frost plug leak.Dang I thought I was gonna have to pull the motor?Then I figured I would pull the column back out,to have access to the plug.It worked,it gave me access to get the plug out and replaced.My mind was working that day!LOL!

re and re of 66 Dart 011.jpg


re and re of 66 Dart 012.jpg
 
The easiest way to pull the manifold is unbolt it from the engine pull it back undo the left motormount bottom nut and jack that side of the motor up. I just changed one on my 66 and this was the fastest way.
 
I did not need to pull the column at all. Raising the motor makes things easier for sure.
 
If I can avoid pulling the steering column I would be a much happier camper. How high did you have to lift the engine? ....4 or 5 inches?

I presume it can be lifted with a floor jack?
 
Just pull the drivers side lower motor mount nut off then put a piece of 4x4 on the jack and jack it up at the balancer. It only takes a few inches and the manifold pulls out with a little twist.
 
I removed all the throttle/kickdown linkage,and installed a 72 Duster gas peddle/throttle cable.My kickdown is now a Lokar cable.Much more room for headers,not original but neither is the 360/904.
 
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