Power to Manual steering swap

CPOlesen · 04-13-2008, 01:43 PM

I installed a 454 block in a 67 camaro. I also changed the frame stands to big block and I have Dart aluminum heads and hooker super comp 2" headers.The problem is the headers hit the Stock power steering box,which measures 5" at its widest point. I want to install a manual box because I heard it is narrower, but i don't know for sure.What is the best set up for this application..It doesn't have to be factory I just want something tried and true. Thanks for any help..

NovaMan · 04-13-2008, 03:07 PM

My '70 Nova had power steering when I bought it, and one of the header tubes was dented for clearance (it had a small block). I switched to a 5679142 manual steering box, and I could see there was more clearance. In fact, the header tube probably wouldn't even have needed denting, especially with poly or solid motor mounts.
I don't have an engine in it right now, so I went out and measured 4.75" from the frame where the top bolt goes in to the point where it sticks into the engine bay the most, which is the cover. I could get 1/8" more clearance just by grinding excess material off the side of the cover.

T Hall · 04-13-2008, 05:11 PM

Contact this company, Steer & Gear. I bought one from them for my 70 Nova. They are great to deal with.
http://www.steerandgear.com/

CPOlesen · 04-14-2008, 10:28 AM

Thanks A whole bunch guys !!!!!!

Greg Barsamian · 04-14-2008, 12:37 PM

Swap it with an S-10 manual steering box.They're an easy find at parts yards.
The early S-10 Aluminum master cylinders make a great alternative to the heavy cast iron cylinders too!

CrateCamaro · 04-16-2008, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPOlesen

I installed a 454 block in a 67 camaro. I also changed the frame stands to big block and I have Dart aluminum heads and hooker super comp 2" headers.The problem is the headers hit the Stock power steering box,which measures 5" at its widest point. I want to install a manual box because I heard it is narrower, but i don't know for sure.What is the best set up for this application..It doesn't have to be factory I just want something tried and true. Thanks for any help..

Flaming River makes a steering box that might have the clearence you need. Early vega box might work as well. Rack is ok, but there is hundreds of big block Camaros (stock/superstock) out there with no trouble and no racks because its not allowed by the rules. I know the factory BB frame mounts are suppose to shift the motor approx. 2 inches to the pass. side. Maybe you have the wrong frame stands?

CPOlesen · 04-21-2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrateCamaro

Flaming River makes a steering box that might have the clearence you need. Early vega box might work as well. Rack is ok, but there is hundreds of big block Camaros (stock/superstock) out there with no trouble and no racks because its not allowed by the rules. I know the factory BB frame mounts are suppose to shift the motor approx. 2 inches to the pass. side. Maybe you have the wrong frame stands?

I suppose I could have the wrong stands but the headears only have 1/4 inch of clearance on the pass side now. I am going to try a manual box and see what happens.

04-13-2008, 01:43 PM	#1
CPOlesen Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chandler, Oklahoma Posts: 23 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Power to Manual steering swap I installed a 454 block in a 67 camaro. I also changed the frame stands to big block and I have Dart aluminum heads and hooker super comp 2" headers.The problem is the headers hit the Stock power steering box,which measures 5" at its widest point. I want to install a manual box because I heard it is narrower, but i don't know for sure.What is the best set up for this application..It doesn't have to be factory I just want something tried and true. Thanks for any help..

04-13-2008, 03:07 PM	#2
NovaMan Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Kalamazoo, MI Posts: 117 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Power to Manual steering swap My '70 Nova had power steering when I bought it, and one of the header tubes was dented for clearance (it had a small block). I switched to a 5679142 manual steering box, and I could see there was more clearance. In fact, the header tube probably wouldn't even have needed denting, especially with poly or solid motor mounts. I don't have an engine in it right now, so I went out and measured 4.75" from the frame where the top bolt goes in to the point where it sticks into the engine bay the most, which is the cover. I could get 1/8" more clearance just by grinding excess material off the side of the cover. __________________ ~Pete 1970 Nova

04-13-2008, 05:11 PM	#3
T Hall Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus,Ohio Posts: 390 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Power to Manual steering swap Contact this company, Steer & Gear. I bought one from them for my 70 Nova. They are great to deal with. http://www.steerandgear.com/ __________________ Tony Hall 3545 S/ST

04-14-2008, 10:28 AM	#4
CPOlesen Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chandler, Oklahoma Posts: 23 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Power to Manual steering swap Thanks A whole bunch guys !!!!!!

04-14-2008, 12:37 PM	#5
Greg Barsamian VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Central Massachusetts Posts: 1,383 Likes: 608 Liked 390 Times in 84 Posts	Re: Power to Manual steering swap Swap it with an S-10 manual steering box.They're an easy find at parts yards. The early S-10 Aluminum master cylinders make a great alternative to the heavy cast iron cylinders too!