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I need advice on the best solution for my exhaust clearance issue.
I tried a search with no luck.
I've installed a small block and have kept the original straight axle. I have the y type 327 manifolds, so the left side doesn't clear the steering box. Has anyone found some headers that may possibly work?
Thanks.

Ram's Horns, will do with some pipe-bending.

All the best from Belgium

Jan

if you mean the center dump rams horns, might look for some later ones that have an end dump on the drivers side, not sure when they started, check the wrecking yards

Bill

A lot of folks w/stock steering box use a 1/2-3/4 spacer between the box && frame to move it out a bit...Joe

I've added pics to my webshots. The last 5 pics in the old trucks of NM folder are of the clearance problem.
I don't think that a rear dump will work due to the steering column.
Thanks.

right - forgot about how narrow the deco series is ... if you look in the yards, you might find something that'll work, the rear dumps are angled to the rear, and there's also some that have the dump more forward - also check pass side ones for different configurations that might suit use on the driver side

Bill

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/3823,47_SandB-Chevy-Cast-Iron-Tru-Ram-Exhaust-Manifolds.html?itemNo=ram's%20horn

All the Best

Jan

How about these?
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/3821,415_Small-Block-Chevy-1935-1948-Fender-Well-Headers.html

I have run into this on two vehicles.On my 55 I had to use the blockhugger headers to clear the steering column. On a 37 Chevy I used the S10 conversion headers,which are simalar to blockhuggers ,but exit at the rear. There are several brands of blockhuggers,and I am pretty sure that Headman makes the S10 conversion headers.They are made for installing a smallblock V/8 in an S10 Chevy pickup.Check your local speed shop.

Thanks longbox55, the fenderwell headers will work perfectly!

How about Sanderson QP1000 iron header/manifolds? They're about the tightest thing out there.

I used early 265 manifolds when I put my 283 in the 46. Left side dumped in front.

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2979002480033133681ecwGCk

Rick

sorry to barge in
hi foks similar question theres a ton of a.d truck with sbc motors but what headers/manifoilds do i use? was hooping for something that wont strangle the performance as im going for a cam/intake and alloy heads
my trucks a 49 1/2 with original steering/axle

Yes, please. I am in the same boat, with the a 49 1/2er myself. I've posts about what guys thought might work, but haven't seen a clear answer.

If you remove the stock steering box, which causes most of the problems, there are a number of solutions. If you leave your stock steering box out there, you can shim it out a bit, up to about 2.5" away from the exhaust ports of a small block Chevy, and also replace the 3 thick-headed bolts for a little additional clearance, but that still doesn't give you a lot of options.

Sanderson QP1000 cast steel headers are the tightest bend radius out of the heads that you can get, and although they probably don't flow as well as long-tube headers. They will flow a lot better than stock iron manifolds. The other option that seems to work with the stock steering box shimmed over are Corvette-type ramshorn manifolds. Those stick out a couple of inches but are supposed to clear.

There is one other cast iron header that is supposed to flow quite well, and that's the Tru-Ram headers from Speedway motors. However, they stick out 3.25" from the heads, which still won't clear a shimmed-over OEM steering box. And if you're gonna remove the steering box to use something else, then you have room for some types of tube headers.

The engine sits very low in the engine bay when you convert to a V8. So low that the frame rails just about come up to the bottom of the exhaust ports. However, there are some headers made for fat-fendered hotrods that have the primary tubes come straight out to clear the framerails and then use the front fenders for additional clearance. If you were to remove the steering box, those become an option.

I have heard of some people modifying tubular headers to clear the stock steering box, and I was initially going to do that too, but then they weren't deep enough to clear the transmission crossmember. So in my case, I think I will go with the Sanderson cast headers, deal with slightly less than ideal flow, but still have decent flow. I'll see how it feels and report back on it this summer.

Patriot makes a set of very narrow, full length headers. I don't recall the pn, bu tthey are for small blocks in early fords, like in a model A, for instance. I'm using a MII in my 37, but these 1 5/8 headers have given me loads of clearance.

Pat

I'm making my own.....again....!@#$@#%@#$.....

I used two driver side ones from a 77 chevelle. They dump like the 265 ,drivers at the back and pass in front. They are not as restrictive as the 265 ones either I believe. Plus ,I moved the stock box out 1 1/3", it clears both the frame and the inner fender well.
Lothar

Make that 1 3/4" ,my bad, whoo who!!!!!
Lothar

Patm is right, Patriot makes a set of headers that just about run parallel to the exhaust ports and are the closest I've ever seen to the heads. I believe they call them "replacement exhaust manifolds" and not headers, the collector comes straight out the back with about a 30 degree angle downwards.Even though they are a header they look more like an exhaust manifold. Only setback is there very very expensive. Good luck. BobT

Yeah, the patriot headers will probably work for the A.D. trucks,
but the Deco's are alot narrower(if that's even a word)there is NO room between the block and steering box.
The only options I could find; were to move the steering box back, dump the exhaust in front or use fenderwell headers.
For me, considering the money and labor I'll save, the fenderwell headers are the best option.

The exhaust manifolds in my 81 Camino are also similar to the 265,remember tho you need 2 driver side ones.

If I were going to use exhaust manifolds, I'd use the Corvette Ramshorns, which are still available brand new from MidAmerica Designs for $119 apeice. They would flow better than conventional log manifolds.

How much different are they from the 57 chev pass car ones?
Lothar

I think the Vette ones were supposed to be made to flow better.

You can go to O'Rielly's and order 63 Corvette 2.5" ramhorn center dump. Dorman makes them. They are cheaper on line. I ordered mine online for $63 each delivered.