I am working on putting a 401 out of a '63 Riviera in my '48 GMC. It all seemed like such a good idea when I started. But isn't that how all projects start? :laugh: Anyways, I have installed a mustang II front end with a power steering rack. Things are tight. Since these pics were taken the rack is in and the motor is mocked up about three inches higher. However, I have no idea how I am going to fit the exhaust manifolds or even some type of headers in there. I mocked the engine up a little to the left (maybe 3 inches at the most) to grant me more room for my steering. I have been calling all over our great land looking for either center dump exhaust manifolds or some type of header that would fit. Worse comes to worse I know where to pick up a set of header flanges and do the whole build my own route. I kept hearing the same thing from vendors, "You ought to log onto that V8 Buick board, maybe they can help you because I sure can't." So here I am with a tight fit and looking for steering and advice ideas. Pour the advice on! Thanks!
Be sure to add your name to your sig, we like to be personal around here Have you mocked up the stock manifolds? I think they have a good chance of fitting. You should also look for manifolds from either a Wildcat or Gran Sport (Hen's teeth). Not sure if the Wildcat is different than what you have, but the GS is for sure, though hard to find. Your other option is to try the Sanderson block huggers, or the tube headers marketed for the Gran Sport. Your last resort is to buy flanges and mandrel tubing and go to work with a custom set. Your work looks nice! Hold onto your hat, guys here go crazy over bona-fide car girls over here.
possible header option- Is going over the frame rails, down, and back not an option? Looks like you already have a lot of nice fab work done, so whats a little more with homemade headers!! If you go that route, I know a shop in Delaware that does nice coating!! Welcome aboard
I really don't want to run the pipes on the outside of the frame. I am afraid it will interfere with the steering too much. Keep it coming, thanks!
Hi Megan, welcome to V8 Buick! :beer One of the most knowledgeable Nailhead hot-rodders I know of is Russ Martin in So Cal. If a manifold exists that'll fit your GMC, I'm sure Russ knows about it! I'd recommend you contact him thru his website: http://www.nailheadbuick.com/ He's not a V8Buick member, but does regularly contribute to the Yahoo groups NailheadBuick board: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/NailHeadBuick/ He's presently moving his shop, so he might be difficult to get ahold of right now....if you post a message on the Yahoo site, the guys will give you updated contact info. BTW, Mini-starters are available, if you need the extra exhaust space. Good luck!
Megan, What are you using for a transmission? The '63 crankshaft is designed to work only with the dynaflow transmission unless you make some kind of adaptor for it. In '64 the nailhead crank changed to work with the T-400 transmission.
Trans... I am using the Dyna-slow for now- wait, maybe I shouldn't say things like that on a Buick board---anyways... I hear after a few burnouts it should be toast and I did want to put in a 400 so that info is definitely useful. Doesn't someone make an adapter? Thanks!
Headers... I found these headers from Sanderson: http://www.centuryperformance.com/detail.asp?product_id=SDH-BNH1 Anyone ever use them? Are they of good quality? I'll have to measure one more time to triple check that they would work, but I'd like to think I found my exhaust solution! Thanks!
Looks promsing to me from what I can tell. Is the rack going to be in front of or behind the suspension? I'd be concerned if clearance issues if it were a rear setup. Good price on them too.
Placement of the rack The rack is in front of the new crossmember that I installed with the Mustang II kit. (Front meaning towards the radiator). I think I will order a set to try. Worse comes to worst I'll just have to send them back.
Megan, Call this guy he is a super killer dude, and i work with his son who built cars for him at TIM'S HOT RODS in Spokane Washington, His name is Tim and the number is 509-926-1429, Just tell him Brian sent you. he is also a dealer for Sanderson among many many more.:3gears:
