When notching the shock towers for a 426/460, you're cutting out the thick support brace, anyone have problems without this brace and then the added weight?

I don't want your opinion on the BB swap itself,...only the removal of the brace,..

 

You do know you don't have to cut the towers right?

 

From what I've read, it will squeeze in, but those notchers have enjoyed the extra "plug" room.

 

Yeah, well, it fits better than the 428, and you don't see people notching their GT500 Shelbys. Get a proper socket wrench set, and butchering the towers is not required.

 

Yeah both big blocks bolt right in 67-73 with no cutting.Spark plugs on them ain't bad with the right tools.

 

This was my 67 with a 460 when I bought it.





It sure was a pain to change the plugs. I plan to notch my towers even with a 351w lol.
Bill

 

I will kindly add this...
You don't have to notch them but it's not a "bad" idea either to take a 3/4" bit or hole saw and drill a hole or two on either side so you can insert a plug socket on a wobble extension or universal joint with long extension so you can make plug changes a breeze.
I always thought notching them was a bunch of crap unless some way the headers got in the way. Even then some holes work.
You can put some rubber hole plugs in them to seal the apron and keep crap from splashing in there too.

 

This proves my point. The stock 390 had less clearance than this. The entire shock tower is structural. Leave it alone.

 

Yup..Especially one with smog tubes and power brakes!

 

My son will be notching the shock towers on his 64 Falcon to clear his HIPPO manifolds later this week.

The notching will be nominal, and he will weld in some inverted exhaust tube pieces back into the holes.

If he does a nice job, I will post up some pictures.