I'm doing a new build... frame etc came with a 525 steering box (I think that's what it is). Set my mock-up block in the frame but my Fenton header won't clear the steering box... what are the recommendations? I assume switch to a Vega box? Note... this is a 1939 Ford pickup with an 8BA and adapted to a T-5, it has a 4 or 5 inch dropped front axle. Had to do some fancy work to get the steering rods beneath the wishbone and truck oil pan on the flatty. Will I need to have a special pitman arm off the steering box? Thanks for the advice!
just rebuild a stock 1939 steering box & use it. A Vega will be slightly smaller than the box you have.
Looks like your box mount is bolted to the rails. How about removing those bolts and sliding the mount further into the rail? Would that give you more room for the header?
My first reaction was 'move the box further into the rail' but I am guessing it is where it is for a straight shot to the steering column. But as BJR says, need more pictures.
How much of the header is interfering with the steering box? Can you dimple it some or cut and reroute the offensive tube?
A 525 box will not fit in a 35-40 frame with a flathead with fenton headers without major reworking. It's not really worth the trouble. A Vega might or like Pete suggested, use the original box and get it rebuilt. Or, use stock manifolds.
Looks like I found a solution... have an old set of Speedway Economy tube headers and they seem to fit. Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll keep the Fenton's for another project.
I'd run stock manifolds By the time the exhaust makes it of the block there is not much you can do it improve the system. Kind of like a fart can on a ricer. Center port picture https://www.rlengines.com/publishImages/Web_Pages~flathead~~element50~~19.jpg
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