I am going to be putting a 348 into a '57 chevy 3100 pick-up. I'm told that the steering box interferes with the exhaust. Does anybody know how much interference has to be overcome?. I'm trying to figure out the best way to make room but to do so I need to know how much room I need to make. I want to keep the straight axle and manual steering. Thanks
Use the time honoured method of hanging the engine in the engine bay and see what interferes and take appropriate action.
I've never done this swap but always wanted to. Before you make any changes to the steering box location I would get the engine set in there so you can see what your dealing with. My guess is it's not going to be a problem but if it is, it might be easier to offset the engine and inch or so for clearance. The guy you want to hear from is Squirrel. I'll bet he's done this swap and could give you better info.
I hear ya. However, The truck is pretty much done other than an engine swap and the engine is also detailed and has ceramic coated headers and I would like to avoid/minimize any cosmetic damage to either. I have considered removing the front clip and doing as you suggested but, again, that increases the chance of damaging the paint.
Your 57 could have come with a 283 V8 meaning it was designed for a V8, unlike pre 55 models. I don't think you would have any trouble putting in a 348. They were bigger but the bulk was mainly in the head area, which was above the steering box. The 58s were very similar and they could be ordered with a 348. Pickup trucks generally have more room under the hood than cars.
confusing. your trying to put the motor in without taking anything apart?. your best bet is to remove as much as possible to reduce any damage.
I have a 58/9 Big truck in my yard that has a 348 in it from factory. Only two problems though...1 it's a big truck so I'm not sure if the cab height etc is different. and 2 The truck is covered in snow right now and I wouldn't be able to get you any pictures of the setup for awhile (-27c here this morning)
You threw in the variable of headers. There are many different headers and no one answer unless one knows what the headers were designed for.
Did your truck begin life with a six cylinder? If so, MAYBE the steering box was mounted differently than in V-8 trucks. These other guys who did the same swap seem to have had no clearance issues. If your headers aren't built for your particular application, they won't fit. Hate to be the bearer of bad news
A friend put a 409 (same dimensions) in a 57 pickup in 1965. It was a bolt in, but he used original exhaust manifolds.
I did this swap last summer. I did get interference. I had to carefully grind the steering box housing a bit. I also ground down the exhaust header where it interfered. I went too far and made a hole in the header. I tried Sanderson "Huggers" but they still had the interference problem. Thinking I had nothing to lose, I welded the hole in the stock header with patch. So far it has held up. See pictures. don
Take the "headers" off and set the engine then see what needs to be done to fit the headers. I do know that some of the tri five trucks I have seen with big motors ( W motors, Rockets, nailheads, and etc.) have the engine offset 1-2" to the pass side if that helps any.
Thanks for all the input. The headers I have are sanderson block huggers. I have the original manifolds if I have to use them but would rather use the headers if I can. I do like the idea of setting the engine in and checking clearances and making adjustments as necessary I just want to go into it with as much info as I can so I don't run into a much bigger problem than anticipated. If I only need an inch then moving the engine over would be the best/easiest solution but if I need to make 3 inches, then the steering will need to be changed and I am hoping to have a heads up on which is the more likely scenario before starting.
The problem with block hugger headers is that they are a one size fits all and they seldom fit well in anything. If it were me and I wanted headers I would set my engine (off set like I mentioned earlier) and build a set or get a set built for your application. I got a pretty good idea that you can build a set, I build headers for things and I am not the most talented man in the world.
Either set the engine 1-2" towards the passenger side (driver's weight will offset the weight shift) or go with a GM 525 box up front of the axle and make it a 'cross-steer' . It's a good setup and you can get complete kits to do it. r
Not to hijack... When adding the space, how do you get the the 1-2" without messing up the geometry between the engine and the trans mount.
Not a hijack at all, it is a good question. What normally happens is you move everything to one side. so you will have to modify the transmission mount. It is really not that big a deal to do, but it is something that you have to convince yourself that it is not that big a deal to do.
Never a problem I just wish I lived closer or was wealthy enough to travel about helping people with their stuff.
Donsz that is a good looking truck? I particularly like the way you routed the fuel lines to the tri-power
Not yet. However, I have decided that I will do as suggested earlier and strip the front clip off of the truck (I need to paint and detail the firewall and inner fenders anyway) then I can more easily see what I'm doing and can make whatever adjustments necessary. There is a R&P available for these trucks with the straight axle but am seeing mixed reviews on it. Even IF I can get the motor to fit with the stock steering box, I would like to change it as the tire rubs on the drag link when turning hard left. In another thread I found some info on the R&P and one concern mentioned is that there needs to be a slip joint in the steering shaft. I'm not sure I understand the concern as My Peterbilts and Western Stars have a slip joint in the steering shaft. I would like to use the factory front engine and bellhousing mounts but will have to find a V8 bellhousing with the mounting pads. I will be either putting the wifes Model A back together OR doing the engine swap on the '57 this winter so I'm just gathering parts and info for the engine swap so I'm ready if I don't do the "A".
I did some searching for the GM 525 box and it does look like it might work (if I'm understanding what I'm seeing). It appears like it can be mounted on the inside of the frame (much preferred to outside) and (like you suggested) ahead of the axle (also preferred). Will have to go out and have a look at the truck to see where/how it would be mounted. Thanks