The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Under cab power brakes with bbc and headers,,, is there a temp problem?

building a 1957 chevy 3100, installing a 468ci bbc with enderlin mechanical injection set up and headers. plan on installing a power brake booster/duel master cylinder under the cab,,,, will this cause a heating issue, like boiling the brake fluid after a long drive,,, what do u all think, rather not put it on the dash for appearence purposes,
thanks

My fifty-six is a 6100 big bolt but I believe it all fits pretty much the same. My headers are long tubes that are really designed for 67 to 72 big block pick-up wit a 4spd. My steering box has been moved or the headers I chose would not fit anyway they don't reach the as fare as the master cylinder and booster.
Here are some pictures of what I have so far.

The brake unit I am using
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2701798080096773078qEsBli

The 496 stroker being mocked in place and the new steering box
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2116948240096773078UOFriQ

One from the top front
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2008997720096773078MfaEcw

Ok I don't have one that show the header brake unit clearance but my headers terminate at the bell housing cross member.
There are many pictures in my webshots of this project feel free to cruse through them hope they are of some help to you.

It gets fairly tight in that location depending on the transmission and the size of the pipes. You may wish to consider a heat shield or insulation on the pipe near the brake unit.
Fred

I have been running a big block in my 55 since 1970, I don't have a power brake setup but have never had a problem with the manual brakes in all that time. The truck carried an 8 ft camper in the hot Texas summers for 3 yrs with no trouble.
I am using the Chevelle headers, and have modified the pipes on the 2 back cyls to clear the stock steering box. With the truck headers, which I have also used,
I didn't want to make any mods to the frame because the truck is a Cameo and not very common.
You would have even more separation between the booster and the pipes because the truck pipes drop lower than the car headers.
I am planning to put my power brake system in the underfloor location when I change back to a 2wd from its present 4wd setup.
Bob

hey there big block cameo do you have any pics you could send me showing the headers and engine in the truck? i plan on building a 496 stroker for my 1956 3100.what year chevelle headers did you use?thanks

Hey BigBlockCameo what did you do with the 4wd set up? Was it the original factory NAPCO (NAPCO is stamped on the front axle tube)?

Sorry Guys, I've been away from the site for medical reasons and didn't see the questions.
I have been using these headers so long that I can't be positive about the year. I am reasonably certain that they are from a 67, but because I have the stock steering box, I had to cut the back two pipes on the left side and weld them in a little tighter to clear the steering box. The modification shouldn't make any difference as to whether you are using the front or the more modern side engine mounts.
I have used both truck and the car headers on the truck because I put the engine in in 1970, and have worn out a few sets.
The headers have tons of room, you can slip both sides in without moving or disconnecting anything. ( my engine has the front mounts)
It isn't possible to get you a good picture right now because I am in the middle of trying to get a garage built and have some serious health issues.
I'll get a pm to you when I can move the truck. When are you starting the swap?
Bob

I used the front and rear diffs and 203 transfer case from a 1976 Blazer. It is a long time ago, but the swap just took time to piddle around with little stuff. I used a different pitman arm, but I can't remember what truck I removed it from.
The biggest part of the job was welding the spring pads and narrowing the distance on the diffs slightly to match the 55 springs on the stock frame. I also had to find a pair of 4" lowering blocks to raise the rear of the truck to be level with the front, because the diffs mount below the springs.
I have a Corvette power steering unit ready to install when I can get back to working on the truck
I am going to reconvert it back to a 2wd, but I have to get this garage finished and take care of some other critical priorities first.
Bob

hi bob gonna do swap sometime this spring whenever you get a chance to get a couple pics will be great.

OK, as soon as I can get a reasonably bright day. The truck is outside and its rainy.

From my experience,that should not create a heat problem.However if it does a simple heat shield would take care of it.

Big Block, I hope things are getting better for you. Take care of your health!
Wizard 50.

Thanks wizard50, I am a 20 year cancer survivor, but I am not in remission. I am in a constant battle with the side effects of the drugs used to control my condition and the problems caused by the disease itself.
I am going through a whole new round of tests to see if there is anything the doctors can do to improve things a little.
I am not planning on quitting anytime soon.
Best wishes for the new year.

Bob,
I would respectfully like to be copied on those pictures too. I just installed an L98 350 in my truck and clearance issues with the stock steering box is ridiculous. I'm ready to break down and buy the Sanderson iron header/manifolds (QP1000).

I won't be working on finishing my truck until at least springtime either, having just had open heart surgery. So I sympathize with your health issues and wish you well.
Tony

Tony,
I am marking the thread and will get the pictures for you as well. Happy new year.
Bob