The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Exhaust won’t clear steering box 1953 GMC - 350cui

I have a 53 GMC half ton pickup. I am putting in a 350 engine. The problem I am having involves clearance of the exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold will not clear the steering box. I have tried a manifold from an 82 Chevy Van and a set of the old Ram Horns - I still need about an inch and a half.

Anyone have any suggestions?

I have heard a Camaro manifold will work - has anyone tried this?

It may be more than a exhaust manifold needed. Remove the exhaust manifold and see if the steering will hook up. If it will then you can determine if a different manifold will answer your question or if you need to modify the steering. My guess is the latter.

This is a well documented challenge in these swaps. My preferred solution is a power steering conversion. Others have moved the stock steering box outboard.

If you do a search, you'll find this is the #1 problem with this swap. The search will also provide possible solutions. I've seen where they move the steering box out, and also moving the engine over? The search will also suggest different manifolds that give you a little more room. In the end its still a PITA getting to that spark plug!

Wow - Thanks to everyone for the help. I am new to this form - well the fact is to ANY form. I will try the search thing - figures I would have the number one problem - the story of my life - lol

Thanks again and any other suggestions or help with the search would be greatly appreciated

Seems to me back in the 70's I had that problem with the 283 in a 57. The old stock manifolds off those were odd in that one had the pipe in the middle and the other off the back or front. I just used which ever cleared. but then that was 30 some years ago.

Seems to me back in the 70's I had that problem with the 283 in a 57. The old stock manifolds off those were odd in that one had the pipe in the middle and the other off the back or front. I just used which ever cleared. but then that was 30 some years ago. So maybe try a few different manifolds.

Yeah, you can use 55-56 265ci cast headers, usually found on ebay
Or send me a pm as a friend has some.
Jim

Now that you know what the #1 problem is, the #2 problem is cooling. V8's sit very low, almost below radiator center. So allow for engine location and maybe plan on electric fan. Stock radiator will work, but you may need to purchase the V8 application or larger cooling system depending on horse power and equipment.

Wow thanks everyone - You have renewed my faith in mankind - lol No really I just can believe all the help and ideas you guys are providing. Looks like we may be relocating a few things to get everything to fit - AND cool.

OK - Yakimabowtie - what is problem #3 - might as well get prepared that one too. Boy - this project sounded easy enough at the beginning as most of them do. Let's see if this phrase sounds familiar - "All we have to do is........"

Thanks everyone and keep those cards and letters coming - lol

Scott

I hope Yakima doesn't mind me answering that,
problem #3...$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Problem three is clutch linkage if going manual or bellhousing crossmember clearance if going automatic.

Scott, I'd like to jump in as I'm finishing up a V8 in my 52 Chev panel but I think you have enought to chew on for now. There is a #4.... and a #5... and and and....

Why not go ahead and put power steering on it. "all you have to do is" LOL Really, its not hard or else I could not have doen it!!!

I laughed as I read that and remembered one swap, not in an old truck, where I was firing up the torch every few minutes and saying 'we don't need that piece' in order to make room for the motor to fit.

Interestingly if I think back to all the swaps I've built, that was probably the second most successful as I drove the completed car (Vega GT with a 327) as my daily for quite a while and then sold it to someone else who rebuilt my trashed motor and then continued to drive the car.

You also need to convert to 12 voltd
s if you haven't already,
Scott

Thanks to you all. We did have to move the steering box - and so the project continues.

Hey Scott, we trade info for pics, so......pay up. We want to see!

Yeah Scott and anybody out there with pics on what to do with the steering problem.
Sorry to butt in Scott but I too am trying to install PS with the Toyota land cruzer suppose to fit in same location of original box .............lol NOT. It does need a special bracket but the what about the steering arm that hits the front tire?
Im in for the night ...What to do next?
Thanx

Whatever you do, don't get persuaded to go with various types of "block hugger" headers. While they might help solve the clearance problems, they dramatically increase under-hood temperature, and they're prone to warp and leak at the flanges- - - -noisy, and they burn up spark plug wires. Cast iron is the best way to go for exhaust manifolds!
Jerry

I have the "block huggers" they stick out further than the stock ramhorns and they RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR Hot! I bought a set of fiberglass boots for my plug wires, and still trying to figure how to install my steering box.

Mike

This site states that 67-69 Camaro headers will fit. I solved the steering box problem in the 52 I am building.
There are numerous kits for Mustang II front ends. I just bought one. Includes everything including complete disc brakes for $1520, free shipping

did you keep the original steering box do you have any pictures

Scott, another option is custom headers built to avoid rather than move the obstacles. If you have welding skills, building headers is very doable. It's time consuming to cut and trim all the pieces of tubing for a good fit before welding but well within the range of what an amateur can accomplish.

My Stoveolt is a restored '36 Chevy pickup but before I restored it 35 years ago I ran it as a rat rod with a SBC V-8 and truck Hydramatic trans. I made my own headers copying the Doug Thorley "Tri Y" design and then had them flame sprayed with aluminum for rust prevention.

Tight U-bends are available from many sources (muffler shops, Speedway Motors, etc) and they are easily trimmed with snips to get a perfect fit for welding. If you want to go really high class, the headers could be made with stainless steel tubing if you have access to tig welding.