HALP!!! Ebay long tube headers will not clear!!!

[e30s52]

So are you saying I need to turn mine upside down?

No they do look like they are the right way but are you using e36 motor mount arms?

You cant tighten both sides you need to have each side loose so they have some play to them. Then you can wiggle them into postion.

[Karlspackler]

No they do look like they are the right way but are you using e36 motor mount arms?

You cant tighten both sides you need to have each side loose so they have some play to them. Then you can wiggle them into postion.

So what do you suggest I try to get them to fit?

I dont think they are e36 arms

[e30s52]

OK here is the easy way to mount them.

1. use e36 mount arms

2. use e28 engine mounts turned up side down

Thats all you need you might just need some shims but its not that hard. Try heating up the subframe and beating it with a BFH if the shims dont work.

[Van Westervelt]

Using that style motor mount upside down will result in a failed mount.

I put my headers in with the engine, and will be reinstalling them with the cylinder head this week. There isnt really a good way to install these style headers with the motor resting in the bay. The easiest way around all this is to lift the motor approx 2 inches.

[MR 325]

Removing the engine mount arm heatshield (and possible slight grinding of the arm) will help with clearance.

[Karlspackler]

OK here is the easy way to mount them.

1. use e36 mount arms

2. use e28 engine mounts turned up side down

Thats all you need you might just need some shims but its not that hard. Try heating up the subframe and beating it with a BFH if the shims dont work.

Shims where? I guess I dont follow.

Removing the engine mount arm heatshield (and possible slight grinding of the arm) will help with clearance.

Yup, going to do both of these.

[e30s52]

under the motor mount.

[Karlspackler]

under the motor mount.

wouldnt that push the mount arms up?

[e30s52]

wouldnt that push the mount arms up?

O I thought it was hitting the subframe. But yes it will if you cant clear the subframe. Try taking the heat shield and possible grinding down alittle bit on the arm to see if the clear.

[Karlspackler]

O I thought it was hitting the subframe. But yes it will if you cant clear the subframe. Try taking the heat shield and possible grinding down alittle bit on the arm to see if the clear.

yup, they hit the mount/arm

[e30s52]

Yeah try taking the heat shield off first then if that doesnt work grind it down alittle till it does.

[Van Westervelt]

It can help to remove, then reinstall your exhaust studs as well. But thats only for initial placement, not final fitment, which you dont even know where it will sit yet.

[Van Westervelt]

It can help to remove, then reinstall your exhaust studs as well. But thats only for initial placement, not final fitment, which you dont even know where it will sit yet.

[bykerboy]

Shims where? I guess I dont follow.


Yup, going to do both of these.

I just did this exact same install with the eBay headers and had the same issue. I ended up heating the header tube and bending it slightly to clear the motor mount.

I did have to lift the motor a few inches to get the headers in.

[Karlspackler]

I just did this exact same install with the eBay headers and had the same issue. I ended up heating the header tube and bending it slightly to clear the motor mount.

I did have to lift the motor a few inches to get the headers in.

I was actually wondering how far I can lift/tilt the motor while still attached to the motor mounts.