Reducing headers exhaust pipe question

[donsz]

I'm installing power steering on my 1957 Chevy pickup. The problem is that the 348 engine is too close to the steering box.
The original manual steering box required some grinding on the box and the exhaust (#7 cylinder). The power steering is a more awkward fit.
I don't think the original Chevy 348 exhaust manifold will not fit, even with surgery

I found a set of truck "tuck" headers that I can make fit by modifying the #7 cylinder header pipe. However, here is the situation:
- The original "tuck" header pipe is round and 1 and 3/4" diameter
- The only way I can get this to fit is to use 1" square tubing to replace that one header pipe for that cylinder

I know it is not ideal, but I was wondering if this is going to be a a "show-stopper." Or can I live with it. The 348 is a single
4 BBL and a mild cam. Otherwise the internals are stock (new but stock). Thanks for your thoughts on this.
don

 

[Fathead Racing]

I’m confused, the steering box should be nowhere near number seven tube? What am I missing here?

 

[dm62409]

I’m confused, ?

Oh No ! Not Again !

 

[donsz]

Is the cylinder "drivers side next to the firewall" not number 7?
don

 

[Fathead Racing]

Is the cylinder "drivers side next to the firewall" not number 7?
don

Yes, but isn’t the steering “box” closer to number 1? I guess I don’t know my trucks. Could you post a picture please?

 

[Fathead Racing]

Oh No ! Not Again !

Yep damnit.

 

[La Hot Rods]

I worked on a 50 truck that had a small block installed. It had factory steering, this person modified the frame to move the steering box out away from the manifold. Note, this picture is what the stock steering looks like.

 

[donsz]

Mine is in about the same position. As you can see the fit is tight, but I can make it work with the square tubing.
don

 

[Fathead Racing]

Ok I see now. Could you install rack and pinion?

 

[donsz]

No, this is a NAPCO truck, totally different different front end.
don

 

[409gang]

Ouch thats close, I thought mine was tight on my nova but nothing like that. I like the rack and pinion idea as mentioned by Fathead Racing.

 

[MRHP]

Do it! If you want an eye opener, go to you tube and type in enginemasters header bash test. That will put everything in perspective!

 

[blkblk63ss]

Put manual grear box back on , you said it fit with some trimming. Put a under dash electronic power steering column . No power steering hoses, no ps pump needed

 

[La Hot Rods]

Do the 4x4 guys have a pitman arm box that just operates by hose and a control valve mounted to the steering column.

 

[Don Jacks]

Put manual grear box back on , you said it fit with some trimming. Put a under dash electronic power steering column . No power steering hoses, no ps pump needed

 

[donsz]

I already have all the power steering stuff from CPP and associated vendors. Also, I am unsure of the quality of the stock steering
boxes I have.
don

 

[La Hot Rods]

Can you take your cast manifold to someone and have them modified it?
You can weld steel plate to cast iron.

 

[64ss409]

I did one many years ago. 348 in a 57 1/2 ton 4x4 Napco. I left the original steering box. The exhaust manifold at no 7 was way too tight. I ended up grinding through the manifold and then welding in a piece of 1/8 x 1 flat to fill the hole.

 

[425/409ER]

Well since the Engine Masters guys damn near collapsed pipes pounding them in almost closed and only losing 4hp I would say go for it and change out the pipe.

 

[MRHP]

Amazing what they do to the headers, and lose nearly no horsepower. Can somebody post a link to the video?