69 Fire bird Rack and Pinion

[jtkkwag1]

HELP. I am having header clearance issues in my 69 firebird with small block chevy 408 Stroker motor. I am using Hooker 1 3/4 Super Competition full length ceramic coated headers. Hitting badly at idler arm where meets centerlink , did clear at steering box by maybe 1/8 inch. I have been told maybe to go with 1 5/8 instead, hooker does make the exact same header in 1 5/8. My motor dynode at 525 HP and 524 torque. I am NOT concerned with losing some HP if went to smaller header, I will not be racing, just wanting best fitment possible , wanting to show car more than anything else. I suppose if went with 1 5/8 would also give more clearance at steering box. Another option I am told is Rack and pinion to get rid of all fitment issues and stay with 1 3/4 headers. Anyone out there have a Chevy motor in their Firebird with Headers, and Rack and pinion? And if so what Rack and Pinion did you use and how good was fitment. Thanks Jerry

[dhutton]

Fixing a header fit issue with a rack and pinion is a bad idea. Rack conversions suffer from poor steering geometry and often have header clearance issues. Fixing the headers is the way to go imho...

Don

[Josh@Ridetech]

I agree with Don's post above ^^^

[79T/Aman]

Dito, and if you've seen the front steer R&P conversions they are just as bad.

[jtkkwag1]

Thank you all for your advice. I will NOT go rack and pinion. Okay So I have 69 firebird with 350 block. 408 stroker, Dart pro 1 aluminum straight plug heads. 527hp, 525 torque. I DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE SPEED OF THE CAR AS MUICH AS I CARE ABOUT FITMENT. The reason I say that is for what I am about to say. I know it was recommended to go with 1 3/4 headers, but does anybody see problem with 1 5/8 headers? I have seen where a few others on here with 1 5/8 and said fit fine, I believe they only had in low 400's for horse power. Even though I have 69 firebird with chevy motor , who might be able to let me know what size headers they use on 69 camaro, same subframe as firebird, with 350 motor, . I am definitely changing out steering linkage to camaro linkage, they actually are different, from pitman arm,idler,centerlink, and tie rod ends. I have heard that they did this back than to lower the linkage to allow for clearance for oil pan on camaro's. That would actually help my situation with firebird linkage is hitting on idler side right at bottom of headers. Also, I had the 2131-1 hooker ceramic headers 1 3/4, but actually the 2130-1 hooker that is 1 5/8 says on hooker website " redesigned for better clearance for idler arm". So to me losing some HP , which I will never race anyways, is fine with better fitment. It says on Jegs website that 2130-1 " will fit with angle plug heads", does not say wont fit with straight plug heads. So I am assuming will fit with both. Any thoughts? Thanks Jerry

[astroracer]

Get the Camaro linkage installed and see what the clearance is. I know this is sacrileges but it is possible to simple dent the header tube for a bit more clearance...
Mark

[Snowcatter]

Rack and pinion is great if you do a DSE or AME subframe...also solves alot of fitment issues and handles way better.