I did the V6 to V8 swap in 2018 and are still using the mounts that came on the 2005 salvage motor. This is my 2nd set of SE headers and both fit exactly the same with no issues. First set was 1-3/4 and when I went with aftermarket heads I upped to the 1-7/8 primaries. I did have to remove both heat shields from the bottom of the firewall for clearance.

 

A motor is a huge purchase. As you said, Customer service is customer service... Most of those that can afford to purchase a motor can barely only afford to do it once. Always do as much research as possible when making a decision like that.

That being said. I have some of the worst luck when it comes to paying others to do things for me... I did purchase it a stock-ish short block from SDPC and it seems to be ok for what it is. I have never run it though... That's a whole other issue. The motor is completed but waiting to be Dyno'd. Of course the cost of engine exceeds the cost of the truck and is too much$$$ for a truck that sits on the street. Although it should break some hearts...

Just last week I went to install piston rings and hang the pistons in there bore when I discovered the Oil rings were not correct... It appears they put smaller rings in the 4.030 box. So the gap was around .058 when it should not exceed .030...

 

I spent ~3700 with TSP for a 408 bottom end kit and the reluctor wheel is wrong

Nothing is perfect, but the way they handled it realllllly bugged me. Plus their shipping charges are just straight up dumb. $32 to ship pushrods? lol

 

The SE headers I had zero issues with the O2 sensor placement, the passenger side is kind of close to the frame rail but nothing wild. I will have to massage one of the primaries though since it touches the frame. I did replace my motor mounts and that did not fix my issue either.

 

Can you post pics of the O2 sensor placement on those? I'm curious as to how they changed them around.

 

I think they are the same as what you were talking about but I don't remember them being irritating. Let me take a picture

 

My passenger side picture is too big apparently but here is the driver side

 

That crap is unacceptable imo. Thanks for that.

Glad you were paying attention! I think this and Bricks post makes my decision a no for either one. Any word on Strictly Performance Motorsports in Kalamazoo MI or even Golen? Thompson Motorsports? Hate not to do business in Tx. Sorry OP just trying to spread some Vendor knowledge sir.

 

I found out about it after the motor was in the car lmao. I'll be fixing it in June. Finally

 

Now if mine had that kind of clearance, then I wouldn't be in this situation at all. That's a **** sight better than mine is.