Hey guys. I just purchased a 1994 ranger with a 5.0. 5 speed transmission from a 70s mustang. I'm putting a new starter in and the new and old starter were hitting the header. I can't fiqure out how to get the starter in with the header right there. Any held will be appreciated. 302 5.0. The headers also hit the frame. Could I possibly trim the frame about 1/2"?

 

Yes, you can trim the frame 1/2"

Starter motor touching the header is not good, heat transfer would be high.

Not sure what it looks like but would using a double or even triple header gasket move it far enough away?
In any case you probably will need to loosen or unbolt the header on that side to get new starter in.

 

You can either "gently massage" the headers where they need to be or notch the frame. The starter is in a bad spot like the op said. It will catch tons of heat soak and not last long. You can snag a spacer to get the header out more away from the starter. but this will prob require a bigger frame notch and if you cut the hole top web out it comprises strength in one of the heaviest parts of it as a whole. The best option would to buy a starter with the adjustable block. Powermaster makes one and so does Proform if memory serves me right. The Proform unit is much cheaper. Another option is to mark the header in a circle where the starter is touching, take it out then heat it and make a small indention in it. You must have finesse here as a large dent will close off the passage and its a lot harder to pull a dent then make one. the last option is to get some swap headers made for this setup.