Hedman Elites and TDK frame fitment question.

Has anyone used a set of Hedman Elite headers in a TDK frame? It is a CJ5 frame from TDK. Discovered my headers have pin holes in them at the collector. In between the pipes, so welding is probably not worth the effort. Have a TDK frame and will be installing my 360 back in. I know the fit was tight with the stock frame and Hedmans regular CJ headers. I believe the TDK frame is a little narrower due to the thickness of the frame walls. I am under this impression because the bar that goes from rail to rail under the motor for a 6 will not fit between the rails anymore. This bar was present in the stock frame, but will not fit now. No posts about factory manifolds please. I have a fairly new dual out the back exhaust and am not looking to spring for another one. Thanks.

 

My TDK frame for my CJ7 was right on.

 

Offgrid, are you running Hedman Elites? If so how did they fit? I like the frame, its definitely sturdy enough. There were some issues though. The skid plate mount from them did need to have some of the holes elongated to fit. I am pretty sure the distance between the factory rails and the TDK rails is a little off. I had the frame brace for the 6 cylinder on my old frame and it will not fit between the rails on the TDK frame. Its not much maybe an 1/8th inch? I just know my normal old Hedmans were a tight fit and the Elites are a heavier material with thicker flanges. Curious if the flange pushes the pipes out a little.

 

My header fits with plenty of room but I have the 258. You did say that you were installing a 360, and I think for you everything is going to be tight. I will say that everything bolted up perfectly. I used my old belly pan with no problems. I don't know if this will help you but when I install my belly pan I attach to th Tcase/tranny first and loosely. Then loosely insert the frame bolts sometimes having to push the tranny left or right. Once all bolts are in I tighten everything up. Good luck.

 

I used to do that with my old frame and skid plate. With the TDK frame sitting upside down, installing the TDK skid plate, I could get 4 bolts in and the other 2 had to be elongated to fit. You would think since they make both, the bolt holes would at least line up.

 

I agree. The owners name is Jeremy. His email address is jeremy@throttledownkustoms.com
His shop number is 406-374-2285

I would give him a call, and let him know. At least email him so they can double check their Jigs and/or give corrective instruction to the person who welded it up.

I myself have been thoroughly impressed with their frame and was surprised to here that Tony Pelligrino, the owner of Genright, uses TDK frames in his custom builds.

 

Well I bought this frame 3 years ago, might have even been 4. Just now getting around to doing the swap. Doing a lot of work to it to get it running again. Cougar fan swap, Junkyard TBI, headlight relay. Put a True Trac in the rear. Its slow going because every time I do something, in the middle of it, I see a better way to make it work or a way I like better than my original plan.

 

If you haven't already purchased the TBI I would look into FiTech Efi kits. Their new set up is pretty amazing. The computer is built into the TB eliminating a ton of wiring. There is still some to the sensors and 12+ power. They are who I will use next over Howell TBI.

 

I already have the TBI. Harness is made, pieces bought, burner bought, just a matter of time.