I spent about 4 hours this AM trying to get a hooker comp header with 2" primaries to fit the drivers side of my 68. It has a 454 in it which i believe is a early 70s truck block. Even after significantly denting 2 of the tubes it still rubs the power steering box. I have been on the phone with Ricks, Hooker, Summit, etc..

Some questions that came up.
1) You must have the big block stands and mounts for these to work. Im fairly certain i do but have no way to know for sure since i didnt do the swap. However if measuring from the carb stud to the fenders the pass side is aprox 1-1/4" closer to the fender.
2) Im told this is a long water pump motor?? And that i should actually have 69 mounts even though its a 68 ?? Not sure.
3) Its been questioned if my power steering box is stock. Again, i dont know...

So here are photos of all those areas and maybe someone can ID what i have and whats going on here! thanks in advance
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv154/stang8s/camaro/camarosteer1.jpg
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv154/stang8s/camaro/camaromount1.jpg
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv154/stang8s/camaro/camaromount2.jpg
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv154/stang8s/camaro/camarowater1.jpg

You have a long water pump as evidenced by the passenger's side mounted alternator. And your power steering pump appears to be factory. I can't tell if the engine stands are for BB or SB.

Yes, BB stands move the engine to the passenger's side one inch. So using your method of measuring there should be closer to a 2" difference, side to side; not 1.25". Make sense?

Also, what's the Hooker part number, 2457? If so, they should mate up with no problems.

Lastly, I can't remember if there were any "tall-deck" 454 truck blocks. If so, that would cause fitment problems if that's what you have.

Thanks. I will look into the tall deck thing.
Yes the headers are 2457. I was looking at Hedman headers and noticed that they had a note saying they wont clear the saginaw power steering 825 close ratio boxes. I wonder if thats what i have. (i started another post under chassis forum below on that).. I cant find numbers on the box but its about 2.7 turns lock to lock and my understand was the normal ration was closer to 4.

Im not following the math on the stands. If the engine started in center and you move it 1" closer to the passenger side wouldnt it be 1" closer to the fender?

Thanks

Got the casting number off the block. 3999289 and a big P
From what i found online this was a 72-79 454 2 or 4 bolt main.
Not a tall deck.
I guess this was a good block# from what i can tell.

Already commented on this on your other post, but I believe I read here on TC, that someone had to remove the steering sector or loosen it up and suspend it , while installing these headers.

I bet Fred knows about this.

i spoke with hedman about their headers and it seems that i do have the quick ratio box. Also checking the Rick's catalog they show 3-3-1/2 turns as variable ration, 4-4-1/2 turns as constant ration and 2-2-1/2 turns as quick ration.. I actually came out with closer to 2-3/4 turns...but definately less then 3

The clearance is tight on #5 tube with the 2457 Hookers. Mine never touched but were very close, ended up sliding a few grade 8 washers (with longer bolts) between the mount and the block for added clearance. Worked out fine.

Having the correct frame stands, mounts and tranny cross member are all critical to clear the PS box on BB cars. Nows a good time to throw a pair of Energy Suspension mounts on - if you are not too concerned about original equipment.

FWIW I had the Headman 1-3/4" "shorty" headers and they do not clear the PS box.

The pictures are AGR variable ratio box with Hooker 2457's before and after adding clearance
You do need to to jack the block about 1" up off the stands to slide the driver side in.

Mine i "dimpled" in about 1/2-3/4" and it still rubbed right at that upper left bolt. Also tube 3 rubbed on the side of the box. Even with the engine jacked up it wouldnt fit.

I spoke with Hedman and as you said they say none of their 1-3/4 headers work with PS. They said their 2" do work but not with the quick ration PS. They said they have a Hustler that works with the Quick ratio but now your talking big $$$.

I think i will order a set of 69 bb stands and mounts just to compare to mine and be sure

Tom would you mind measuring from your carb stud to your fender lip on either side? I get 24-1/8" pass side and 25-1/2 drivers side.
thanks

Another option is Hooker Super Comp, 2205, which are 2" pipes. Here's the coated version:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HOK-2205-1HKR/?image=large

In the photo of the headers in the link above, notice how the # 5 tube is actually routed over the # 7 tube. Steering box clearance is a non-issue.

You can get the non-coated version for $400,..check around for 2205's.

its strange as it seems its all different for everyone. I search this forum on any of the super comp, comp or hedman part numbers and i find some people who say they fit, others who are angry they dont.

Tom would you mind measuring from your carb stud to your fender lip on either side? I get 24-1/8" pass side and 25-1/2 drivers side.
thanks

26-1/8" driver side and 24-3/8" passenger side
w/correct 69 BB frame stands and ES mounts

Thanks Tom. I started another thread asking about the ES mounts and figured out that i have totally wrong mounts as far as i can tell. Not only is my passenger side taller then the drivers side but my overall heights are way too high too. Going to order it all monday.
Are the tall/narrow ES mounts the same height as the factory ones?? They are actually cheaper then the factory ones as far as i see in catalogs.

Yes, I believe the ES mounts are the same height as stock. They're good mounts - you'll be happy with them.