zenchal26 project 57

[zenchal26]

Got some work done on the 57. 3" drop axle 3" monos up front 6" monos in rear

[zenchal26]

Before

[Kim57]

Welcome.
Nice looking truck.
What are your plans for it?
Kim

[Kabwe]

Looking good man.

[zenchal26]

350, 700r4, wide whites

[55Cameo]

Really nice, looks good

[zenchal26]

So I started to mock up the eng and the only way I can get the hugger headers to clear the stock steering box is to move it over twards the pass side 1 1/4" to 1 1/2". How big a deal is this going to be? Are there reasons why I can't mount the eng like this? This is my first build so I'm a newbie to this stuff.

[Russell Ashley]

Your truck is coming along nicely.

If you are not set on using headers you can get a set of Chevy ram horm manifolds. They fit with no clearance problems.

[Kim57]

Originally Posted by zenchal26

So I started to mock up the eng and the only way I can get the hugger headers to clear the stock steering box is to move it over twards the pass side 1 1/4" to 1 1/2". How big a deal is this going to be? Are there reasons why I can't mount the eng like this? This is my first build so I'm a newbie to this stuff.

That shouldn't be a problem. The GM did that to make room in production vehicles.
Kim

[1project2many]

FWIW I have an original V8 truck and the cheapie headers I used clear the steering box no problem which indicates the right headers will work with the engine in the stock location. They were removed from a 73 K1500 if you need an application. IIRC I had to move the clutch return spring tab some. But offsetting the engine is a viable option albeit a fair amount of work given the price of a cheap set of headers.

[OrrieG]

Here is how the rams horns fit. I ran this same exhaust with the stock steering box with no problems. Unless you are racing or running at higher rpm the rams horns flow ok, are more efficient because they hold the temp and quieter because they are cast iron. And they don't rust out.

[zenchal26]

I got it to fit here are some pics and closer ones of suspension

[zenchal26]

more pics

[1project2many]

The engine's lower than stock which explains the header issue.

Are you going to have room to install a fan belt around that lower pulley? Looks really close to the crossmember.

[_Ogre]

nice looking truck, what forum do i know your name from?
i'm thinking hotrodders.com? the 55-59 thread
nice motor mounts, i had a similar pair in my truck for the past 25 yrs.
mine were flat on top off the frame towards the motor, might explain the header fit problem
looks like you have it cured
lots of 47-55 trucks have the same offset to clear the exhaust and steering box

[zenchal26]

Just enough room to slip it by, made sure of that before I welded everything in. The engine is where it wants to be, set the trans cross meber in first and went from there. Lower center of gravity is better anyway right.

[_Ogre]

just realized that those are my old motor mounts
i see you got them

[zenchal26]

nope yours would not work had to make up my own. yep been on hotrodders

[_Ogre]

want your $8 back?
cost me $12 to ship

[zenchal26]

No, thanks for the offer though

[Rude Dude]

I agree motor is to low

[ChuckDriver]

Like the C-notch in the rear, did you make it yourself? Cool project!

[zenchal26]

Bought the c-notch kit from p.o.l. As for the eng being too low this wont hurt anything right?

[mr48chev]

It doesn't hurt a thing, they just look a bit lost down that low but it saves reworking the floorboards.

[1project2many]

Lower engine will help it handle a little better and won't hurt anything but when it's time to change plugs you're gonna be reacing a looong way down.