47-55.1 Steering Clearance issues

[lv2tri2]

I know the steering clearance issues with MII and the AD chassis have been discussed here more than once. Now it's my problem and I cannot find an answer. I have some cast Hookers that are a problem both with the steering and the center exhaust outlet being too close the rubber in the motor mount. Is there a good solution with either a factory or after market header.

[mongocanfly]

Just reroute the steering around it with u-joints and dd shaft...not sure about the hookers and motor mount

[mr48chev]

Have you got a decent photo of it on the engine?

[MiraclePieCo]

I also learned the hard way that MII and SBC center dumps put the manifold and steering shaft in the same place. 1981 Camaro and Firebird 305 manifolds dump between cylinders 5 and 7, clearing room for the steering shaft. Using these I was able to get my steering shaft to sneak past the manifold by about 1/4-inch with no extra u-joints.

A lot of guys move their steering column to their left also. They report that they can't tell the difference.

[lv2tri2]

Originally Posted by MiraclePieCo

I also learned the hard way that MII and SBC center dumps put the manifold and steering shaft in the same place. 1981 Camaro and Firebird 305 manifolds dump between cylinders 5 and 7, clearing room for the steering shaft. Using these I was able to get my steering shaft to sneak past the manifold by about 1/4-inch with no extra u-joints.

A lot of guys move their steering column to their left also. They report that they can't tell the difference.

Thanks for your help. I forgot to include that my engine is a Vortec and with that I'm not sure the older Camaro manifolds work. I will look at one closer.

[Livemeyer]

Originally Posted by MiraclePieCo

I also learned the hard way that MII and SBC center dumps put the manifold and steering shaft in the same place. 1981 Camaro and Firebird 305 manifolds dump between cylinders 5 and 7, clearing room for the steering shaft. Using these I was able to get my steering shaft to sneak past the manifold by about 1/4-inch with no extra u-joints.

A lot of guys move their steering column to their left also. They report that they can't tell the difference.

My truck came to me this way. I think it odd, but I don't know how it affects the steering geometry at all. Mine has a 2 or 3-inch plate steel welded to the outside of the frame, with bolts in the top and long bolts traversing under the weld plate and through the firewall. I have no idea if it is safe, but until I get IFS installed, it will have to do.

[jbarron]

The ones used on the ~69 Camaro clear pretty good also.

[lv2tri2]

Originally Posted by jbarron

The ones used on the ~69 Camaro clear pretty good also.

Thanks, I will check the older Camaros.

[mr48chev]

We are assuming that you have a Gen 1 small block and not an LS with cast Hooker manifolds or a big block. Are we correct?
I spent a half hour looking for the cast hooker header/manifold for Gen 1 engines last night and got skunked. I did find the ones for LS an found some gen 1 from Speedway that they say are discontinued.

[lv2tri2]

I do have a Gen 1 small block. I believe 1997. I'm not certain of the other possibilities, found while searching. L31, LT1 but I know it is a Truck 2 bolt Vortec. The exhaust manifold is not a Hooker. I bought it new, don't remember where, could have been Ebay. I regret giving little thought to my information. I value the continued input you provide. I am working on the picture you requested.

[starterman99]

I am trying the Dorman #674-197 on my 1950 with c4 Vette rack

[lv2tri2]

I'm not in a hurry, I'll wait to see how the Dorman's manifold works for you.

[jweb]

Usually a manifold that dumps at the rear works the best for the drivers side. I don't know if this would work on you, when I had a 350 sbc in my truck an early 80's manifold worked perfect. It went inward right where the steering shaft was.

It looked like this https://www.1aauto.com/chevy-gmc-bui...iABEgIFVfD_BwE

[lv2tri2]

Thanks JWeb, I will look at these.