Power rack and pinion conversion and headers

Discussion in 'The "X" bodies' started by ApolloGSX, Aug 25, 2013.

  1. ApolloGSX

    ApolloGSX Well-Known Member

    Has anyone done the rack and pinion steering conversion on a 74 Apollo?
    If this was done would it be likely that a set of TA 350 A body headers would fit?
    I have a set of TA 350 headers we had modified to fit with the steering box in the stock location.
    It would still be a major headache getting the left header on as one of the centre tubes had to be bent extremely close to the head and one bolt will be a nightmare. The right header still needed the first tube rerouted because it hit the upper control arm. That might be fixed by running tubular A arms as I think they are quite a bit smaller where they mount to the subframe.

    Now "IF" the rack and A arm swap did allow 350 headers to drop in would it not stand-to-reason that a 455 swap with headers would be possible?
    Food-for-though.

    Anyone have any thoughts on this.
     
  2. Nothingface5384

    Nothingface5384 Detail To Oil - Car Care

    Do you plan to add drop spindles with matching steering arms or tall upper/lower balljoints? or you plan to stay stock?

    but best bet would be Uni-steer rack and pinion as its the only one worth buying due to its design and the correct geometry specs.
    but It'll be easier and cheaper to just go with a LEE fast ratio box or even a DSE fast ratio box..then you're also free to do w/e you want BJ/Steering arms/Spindle as you please without getting double the corrected geometry!
     
  3. ApolloGSX

    ApolloGSX Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the reply. I would leave the geometry stock. The whole idea behind the rack and tubular a arms would be to make more room for headers.
    Going to a quicker ratio steering box would leave me with the same clearance issues for headers.

    I mocked this car up with a 455 years ago. A set of big car frame mounts with a 1/2 plate welded to them gave us the proper height and the exhaust manifolds would clear the frame and steering box. The issue came in that the power steering bracket contacted the forward portion of the upper control arm. The tubular control arm might give us just the right amount of needed wiggle room for the power steering. Eliminating the power steering box might make using headers on wither a 350 or 455 a possibility..
     
  4. Nothingface5384

    Nothingface5384 Detail To Oil - Car Care

    in that case go for it, like I said, take a look at Uni-steer, and avoid companies like flamming river or anything geared towards hottrod
    spc arms arm good to look at or even the tubular version of stock everyone seems to pickup from ebay now adays
     

Share This Page