Falling into place

I chopped out more tunnel.  The engine came up another inch.  The original headers now clear everything.  There will be a lot less trouble dealing with bump steer and the ground clearance is now over 5 inches.  Both the suspension frame bits and the engine frame bits will be lighter, stiffer and stronger.  I'm glad I saw this problem through before moving on.  I feel confident now that I haven't left harder problems for later that could set me back.


was:

is:

I was worried about loosing the tunnel structure a while back.  Especially since it seems to have stiffening sections on the top of it.  I want to point out the two huge oval holes through the fire wall next to the tunnel (steering column and heater core).  Also note that they have no doublers.  Sort of adds to my suspicion that this is ok to do.

Flanges clear!  

I know it's rookie to buy and return two sets of headers and go out daily to chop a little more and a little more of the tunnel.  I am a little afraid to look back and see when I started this step of the build.  I am learning a lot as I go through this, and I am trying to pass on what I learn, especially if it is stuff that I don't find from reading other build threads, books, or forums.  

I want to pause and mention that I am grateful for the ideas, guidance, tools, and help that so many of you have offered up.