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Well I've about had it. I have hit another wall with the TPI conversion. If you recall, I've had issues with the speed sender, heater hose, oil pressure sender & knock sender to name a few. I pretty much handled them all. The knock sender I did locate the drain plug and mounted it there with no problem but it was in the way of my block huggers. So I bought a set of 85 - 92 Camaro shorty headers and thought that would take care of it. WRONG!! It fit perfectly on the drivers side and I'm thinking problem solved, but the passenger side will not fit! #$$^@$*(# #@4(@#$@#$&*@ @#@(*#$@#*&$^^@!!!! AT this point I'm about ready to slap a carb on and be done with it! It would have been running long ago if I had done it in the first place!! **#$&#^^%$%#@(* @($&@#^&^ **&$^^#@%@ ))(*$*@#$&^@ :mad:

Thank you for letting me vent.

Sometimes we need to let it out. You're working in uncharted territory. What if Lewis and Clark quit when the rivers ended?

Keep at it and you will find the solution - usually in the most obvious place.

We would all be MobileOrtho's neighbors east of the Mississippi river...

How about taking the knock sensor off, choosing the headers that otherwise fit best, and then finding a place where the knock sensor will work? I think the consensus in the thread about that sensor was that it doesn't matter much where it is located.

Yeah that's the game plan. Just needed to let off some steam. I'll list the newly purchased headers on ebay to try to recup some funds and try again. I'll start with the fuel pump block off plate.

I would tape it into the wiring harness somewhere so it never gets to do it's job but still not set off the "check engine" light,
Scott

Trust me, it will fit.

I wouldnt post my number that publicly. There are bots for e-mail addresses Im sure there are bots and just messed up people who will take advantage of your number being publicly posted.
take it down and send it in a PM

It was a work number, but thanks for the advice. Will do.

Despite the fact that the V8 conversion is probably the most common modification I see on these AD trucks, it is also a total custom job and an absolute exercise in frustration. I've successfully converted mine and I'm STILL having issues.

Most people use a log manifold for the exhaust on each side because that's about all that will fit in the ridiculously narrow space between the framerails. I was dead set on headers. You can try this as a possibility, and I'll tell you the problems I had.

I bought a set of shorty headers (basically block-huggers) off of a stock '86 Corvette. I turned them upside down and wrapped them real good with fiberglass header wrap. I had to take the stock heat shields off them because no way would they fit with those. So with the headers sticking up in the air, I ordered a set of stock-style ball-type flanges and welded them to J-bends. The J-bends had to have custom sections welded on to clear, but basically, they turn back down in the rear corners of the engine bay. I wrapped those too. From there, the exhaust is a conventional dual exhaust.

The main problem I'm having is heat. Let me re-phrase that...HEAT!!! Even though they're all wrapped, I still have a problem with melting wires. I need some better heat isolation, which I'll work on.

Or, here's another thought. Can you get two different types of headers? Check out the swap meets. My Corvette headers were in beautiful shape and were only $5 bucks for the pair. At that price, you can afford to experiment.

Hot Rod Dad,


Those are the headers I'm using as I'm putting in a 1986 TPI from a 'Vette. Easy to weld on, look good without the shields. Although I could still fit the shields if I want to. Tight fit, but they fit with the Camaro clip.

Where'd you get your "set of stock-style ball-type flanges" from? Thanks!

I believe I got them from Summit Racing. I just told them '86 Vette ball collector type flanges, in 2 1/2" diameter, and they weren't very much. Then just welded them on my pipes.

800-230-3030

Talked with Tim K today and got some very helpful advice on solving the problem. Will keep you posted on the progress.

I'll be eager to hear!

I'll be eager to hear!

Was able to find an elbow @ Lowes and was able to keep the block huggers. Thanks Tim K for the tip. Only problem know is I have a new set to fit a Camaro. Anyone interested $50 + shipping.

I wonder if being so close to the header might have a heat related effect on the sender.

I don't think it will be a problem. I did however fire it up for the first time today. Sounds great, but still have to run the exhaust.

Naw, the heat from the headers won't hurt it. My IROC-Z had Hooker headers on the 350 TPI and in all those years, the knock sensor was fine.

I kinda wish I kept that car though. It would have been really cool with an LS7 conversion. But I didn't want to deal with the rust issues I was having.