[ccmblack]

I just go a call from my steer shop. They said my header heat has fried the PS box and that it is too close to it. (about 1/8 inch apart). Does anyone know who makes a set of headers that will allow more clearance between the two. It is a 69 350. The current headers have been beaten to alow some clearance, but obviously not enough. Another option I was considering is wrapping the header with Thermal Tech rap in the area aroung the PS box. Thought?

 

[Brian Lewis]

Umm many of us have their headers 1/8th away without issue. Try changing your PS fluid more often. But there is no need to wrap or get the headers any further away. That 1/8th gap is plenty.

 

[mbmmca]

Mine is the same, 1/8" or so apart w/ 400sbc.

 

[TMessick]

Does anyone know who makes a set of headers that will allow more clearance between the two. It is a 69 350.

Here's a recent thread on "happy" header fitment:
http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=102486

General consensus seems to be that the Thorley tri-Y's (376Y1) offer the best PS box clearance, but they ain't cheap. Based on Mike68RS's comments in that thread (and the rising price of stuff) I ordered the thorleys from autoanything along with a 10% discount, they still cost ~$360 shipped. I just received them today Mike has some great pics linked at the end of that thread. http://www-act.ucsd.edu/staff/mschwart/69pictures9.html

Can't comment on whether the 1/8" clearance is good enough from experience, but there seem to be plenty of people around here that have run similar clearances without issues...

 

[Mark .L.W.]

i helped mine out by adding a B&M trans cooler into the return line , it made it way better .
Mark.

 

[ccmblack]

Thanks guy! I will put the rebuilt PS box back in, wrap the existing headers to keep the heat down and then work on getting new headers...I think I will try the Summitt Perormance Headers.

 

[Brentmc]

Mine were rubbing the box for two years with no steering box problems at all.

When I upgraded to the 3rd gen steering box, I took a grinder to the area that touched the headers and gained 1/8"clearance...

 

[RickD]

You can get a wrap made by thermo-tec but it won't look the greatest. Summit/Jegs has them.

 

[zdld17]

If you are in the market for new headers,, I second the idea of Thorleys 376-1-C. Little high but better quality than most,,,14 ga tubing and 3/8's flanges, coated.

 

[brucelbryan]

as with others, my hooker super comps have no more than 1/8" clearance and I had no problems with pwr steering. I had to modify one tube due to pitman arm clearance issues...

 

[Ghostbuster]

Same on my '68 w/383..
Headers are about 1/8" from PS box..
I'm using 2 transmissions coolers in front of my radiator.
1 for transmissions, the other for PS fluid..

 

[rbracale]

i just boted up a set of hedman elite ceramic #68278 1 5/8 tubes on my early 69 RS LM1 350 saginaw power steering, 1/4" clearance on the gearbox but had to modify the reverse lock-out standoff bolted on the frame. $270 from summit

 

[Steptoe]

They said my header heat has fried the PS box and that it is too close to it.

Like so many others here, Mine have been less than 1/8" for over 20 yrs and 150,000 miles...
In that time a couple oil xhanges, only because have had a leak or bust a line..

Checked with a local sagnaw steer box guy specialist with over 20yrs of experiance" ...with that close to that part of the box, load of BS, they have the words coming out the wrong hole" I changed the last comment a little, couldnt print how he explained it lol
PS In NZ guys tend to get straight to the point and bont mince words.

 

[67 Convertible]

I have Hedman elites also. One tube actually touches the PS box. If I try, I "might" be able to slide a piece of paper between them. I know this is not the best situation, but so far, no ill effects.

 

[speedfreek]

Mine were rubbing the box for two years with no steering box problems at all.

QUOTE]

Same thing here. And still going strong.

 

[jaguareats]

i got hooker ceramic headers and it hit pitman arm and i got manuel steering. i also put on the thicker header gaskets also I pried it out half an inch. little bump in 1 header. guess with modern technology still cant get headers right. lol
:sad: