Just installed a 350 vortec and used Flowtech headers. They are right up against my oil filter. I'm sure this isn't good. What should I do? A shorter oil filter or change the headers out? They also touch the starter. I am under the impression that FlowTech Isn't very user friendly. I had a fun time installing them. (especially the rear passenger side) Help

You could always install a remote oil filter and a smaller starter, I know this would mean spending more money but that would be the easy fix :D


August

i don't know if this has been done before, but you could see if a muffler shop could bend the pipes outta the way

It can create a little more heat in the Oil although being under the vehicle it will get a lot of air from the road as you drive so it shouldn't be too terrible when you're driving. I'd go with a remote filter. The starter is a prime candidate for a heat shield. A Mini Starter is another good way to go as August mentioned.

I used DynoMax long headers on the 80 I have (Small Block) and didn't have any issues with them they don't ride that close to the engine also they are Cerma Coated (Jet Hot Coating) so heat is at a minimum but still as always an issue.

I can't say if they are a problem on the pass side, I installed them with the engine out of the truck, the body off the chassis. So when I sat the engine in place they were already there and I didn't have a body on the chassis so no AC box or things like that to mess with. It will be the last time I will be able to have that "ease of installation". Once we get the body back on it then it is burnt / busted knuckles once again should I have to work on it.

Such are the things we put up with to have what we want. :D

I agree with ElkyPete on the oil filter situation. With the airflow you get on the bottom of the engine I wouldn't anticipate too many problems there.

The headers against the starter would be my biggest concern. The heat from the headers - especially if they're physically touching the starter - can cause you all sorts of starting nightmares after the car's been running.

A mini starter would be best I'd say. Creative bending of the headers and a heat shield of some sort would be second best. Doing nothing and taking your chances is always an option too. But sitting in the parking lot waiting for your starter to cool off so you can go home sucks.

I used one of these Powermaster starters (http://www.powermastermotorsports.com/Racing/160_ft_-lb__Starters/160_ft_-lb__starters.html). I also added a Moroso heat shield just to make sure I didn't have any problems as decribed above. At only 8.5 lbs, it's breeze to install to!