hi guys/gals,got a stupid question for ya,i have a 1951 3/4 t longbox chev, ya i know not very popular, this was given to be by my dad-in-law, i would like to put a small block in but it don't fit, got a crossover from cp, tried moving engine up/down and off to side about 7/8" still cannot clear steering box, tried using ram horn manifold from 283, L side manifold from 265 as mention in other earlier post still need about 1 ", the closest i can get is by placing steering box between cyl. 5 & 7, and moving crossover to top of inside frame rail. kinda on a low budget for this. thanks in advance for any help. also went back thru previous posts couldn't really find answer.
Clashing by a whole inch the 3/4T steering box must be physically larger than a 1/2T? Someone will answer this right away but if not then the 265 manifold should work. We have put a lot of V8's into 1/2 tons using this set up. It's a flat log type manifold with a two bolt exhaust flange near the # 1 sparkplug that takes a flat gasket and has a cast on shoulder that is drilled and tapped for a generator mount. I'm sure yours is a 265 manifold but just a quick check. Not good for high performance but fine for a stocker, especially with dual exhaust. There is a slight dip in the manifold near the back that needs to be by the bolt that holds the column to the gear box. A little grinding on the corner of the box and just a tad (it's thin) on the manifold is sometimes done but if the mounts are right it's not necessary. When the engine is mounted where it clears the box it makes using the small distributor a must but when the funds permit an $80 Pertronix electronic conversion works fine. Hope someone clears the air on the 3/4 vs 1/2 box size. Good luck
You can also space the steering box off the frame to the outside. You can make spacers and then re drill the hole in the top of the frame. I believe you have to re- index the steering arm, but I have seen this work with block hugger headers. My truck is a 51 3/4 t also, Feel free to ask me if you have any questions...... Russ
Russ & Evan, thanks a lot for the info, it is a 265 manifold, if there is a hard way to do anything i seem to find it. it sounds like it might be easier to move the steering out a little and keep engine straight. Russ that is one nice looking ride! Are those buick headlights? you can see what i'm starting with on my avatar, not pretty just plain. Again thank you-Roy
53 buick rings, 57 ford hood ornament, Fatman stage 4 air ride front end, 8.8 ford rear from a 90 town car, 4w disc brakes, 350/350, 67-76 corvette master cylander, 55 chev. steering wheel. Stock frame
