Hey All,
as the intro says, I have a 1968 Z28 with a 1969 DZ engine. In the process of putting new headers on and I'm worried the space between the oil pan and the headers is going to be to tight. Seems the oil filter is already resting on the oil pan as it is. This is supposed to be a factory correct set of headers. Any suggestions or aftermarket adapters that anyone knows of ?? Thanks T

 

Let's move this to "General 67-02 F-Body Tech".

"Drivetrain" is primarily for the trans and rear axle.

 

I use a "388" series engine block in my third-gen, which was sourced from a '69 300-horse 350 engine. I think it's the same block that was used in some of the DZ applications. Your oil filter shouldn't be resting on the oil pan. However it needs very little clearance; just enough to get the oil filter wrench to fit. In terms of headers, it can get as close to the engine block as necessary, since there is a water jacket on the other side of the cast iron. If you need to clearance it, all you need is a small air gap to accomodate thermal expansion and vibration of the header. The issue comes up when the headers run adjacent to fuel and brake lines as well as the starter. My experience is that you need a quarter to half an inch of clearance between the header and the above mentioned items to keep from boiling the fluids or locking up the starter. There is heat reflective tape that you can use to protect these items as extra insurance.

My experience comes from track days at the road course. I've faded out the brakes in two occasions, and in both cases the right wheel went first. My engine's out right now, and I've discovered that under hard acceleration and under race conditions, the engine was twisting against the poly mounts, and the header made contact with both the K-member and the brake line. The indentation of the brake line has actually dented the primary pipe. I'm going to "clearance" that pipe a little more, now that I know where to apply the hammer. Either that, or clearance the K-member and relocate the hard line to that brake. The lesson here is that the header can get really close to engine blocks, steel brake lines & such without affecting them, except when you are experiencing long, protracted sessions of high heat, such as a 22-minute race session.

 

As for the oil filter, what number are you using??? Should be using the filter thats around 4 1/4 inches tall.. IE: WIX # 51069 (1/2 quart) Should'nt be hitting the pan..

Might be using the most common chevy filter that is just over 5 inches.. IE: WIX 51060 (1 quart)