I'm trying to install some hooker performance headers on a 1969 el camino with a factory 350. So far I've got the passenger side complete but the left side is a PITA! I already got the left side off but I can't get the new headers inplace, the new headers are also longer than the old. In the instructions from Hooker it states you need to unbolt the center engine mount (I've never heard of or know where the center one is, just the 2 on each side of the block) and put a board between the jack and oil pan to lift the motor 2". I would never support an engine from an oil pan!!! Anybody have any solutions to get this left side installed and what steps did you take... Thanks for your help!

Align the 2 x 4 with the front edge of the pan and you will have no trouble lifting the engine against the pan. If you forgot to take the motor mount bolts out (not recommended) you would just pick up the car. the pans are tougher than you think. This will not be a problem.

Align the 2 x 4 with the front edge of the pan and you will have no trouble lifting the engine against the pan. If you forgot to take the motor mount bolts out (not recommended) you would just pick up the car. the pans are tougher than you think. This will not be a problem.
I believe the "center motor mount" Hooker is talking about is actually the transmission mount. If you are jacking up the engine you should undo the fastener on this too. Also when jacking up an engine watch out for the fan blade hitting the shroud, I would remove the fan blade.

Doug

Thanks to you both, That center mount would make sense about the tranny. As far as the fan blade goes do you really think it'll need to come off if i'm only lifting the motor 2"? I'll take another look at it and see if it does need to be removed.

If you don't have the clearance to lift the Motor, maybe unbolt the shroud and set it back over the Fan. Just a thought, but what do I know.

That should read the center bolt through the drivers side motor mount, not the center mount. If they intended for you to loosen the trans mount it would specify that.
I have always used a square piece of 1/2 inch plywood a little bigger than the dimentions of the sump area under the oil pan sump to lift the engine with no problems ever! As coyoteOn2 said watch that the shroud clears the fan so you do not tear something up. :cool:

Ok, question here! Are you all saying just remove the front motor mounts on the left and right side or just the two on the left side then raise engine? I'm confused to what all I need to do to get the left side headers installed...

I don't think you need to remove them both. Remove the bolt from the side you are installing. All you need to do is give yourself a few extra inches of clearence to pass the headers by... whatever is in the way. Removing one side should allow the motor to tilt out of the way a bit. You usually don't need much extra room, you'll be suprised how much room you'll have by moving the motor 2 inches.

Have someone watch the fan as you are jacking the motor, if it gets too close to either the shroud or radiator and you still need more room, remove it just to be safe.

When I installed my ceramic Summit headers, I found that I had to disconnect the steering shaft at the lower end and move it out of the way to get the header flange over the oil filler tube. Don't know if that helps...