I picked up a crate 350 an bought some block hugger headers. I was trying to see where I wanted my motor an tranny to go and think I got it where I want, but looking at the headers they are so close to the frame that I don't think they will work with setting up the steering linkage to my mustang II power rack. The headers give about a 1" or 2 and that's about it. Any one using the same setup? What manifold are you using to work with this setup? Thanks, Rico
Block huggers are about the only thing that will work. You can use full length headers but you have to ding the hell out of them for the steering hookup. I am going to get a pair of Speedway's Tru Rams for my new engine.
I was wondering about these? There's a video on the internet with a guy representing Brothers and he's installing a Mustang II in a 1953 chevy truck. There's 6 video's back to back, in the 6th one he talk's about the 69 Camaro headers that are very close to the block and he say's there more room for the steering compared to the hugger headers.
I went through the same dilemma with my 52 and ended up using ramhorns , on the passenger side I used a straight drop from a 69 Camaro to clear the starter and on the drivers side a swept back unit from early 80 chev truck to give me more room for the steering 3/4DD to power tbird rack. I sand blasted them and applied por15 exhaust paint (black) and heated them up to 300 in my bbq to cure the paint and I think they look great.
They will work. The pass. with the higher output can sometimes have clearance issues with lower firewall or frame, but gets heat away from starter. With these you won't have as many possibilities for exhaust leaks or "Header Noise". If you buy block huggers, get VERY GOOD ones. Thin tubes will split where the tubes all come into the collector. I have some pretty good ones, but still have had to weld them up. In these trucks you have to use a 3 joint steering setup. It has a heim joint in the middle and you can get the rods away from the headers fairly easily.
The headers I have are from Summit, 16gauge and I got the ceramic coated. One thing for sure, they look purty.
3/4" I wanted to have my motor as low and far back as possible for center of gravity. I think I accomplish that. Lol
Thanks Russ, that was one concern of mine and had a few people come over and look at it before I committed to welding her up. I also ordered a 4 link with a crossmember for Christmas for myself.. Lol Can't wait to see that bad boy in.
Awesome work, Rico! She's really coming together. Can't wait to see your pick-up finished. Keep us updated! Damon
Thanks Damon, well now another problem arose I have a short water pump and I went to bolt my alternator up and it hits my valve cover and I can't push it out because it hits my inner fender. I'm lost, what are you V8 guy's doing to set your accessories up on the engine? I want to install a alternator, power steering pump and A/C pump. Are you using a long water pump or changing the brackets to relocate. Any help would be greatly appreciated..
