37 Ford build--IE: old Header issues thread /37 Ford/5.0/GT40P heads

[Don Shillady]

IC2, Just for discussion, was the steel pan snagged as a result of an obstacle like a speed bump? That might be why the bolt holes were enlarged. If so, the cast pan might crack insead of bending/denting? I only ask you that because I regret installing a 5" dropped front axle and am considering a major move to replace it with a 4" drop once I get the car running. I have one of those DeRalle steel pans with the spiral cooling tubes in it for some cooling but it is mighty low. At present the axle is the lowest part of the undercarriage but I would have to be going very slow to brake after hearing the axle scrape to save the trans pan. Fortunately most streets are very smooth but my driveway and mall parking lots are the most dangerous with humps/bumps. Your steel pan looks clean so what distorted the bolt holes?

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder