Thanks for the good responses. I am familiar with moving the steering box outboard of the frame - the 50 Pickup I bought in 99 had a SBC in it when I got it. The box was moved approx 1-1/2" and the hole for the column enlarged just a little. A person wouldn't notice unless he knew what to look for. That engine had 305 or 307 manifolds, I think. The driver side exited at the rear at about a 45 angle, as best as I recall. The other side exited more or less straight down forward of the # 8 port, again as best as I recall.
Deve's Tech Net has a scan of a 1977 Street Rodder magazine article entitled
V-8 Juice For Your Stovebolt that describes moving the steering box. It also shows and describes a 307 “smog header” with indentation on drivers side. I really think that’s what my had as I remember the indentation.*
I have attached pictures of the engine in my 50 Pickup (sorry does not show the exhaust very well), and of a dirty/rusty SBC in another A D truck with rams horn manifolds (thanks 2-Ton). The steering box in that truck
may have been moved, it's hard to tell.
I know some vehicles had the engine/drivetrain moved off center from the factory - many 60s-70s Mopars, for example. Also 88-99 GMT400 trucks had the engine towards the curb side.
It's just a thought. Making off center engine and trans mounts, etc. may not be easier/cheaper than relocating the steering.
Again thanks!
