The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop First timer with a question

I am from Salado, TX and currently working on a 1959 Chevy truck. I am keeping the stock front axle, which I have had lowered and all the stock suspension and steering box. My problem is trying to clear the steering box with the 454 I am putting in it. I have tried both headers and the stock manifold. How much clearance do I need and does anyone have any suggestions. I really don't want to go the power steering route. Thanks in advance.

You might need to relocate the steering box. Might be easier to replace the engine with something smaller or change your plans on front suspension. I'm sure someone will drop by with a more detailed suggestion for you. Good luck and welcome to the Bolt.

Years ago I put a BB in a 55.2 with stock steering. The engine was mounted using the stock front mounts and a truck bell housing on the stock rear crossmember. I ran headers. I think they were headmans for a Camero, but I could be wrong. I removed the two rear tubes at the steering box and refabed them to clear. There is not way to run stock manifolds with the stock steering, unless you move the box out from the engine.

Lonnie

Sound like you are building a real bomb.Sounds good. Just my opinion,but I would use an independent front suspension with power rack and pinion steering. I am running a 350 SB in my 55-2 and I used the blockhugger headers to clear things up. I dont know if they make blockhuggers for big blocks,but you might want to check that option out.Like I said the independant suspension is my choice,I am sure you will get many opinions against it here.

Hi Badfast, as Dale said thats quite a truck your nailin' together.
I don't know if this helps but I found these . They aint cheap though!
It might be worth giving them a holler.
Good Luck!
Jock.

Two words, Fenderwell Headers!

Something else to think about is the weight of the big block with manual steering. And now that you have lowered the truck, it maybe even harder to steer. You sure don't want to change to a small steering wheel!

I like the fender well header idea, that would sure be different. Joe

Just another question (sort of related). I don't know the dimensions of a small or big block, particularly the length. If you were to run an automatic transmission, could you scoot the engine ahead just far enough to clear the steering box? Scooting the engine ahead would also make distributor access much easier also.

I'll do a search on this and see what comes up.

Racecarl...Just a thought. With the weight of a big block,would this not have a detrimental effect on the handling?
I realise it will never drive like a slot car,but surely you want to keep all that weight low and back as far as possible?
Just my 0.02c
Jock.

Badfast! Look what you've started!

welcome to the bolt...

here is just what you need
enjoy

Seems to me a bigblock should be close to the same weight as an old stovebolt six,maybe a little heavier. I'm thinking it'd take some modifications but I remember seeing a gear-drive steering re-locator advertised in Rod-n-Custom recently. I'm looking for the ad now. Basically,you cut your steering column down at the firewall,you connect this box to the steering shaft,and it moves the end that goes to the steering box up,down,or to either side several inches for clearance.on the outside of the firewall you run a steering shaft to the steering box,connected with a couple of u-joints. That,combined with moving the steering box out a few inches should give you plenty of room for whatever exhaust you want to run.Another option might be the conversion to a Toyota steering box.There's kits for that one. Either way,you can run manual steering,one with the stock box,and the other with a newer box. I'm not sure but I think the Toyota box is a little quicker ratio. Lotsa options available to you.
Speed

I have used the Sanderson headers in a 49 car. They are worth the money. The flanges are thick. I have had no gasket problems in over 10 years and they fit perfect, clearing the stock steering box and everything else in the car with no modification. If they say it will fit, they mean it.