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