I picked up some Hooker Competetion Headers for my 60 Rat Rod. I am having clearance problems with the 390 Big Block and the steering gearbox. My question is anyone else run into this problem and what are some possible solutions?

 

1) Find a set of headers that fits better. Street or "block hugger" headers should fit better than a set of competition headers with large tubes. You will end up with a more useable torque curve with smaller tube headers anyway. Somewhere (Sanderson maybe) I remember seeing a set of headers specifically for that conversion.
2) Not the greatest idea but you might try repositioning the engine slightly higher in the chassis.
3) If you're a good welder you could cut off the offending tube and replace it to fit in your space.
4) You could move the steering box and make it front steer, or maybe one of the rack and pinion conversions that mounts to the front axle.
5) Find a set of headers that fits better.

If you try 2, 3, or 4 pay very close attention to the proximity of the last tube to the hydraulic clutch line. I can't tell for sure from the photo but it looks too close and the heat will boil the brake fluid. You'll lose your clutch when the fluid evaporates.

Hope that's gives you a starting point. Looks like a nice swap. I've always wanted to do that to my '58 but I'm thinking of reworking the six now that gas is over $3 a gallon and seems like it will stay there. Good luck with it.

Lou Manglass

 

Sanderson FF427 headers should work.

Sanderson Headers