Technical Steering box options.

I was hoping to use block huggers headers on my 40 Foad coupe with a SBC on a stock frame but they don't clear the stock steering box, are there any options that will give me more clearance? Thanks

 

I would guess that a 1940 Ford is fairly similar to my 1946 Ford, so what I used was a header made by Sanderson Headers Model # CC-4. The drivers side exits forward of the steering box and you will need to fabricate your exhaust to go around the steering box. I use a Saginaw 605 box so it took a considerable amount of TIG welding to snake around the box. Sanderson advertises it for '35 to '40 Fords.

 

Not headers but on my 40 with stock steering and later with a 525 box we used a 69-70 Chevy pickup right hand manifold that points back but when put on the left side it points forward and allows the pipe to be routed forward, down and around the box with no problems.

 

Thanks, what is a 605 and 525 box? Is that used for better steering ratio?

 

605 is a late GM power box and the 525 is a late GM manual box. 605 is a little large for s 40 IMO.

 

If you change steering boxes, the replacement bracket (L) tucks the box further out as oppused to the adapter(R)

 

Block hugger headers don't work well on 40's. We used to make an exhaust system for 35-40 Fords with SBC and we did have one for the block huggers but, as Gary stated, the GM pickup passenger side manifold works quite well, that's what is on my avatar.

 

A stock 265 Chevy exhaust manifold will clear perfectly.