e30 318 Header Install Problems

["J. Tichy" <jtichy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have just recently installed a header on my 1984 318 and was needless to
say a very taxing venture.  With the removal of the old manifold, the unit
at first did not fit, so after much trial and tribulation, I removed my
swaybar to make room.  This luckily worked.  However, after welding the
unit and torquing the bolts, I reinstalled my swaybar and the header now
rests a little less than 1/4 of an inch from the bar.  The shop guy said
that this would be trouble down the road; " the header may crack" and
"vibration or nocking will be heard when shifting."  Fortunately, after
firing the car up and driving home, I learned that no nock is heard when
shifting[even at redline], however, at certain engine resonance or RPM it
will rattle and vibrate against the sway bar.  Has anyone experienced this
and might possibly have a sollution?  Would placing shims under the sway
bar bushing help and not affect their purpose?  I would appreciate some
feedback because this happening really sucks.  I replaced the manifold
because it had a leak and rattled, now I have possibly a more serious
problem.  The one valuable lesson I did learn though, is "welcome to the
world of aftermarket parts...they don't always fit:("
JOBE  

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	Jobe Tichy			jtichy@domain.elided
	University of Washington	hm # (206) 528-1303
					pgr# (206) 699-5499
	1984 BMW E30 318i:
	*K&N Replacement	*Boge Turbogas Struts
	*Koni Rear Shocks	*ANSA Freeflow Silencer
	*A&R MSDS Header	*Suspension Techniques Springs
	*///M3 Sways		*Helluva lot of FUN 	
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

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