Borgeson Steering Box Fitment Issue

[copb8 97]

Ain't nuthin easy in this world! :-)

But I'm sure I'm not telling any of you anything new.

I'm in the process of replacing my stock power steering components with the Borgeson unit in my 70 351C car. It seems I take 1 step forward and 2 steps back. Have any of you run into the issue where the new steering box touches your stock exhaust manifold? Mine did. Barely. So instead of rapping the project up I spent the entire day replacing engine mounts because my old ones looked tired and slightly compressed. I now have about 1/8" clearance between the 2 parts. Is that enough? 

Funny, I read a lot before starting this and haven't heard of others having this issue.

 

[det0326 179]

Can't comment on the stock ones but my try-y's on the drivers side has only about an 1/8" clearance between the box and one of the pipes. It has never giving me any problems . Drivers side of the engine normally will lift a little when accelerating  forward so the clearance should increase.  

[copb8 97]

It's the steering box so it's on the driver's side. Hopefully won't be an issue then.

[Vicfreg 772]

-I don't have a Cleveland, but no issues on my small blocks. 

copb8 do you have a stock driveline or an aftermarket 5 speed or AOD?  Transmission mounting can impact this as well.

 

[copb8 97]

Stock FMX auto and engine.

[lanky 44]

I have a 351w with manifolds, the borgeson is about 1/4" away from the exhaust right after the collector. Haven't had any issues. I'm hope after I install headers there will still be clearance.

[Vicfreg 772]

I am running my power steering hoses through the drivers side fenderwell to keep them cool.  On my '68 coupe, I have them wrapped in DEI heat sleeving.   I will be posting pictures of the hose outing/bulkhead connectors, etc on my Project site next week....

[1969_Mach1 333]

Mine is a 351W with JBA short headers.  There is about 1/8" clearance between one of the tubes and the steering box.  I haven't had any issues yet.

I agree, the Borgeson kit does not install as easily as they claim.

[jpfll 11]

My 408w with FPA headers was very tight. Used Ron Morris mounts to shift the engine over to the passenger side about .50”

[copb8 97]

Never heard or thought about mounts that shift the engine. As it sits now I hope I'm ok but I'll keep these in mind if things don't work out.

[Vicfreg 772]

I will let you know how it works out and post some pics on my project thread.  Mike (latoracing) is making me some adjustable motor mounts that will allow 3 axis movement.  I may need this to deal with the high rise intake manifold I have and the shaker hood, my small block 351W headers and a C-6 transmission, and my Borgeson steering box.  Should be fun....

[Rsanter 152]

That is not enough space heat wise. I would be very afraid of heat damaging the box as some point.

ifmit was me I think I would slightly dent the headers and then install a header wrap in that area to insulate heat from getting to that box too much

[copb8 97]

That would mean I'd have to add headers. Currently it has the cast iron manifold.

I can't imagine that everyone who's done this common upgrade has had to change out their manifolds and if that's the case I can't see where they'd have too much more clearance than I do.

Does that sound like solid logic?

[det0326 179]

I have the CPP box which is basically the same as the borgenson one now. As I said it is about 1/8 away from one of the tubes. The CPP box I installed initially developed a squeak when turning the steering shaft.   It was last summer when all this took place and my thought was maybe it got too hot but while changing it out with CPP I ask them about the heat near the box and they told me it should not matter. I would have thought that heat would have an effect on the box but fwiw they said no. I installed the replacement about mid summer last year and added a cooler for the power steering fluid. Time will tell.

[copb8 97]

Oh gosh, what a PAIN. I'd hate to have to pull all of this out again! Although with my luck I'm sure that's a possibility. :-)

 

[Vicfreg 772]

I have mine running pretty close to the box on my '68.  I wrapped the headers.   Been running this for several years with no issues.