Questions about mounting the heat stove onto a 396-402 BB

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I picked up the parts below and have a few questions about mounting the heat stove. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

1. I suspect this mounts to the 3rd and 7th bolts (from the front of truck) for the exhaust manifold. Note the power steering pump is mounted to #1. I cant quite do a test fit, which brings me to number two.

2. If it mounts the way I think it does, then I need to remove the a power steering line (LH - pressure side) or bend it. This line is mounted to the frame of the truck. Maybe it's not installed quite right, but it appears there's just one way to route it. Coincidentally (not) I just ordered new repros. today. This line currently sits just 1/4" away from the exhaust manifold at its closet point. Maybe a bend or two in that line is in order. Thoughts?

3. By chance do you know the part number for your LH exhaust manifold? If a GM replacement, it's either 3994045.......... or 343787 if for A.I.R. emissions.

4. If I have to remove two bolts from the exhaust manifold to install this shield (or loosen more to prevent a problem), from your experience, will I have to replace the manifold gasket? Yeah, I'm fairly green, but learning.

5. And finally, does the hole in the shield for the stove pipe sit level? I believe it's off kilter a bit. Maybe 15 degrees to driver's side. These shields are delicate enough and I don't want to mess it up.

THANKS!

[frankslagoon]

like this

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Heck yes. I nearly PMed you Frank, since you offered in an earlier thread. By golly the mount (not sure what it's called) that holds that line to the frame is running the wrong way on mine (duh!). It's flipped to the inside, yours is on the outside. Your line appears straighter as well. Simple fix. Can you confirm that shield is mounted to the 3rd and 7th bolts (from the front) on the manifold? Thanks Frank, appreciate it.

BTW, Alaska?..........Probably a good thing you're using that stove pipe.

[frankslagoon]

I'll check out the bolts in the morning. ya know I just been sitten on that trk not sure what to do with it. but it's quickly payen for itself just for being a stock big blk model w ac.

[frankslagoon]

Yes bolts 3 and seven from the front. they are what I call a stud bolt. see pic. you probably don't want the steering line any closer to the exhaust then need be anyway.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

That's great Frank, thank you. Somewhere along the way that line wasn't routed correctly. Been that way since at least 1993 (engine rebuild). I agree... should avoid the exhaust as much as possible.