The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun 1953 chevy 3800 stock steering gearbox & V8

hi everyone, i was wondering if anybody has put a V8 into a 1947-53 chevy 3800(or any pickup) that has used stock suspension and steering. i need to find headers that will clear the steering gearbox, or something. i have heard of moving it out, but i am worried it will not set right in the cab. any help/solutions would be greatly appreciated.
thanks in advance
-kale

has anybody done this?

You can always find header kits ie a weld it your self deal.

yes I have in my 52 one ton. I set the engine 1 1/2 inches off center. and used the stock type exhaust manifolds that go out the back not down the side.( note: it's a ford small block) napa also sells them for chevy(search and you will find different configurations) as I have built many trucks and cars and prefer the snugness of the manifold as opposed to headers. I don't build for maximum power though.

my 2 cents

daren

From what I've heard, the ram-horn style manifolds work well.

Try this site:

http://www.stevensparts.com/CHEV%20EXHAUST%20MANIFOLDS.htm#283-307-327-350

I helped a neighbor put a V8 in his '49, even using Rams Horn manifolds (originals, not repops), we ended up moving the steering box over about 2" to get it to clear.. We did use the stock trans and rearend at first, swapped the rearend for 3.55 Dana 60 from a Dodge van later.

I have a 1941 1 ton with a SB350. I used a set of hugger headers to clear the frame rails.

Be prepared to use a Delco heavy duty heat proof starter and insulate it or mount the starter solenoid on the firewall away from the heat.

ok, i will try some of these thanks guys that was helpful
kale

I installed a 350 in my 1950 1 ton. I kept the SM-420 trans. I moved the transmission and engine forward 1 inch to gain additional clearance for the distributor. I moved the steering box over 2 inches on the frame. I built a “subframe” out of angle iron to mount the box on and I had to heat and bend the Pitman arm back to avoid hitting the tire. I also kept the attach point the same under the dash. This required me to move the hole in the dash over about an inch. I cut around the hole, welded it back in and it looks stock. You really cannot tell it was moved. One benefit in moving the steering column this way is that the steering wheel moves away from the window a little bit and makes it less likely that you will hit your elbow on the window. Like I said, the column does not look out of place and works fine.

I installed a 350 in my 1950 1 ton. I kept the SM-420 transmission. I moved the transmission and engine forward 1 inch to gain additional clearance for the distributor. I moved the steering box over 2 inches on the frame. I built a “subframe” out of angle iron to mount the box on and I had to heat and bend the Pitman arm back to avoid hitting the tire. I also kept the attach point the same under the dash. This required me to move the hole in the dash over about an inch. I cut around the hole, welded it back in and it looks stock. You really cannot tell it was moved. One benefit in moving the steering column this way is that the steering wheel moves away from the window a little bit and makes it less likely that you will hit your elbow on the window. Like I said, the column does not look out of place and works fine.

I don't know why my replies are blank. One more time.
I installed a 350 in my 1950 1 ton. I kept the SM-420 transmission. I moved the transmission and engine forward 1 inch to gain additional clearance for the distributor. I moved the steering box over 2 inches on the frame. I built a “subframe” out of angle iron to mount the box on and I had to heat and bend the Pitman arm back to avoid hitting the tire. I also kept the attach point the same under the dash. This required me to move the hole in the dash over about an inch. I cut around the hole, welded it back in and it looks stock. You really cannot tell it was moved. One benefit in moving the steering column this way is that the steering wheel moves away from the window a little bit and makes it less likely that you will hit your elbow on the window. Like I said, the column does not look out of place and works fine.

I helped put a SBC and a turbo 350 in a 51 truck. Just offset the front and back of the engine trans combo a little over an inch and a quarter to the passenger side. Used the late style back dump ex. manifold.We didnt move anything. No problems thus far. Is driven daily.
LMD