If you don't so it sooner than later.. you'd better plan on sandblasting those headers by then too. lol Many parts stores carry it(hi-heat silicone based wrap protection) these days and cardboard and tape spray shields are cheap and easy. The biggest issue is that the cheaply applied and far too thin paint coatings from the factory fail prematurely(many times as they're being installed).. and/or they get greased up before heating/curing which also adds to the failure points. And these wraps absorb moisture in damp weather to work much of the rest of the paint off around the original failure points. Especially the lower portions under the car. I love the stuff and use it almost everywhere.. even on my snowmobiles.. but it's a PITA to make it live out in the elements without spending the extra time and cash to do it. They supposedly have the newer versions made of lava rock that improve on this shortcoming and I plan on using it when I reuse my old Hookers on this Comet. But due to being dupped far too many times by advertising ploys.. I'll still seal them up inside and out though.
I have a couple of silicone cans on the shelf for it. This car lives indoors and I only need it to last till I leave this (and everything else) to someone else who will most likely just sell it for whatever they can get.. If I am lucky I will have enjoyed it and sold it to prepurchase a really nice pine box .
I wonder if anyone has installed these successfully clearing the pit-man arm.I thought these would fit better than any other headers since they are specially designed for the maverick, but apparently not.
have you contacted thorley yet? i would be having a very serious conversation with them on how their direct fit headers come no where close to leaving any room for the stock steering to operate. you should see if you can find an e-mail address and email the pics of the problem areas to them then call them and tell them you have emailed the pics. be ready to send them again to the person you get on the phone if they give you another email addy.
It was Jamie who did the R&D for these. After seeing your post and knowing I will soon be installing also, yesterday, I called his number (951) 371-1744 ex 257. Mailbox was full so I could not leave a message. Got busy today and did not call back. Please let us know if you reach him. Micah
According to post #163 http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=24841&page=7 he says it will not work with a manual trans. Not that that is what we are looking at here in this thread..
I have these on my car, I have power steering....and I gave you a solution. I think part of your problem is that aftermarket bellhousing as well.
I called twice today and he didn't answer. His mailbox is still full so I sent Doug Thorley support an email with the pictures.Ill let you guys know once I hear from them.
Mine go back at a different angle, and didn't use the supplied collectors, we also used a short section of 2" pipe, to gain some clearance. I've been using those headers for over 5 years now, with no issues.
Hey gang, It's Jamie from thorley. It's great to see the site doing well and seeing all the same familiar faces again. Valente, I received your email this morning but since I was a previous member here, I think it's best to address this problem here on the message board. The headers were in fact developed specifically for the Maverick/Comet. They fit a T5 just fine but not a 4 speed. The reducers are a little long but they are made to be cut down. Perhaps in the future, I will consider just supplying a shorter one since the flare portion is all you really need anyways. In all honesty, the tight clearance between the pitman and the header was a slight oversight on my part but since we've installed and sold 100's of these, I felt it was easily overcome with a visit to a capable muffler shop. I think the SFI bellhousing does compound the problem as Craig mentioned though. Maybe you could possibly pay visit to another shop to get a second opinion? If that doesn't pan out, you may also give us a call and we'll work towards another solution. My voicemail will be cleared out when you do. I don't spend a lot of time at my desk but if you wish to speak with me directly, just ask Troy or Mike to drag me out of the shop for you.
Jamie, Thanks for taking the time to post a response. I'm going to be running an AOD. Any issues you are aware of? Thanks, Micah