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Old 03-07-2021, 11:18 PM
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killakev killakev is offline
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Default Headers for 68 Firebird - Recommendations

I had bought a set of Hooker headers model 4902HKR and have big problems on the driver side with fitment. One tube is contacting the pitman arm where it connects to the steering box and the steering can't turn all the way before hitting another tube. Pretty disappointing for sure.

Anybody have a good experience with other header manufacturers?

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Old 03-08-2021, 10:54 AM
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I am guessing you have the straight Pittman arm? Assuming yes, you need the curved pitman arm. I forget what model/options the curved unit came with, but they are readily available in the aftermarket.

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68 Firebird-- Street/Strip - 400/461 Eagle Forged Bottom End & Ross Flat top pistons. KRE 325 CFM D port, Ultradyne 263/271 @.050, .4267 lift. Crower Solid roller lifters and 1.65 stainless rockers. Quickfuel 1000 on Torker2 intake and 2" open spacer. Hedman 1.75" headers. TH400 w/brake. Ford 9" w/3.80 gears & 28x9 Hoosier pro bracket drag radial. Best ET: 1.35 60ft, 6.29 @ 107.20 mph, 9.99 @132.33 mph. 3,300 race weight
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Old 03-08-2021, 11:50 PM
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I don't know what I have for a pitman arm but I'm running Hooker Super Competition ceramic coated part #4107-1 on my 67 with out any fitment problems. Could it be your mounts being worn or the engine not setting level?

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Old 03-09-2021, 12:00 AM
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99.9% sure he needs the curved pitman arm. My 68 with 350 and manual steer had the straight arm, which does not work with most (if not all) 4 tube headers

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68 Firebird-- Street/Strip - 400/461 Eagle Forged Bottom End & Ross Flat top pistons. KRE 325 CFM D port, Ultradyne 263/271 @.050, .4267 lift. Crower Solid roller lifters and 1.65 stainless rockers. Quickfuel 1000 on Torker2 intake and 2" open spacer. Hedman 1.75" headers. TH400 w/brake. Ford 9" w/3.80 gears & 28x9 Hoosier pro bracket drag radial. Best ET: 1.35 60ft, 6.29 @ 107.20 mph, 9.99 @132.33 mph. 3,300 race weight
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Old 03-09-2021, 01:29 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jwcfbd View Post
I don't know what I have for a pitman arm but I'm running Hooker Super Competition ceramic coated part #4107-1 on my 67 with out any fitment problems. Could it be your mounts being worn or the engine not setting level?
The 4107 model definitely has different bends WTF?

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Old 03-09-2021, 01:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by leeklm View Post
99.9% sure he needs the curved pitman arm. My 68 with 350 and manual steer had the straight arm, which does not work with most (if not all) 4 tube headers

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The car was built with power steering and it does have a straight pitman arm. This car has been through a lot of hands so who knows what was originally there. Ames catalog (pg. 288) says curved pitman arm will not work with variable ratio PS or cars that have a straight pitman arm. So I don't know if I get a curved arm if it will even work! Cheapest aftermarket curved pitman arm I found was just over $50.

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Old 03-09-2021, 01:33 PM
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Here are some pictures
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Issue 1_Pitman against tube 2.jpg
Views:	129
Size:	48.1 KB
ID:	562338   Click image for larger version

Name:	Issue 1_Marked tube where pitman swing hits 2.jpg
Views:	100
Size:	71.8 KB
ID:	562339  

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Old 03-09-2021, 03:14 PM
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place called rare parts makes replacement curved pitman arms about $150 http://fcrcmachine.com/rare-parts-pi...d-power-20798/

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Old 03-09-2021, 04:42 PM
68tpls400 68tpls400 is offline
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I have an extra original curved pitman arm from a '68 firebird if anyone needs one.
Has been in a box for 20ish years.

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Old 03-09-2021, 05:06 PM
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I remember converting a 68 to a 400 from an original 6 cyl with manual steering. I definitely needed the curved arm to replace the original straight arm.

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Old 03-09-2021, 06:21 PM
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I believe you can simply replace the arm. I don't think you need to also change the drag link and related components.

The curve is there simply for clearance, the attachment points should otherwise be the same, is my understanding.

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Old 03-09-2021, 07:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JLMounce View Post
I believe you can simply replace the arm. I don't think you need to also change the drag link and related components.

The curve is there simply for clearance, the attachment points should otherwise be the same, is my understanding.
Yup, its been years but I believe that is so.

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  #13  
Old 03-09-2021, 10:38 PM
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What models came with the curved pitman arm? I have a 69 original 400 car and used dougs. I bought them 15 years ago and no fitment issues at all. They still look great too.....after I cleaned the oil stains off the coating.

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Old 03-10-2021, 12:49 AM
Donovan Donovan is offline
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1968 V8 cars came with the curved pitman arm.

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