Havent got to where we can bolt the tranny tight to put the engine in it's final position. The headers though look like they are going to have to be bent to clear the transmission cleanly. I was not aware special headers were reqd for the 700r4 or vortech head change. Is there likely to be critical issues or do I just assume a bunch of bending will be reqd. Another 3 gen owner told me "you have to bend the headers every time" but his was a 1989 car with original engine/tranny setup. Anyone?

 

Hmmmmm...My GM HO Crate 350 w/Vortec heads had no prblem going in....I have the hooker shorties though....Are you using long tubes. LONG TUBES ARE A BEO$%H on our cars.

Later

 

also using the shorties but the are not name brand. bought used but like new condition and they were supposed to have been pulled from another 82. I am going to to see how the fit with a bit of heat. if not I will toss them and go for a new set.

 

The Vortec (no h...) heads change nothing on the exhaust fit side of things. If the headers were made to fit in a thirdgen with a small block chevy the problem is not the heads, or the tranny I wouldn't think.

The problem is whatever crappy fitting off-brand headers you bought most likely...

My Edelbrock TES headers dropped right into my car with Vortec heads and a 700r4 easy as pie.

 

I agree. There is a good chance they might not even be 3rd gen specific...

 

Why don't you unbolt the header with the clearance problems then install the trans and see how the header fits..

 

Bought Hedmans. You have to loosen the motor mount on one side but they drop in in about 20 minutes(no issues).

 

Have Hedmans on mine.....great fit on them.

 

my heddman 1 5/8" shorties literally touch my starter on the passenger side, so i had to modify a bit to keep the starter insulated. other than that they fit good and slide in not too bad once i removed my valve covers.