The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop install of a 283

I am looking into dropping a early 60's 283 sbc into my truck and was wondering if anyone has had clearance issues with the stock steering box with exhaust manifold. I am thinking about using block hugger headers but most of the V8 conversions I have seen have been updated with a mustang 2 set-up. Plus I am sure that engine mounts for a 350 will work with this. Anyone have any input I might need to know?

Regardless of which smallblock you use, there will be clearance issues with the steering box. Some do the clip swap, be it M2, Camaro/Nova subframe, or late model pickup. Others simply move the steering box over using a spacer (not reccomended). I have heard that doing the power steering conversion with the Toyota pickup style steering box helps, not real sure about that, as I've never seen one in person. I did see where a guy used a steering box out of a '59 1 ton in an AD chassis, and it seemed to ok. I don't have nay pix of that setup, though.

I think the CPP power steering kit which uses a 70's Chevy pickup power steering box is another good way to get the steering out of the way.

And yes the steering is in the way.

I'm with you OldSub. I plan just that. I will probably order my steering gearbox tomorrow from Advance Auto since I get a decent discount there. I'll also buy the "kit" from CPP....then I'm gonna just go ahead and buy a new pump and hoses. A local guy I know has this set up and it really works nice. Also only requires a SMALL cutout in the inner fender.
Lots of ways to do it but be sure to do it the SAFE way.

Bolted54: you may want to read about this so look here.

http://www.classicperform.com/tech_articles/Power-Steering-Trucks/Power-Steering-Trucks.htm

It is a good article. I also plan to use a 68 steering column to have turn signals and yet have the switch in the dash like original. Hope this helps.

EDIT: if yo want to see the front motor mounts I used on my 52 Panel go to my photobucket under my signature and you can see some pics of it.

That was a good article but they made it seem like they did it for easier steering. The pic looks like it has a sbc in it already. I can deal with the rough steering but after a full tear down and re-build I am weary of tearing it down again. If I can get by without the mod then i will go that route and if not then I guess I will have a spare motor for a future project. I am not being lazy i just spent a year doing a ground up and am ready to start driving

Ive never done it but I understand if you use the right ex. manifold from a 55-56 car it will clear.

I just converted my 62 Chevy PU. to power steering. I picked up a kit from Early Classics Enterprises in Fresno Ca. It came with every thing you need to convert to power and you can even get the quick Ratio if you want. At the same time I converted my front end to Disc Brakes and you have a choise of what type of rotors and height of spindles you want. With the ECE. kit every thing is GM. Truck not Auto like some places use. On my 62 the gear box sits out side the frame so that is not the problem and you could put Shorty Block Headers on the engine but I went with Corvett 21/2" GM. Rams Horn center dumps with lots of room. If you buy 2 Left sides they are cheaper than a right and left and all you have to do is cut off the Gen Bracket and grind down where you cut or order 2 rights already done for some extra cash outlay.

62Blue
Don