I've just got myself a nice 49 Chevy 1/2 ton truck unfinished project. It has a 350 smallblock sat in it but there is no room for headers with the standard steering box. I've seen a post about moving the steering box outward about 1 1/2". Would top column mount stay where it is then? Also would it have any effect on the steering/handling of the truck? Any other ways round this problem, i.e. different style headers? I want to keep the standard front end. Tanks for any info or pictures. , Ron.
If the engine is centered, it could be moved to the p*** side a little. Headers and stock steering in those trucks, don't get along well. The 55-56 manifolds would probably help a lot, although the ports are really small. the ram's horn manifolds would be worth trying, too. Search more, you should able to find several discussions about this on the internet.
Ram Horns from some C10 pickups angle down and to the rear and usually clear the steering. A lot depends on the way the engine was mounted. If the mounts were home fabricated without any of the manifolds or accessories on the block then you might have problems. Some mid 60s big cars also had the rear angled manifolds. The second engine swap you do teaches you to have everything in place when you drop the mock up into the engine compartment. My old mentor said "do it right and do it once".
Way back when I was a young Man I did this swap. I remember it being a little challange but I know I didn't move the steering. I probably used early 283 right side on the left. I know I wasn't up to building Headers yet. You have space, you just haven't found what's going to fit in it yet. The Wizzard
the gist of that is....before you make the motor mounts, put EVERYTHING on the engine, including the exhaust, fan, etc. And have everything in place in the vehicle, including the radiator and steering.
Thanks for your input but I must stress that I bought it as an unfinished project and that the engine was mounted beforehand. It is now my task to find room or the right headers. I'll probably go the ramhorn route, if I can get hold of a pair. The engine has been mounted on flathead style mounts so I can gain 1/2" or so that way. Cheers, Ron.
Yes. Also most aren't aware that a motor does Not have to be dead on center of Ch***is. Only square to centerline. An inch or 2 to one side is often necessary to make life a bit easier. The Wizzard
Yup, I have a similar situation with my 350 in my 1919 Dort........... The worst of it all is not having good measurements from all the different headers out there and I can't afford to buy sets that end up not fitting. Already bought a set of hugger center dumps that won't work due to hitting the vega box..... The suggestion of early 265/283 stock manifolds (which I have a set of) is a good one. Also the reversing them idea can work. Yes, the smaller opening makes for less power I guess but that is not an issue for this build. This is where I am currently. Using the right side manifold from a 265, I think if I can get the bend right from the end of the exhaust opening to exit back and to the right of the steering arm....I'm in! And good idea to have everything in place b4 finalizing your choice. This a very common issue for Hot Rod builds, isn't it! Good luck with finding something, and it is out there, that works for you.
I fully understand that. I must stress that you can easily change the mounts, to put the engine where it needs to be. I've done the very same thing to the very same type of truck, although it was over 20 years ago so I don't remember all the details. I'm not a fan of the flathead type mounts in a chevy, either...they don't seem to be very well engineered. A tubular crossmember and Chevy type motor mounts seems to be a better design.
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