401 in a 1956 Buick

I am in the process of fitting a 401 Nailhead into a 1956 Buick Century. The motor is now sitting loosely in the engine bay and it looks like I am going to have clearance issues with the drivers side exhaust manifold and the steering gear. I know this engine swap has been done before. How has this been dealt with in the past? My exhause manifold is off a 1963. Will another year work better? Has anybody had any success with headers?
Thanks for the help.

 

You need to talk to 56buickboy on here. He's doing the same and think..?? he's got it sorted.

 

I think you need 2 passangers side exhaust manifolds

 

Another option from http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=232989 is mill some thickness off the head mounting surface of the exhaust manifold, and / or mounting surface of the steering box to the chassis, 1/8 from each will give you an extra 1/4 inch which may be enough.

Offset the engine slightly to the passenger side, or use a 364 manifold from a 57 or 58 (apparently single and dual exhausts differ) not sure what you need.

Ross

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=232463

some more useful info here

 

So 56Buickboy, what did you end up doing?
I need to get back to the shop and see how close it will be when everything is bolted up. It looks like milling a little off the exhaust flanges might help, 1/8" or so.

Steve

 

Steve

Im still in the mock up stage as well, and have to wait until I get my delphi steering box ( which I think may be slighty wider than the original) before I make a final decision and work out what needs modifying or moving.

I am using 65 / 66 401/425 manifolds for trial fit and a combination of 322 and 425 engine mounts. I am thinking of using a Ford type mount set up which I think will last longer with a bolt through it rather than the vulcanised original type.

Ross