I have a '69 RSSS that had a non-original 396 in it when I bought it years back (it had an X-22 cowl tag, but I have my doubts). I've long had header clearance issues with Hooker Supercomps (2" I believe) and was just wondering... could it have the incorrect engine mount stands (the part of the mount that bolts to the frame)?

I ran into this once with a B-Body, but in the F-body I thought the actually offset the big blocks towards the passenger side. My header is already rubbing against the passenger A-Arm, so it -couldn't- go any further towards the passenger side.

I also have AFR340 aluminum heads - I don't recall them having raised exhaust ports, and if raised means higher, that would have been better (the headers sort of sit on the steering box as it is).

Let me know if the fact it's already as far towards the passenger side as you could go rules this out or if it might still have small block mounts... and if so, how could I find out for sure?

Thanks!
Dave

 

They did offset rats to the passenger side in 69s. I've seen a rat put on mouse mounts. The owner was in denial that his welded in SBC mounts equipped clone was a fake RS/SS and that needing a small o.d. brake booster with low valve covers on standard deck height was normal.

I wouldn't make any assumption based on aftermarket headers even though SuperComps are usually a good fit. You should be measuring from a flat part of the block like bellhousing side area to stub-frame or something else that's not a variable. You should try and compare parts with others who have known-original cars.

The other thing that comes to mind is the old Guldstand mod where the mounting for the upper A-arms is relocated. When things are moved, different shim stacks are required etc. etc.