The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop steering box move for SBC transplant 1954 3600

Hi,
I need help again. I know I need to move the steering box out to fit the manifold. My searches keep saying that the steering wheel will be angled. Am I supposed to shim the two bolts on the frame side and pivot on the top bolt? This gives the angle everyone refers to. Seems as though I would want to move the whole box and column outboard and carve a bit out of the firewall. Anyone have a good picture?

Most use a late model steering column and use a universal joint in the shaft. Are you using a stock column?

I am using the stock column. I'm trying to keep as much of the look as possible. The late model also looks like alot more money and work.

if your going SBC you may as well change it an be happy later down the road. Its not that expensive compared to most things. I put power steering on my panel. You can see pics in my photobucket. The only thing I "ordered" was the "kit" from Classic Parts. The rest I got from Advance Auto including a rebuilt saginaw steering box and used a 68 column.(free)

I may end up there down the road but I want to try the stock for now. Nice set of pictures though

Are you going for big horsepower? If not I ABSOLUTELY GAURANTEE that using a 1955 or 1956 left side manifold from a 265 V8 wil clear the steering box. The 265 exhaust manifolds are quite easily found at swap meets for around $25. They are a log type manifold that dump at the front and are good for around 250 hp with good free flowing dual exhaust. Above that amount they become restrictive but are fine for a regular street driver.

Thanks coilover. I've looked at those but for two reasons they don"t look like they will work. The outlet is in line with the mount and they don't have the bolt holes for the alternator mounts that the stock ones do. Am I missing something?

has anyone used the abspowerbrake kit? It says that it mounts in the same spot. does this free up any space?

I moved my steering box out about 2" to install a 327.
Cut a bigger hole in the fire wall. The steering wheel moved right shuch a small amount I don't notice it. I did it about 35 years ago & it still works fine.
Sorry no pictures.

If you need SB brackets that don't bolt to the manifolds, try Bills Hot Rod Accessories.

There are ears on the left manifold for the generator bracket which can be easily modified to take an alternator. I have not seen any that weren't drilled and tapped for the generator bracket but have been told they were made. I don't know where they mounted the generator other than on the left manifold. I have pictures of two 56's, one with just generator and the other with generator with the p/s pump on the rear, both mounted on the factory left manifold.

The manifolds with my engine have the holes drilled parrallel with the driveshaft. The pictures I have seen of the 50's manifolds show holes driled perpendicular. I am concerned with belt alignment and having to buy more pieces.

I found a 265 manifold and it is on the way. I have been looking into the saginaw power steering conversion. Classic performance says it does not work with a 3600. Do the other vendors with kits that look the same work?