73 Nova motor conversion - HELP!

We are in the process of converting our 73 Nova from a 350 small block to a 396 BB. We decided to also convert it to power steering, but now when we tried to drop in the motor, the headers won't clear the power steering pump. Any suggestions?

power steering is over rated, u got arms put some muscle into it, i mean all u should have to do is stomp the gas n turn the wheel slightly

Ha ha, yes I would agree but...

This is being re-built for my mom. She was the original owner, but had to sell it. She got it back years later, but it's been sitting for about 8 years since and we are rebuilding it as a surprise for her birthday. (Trust me she deserves it). That being said, we're trying to keep it as original as we can, but with a few upgrades.

We are in the process of converting our 73 Nova from a 350 small block to a 396 BB. We decided to also convert it to power steering, but now when we tried to drop in the motor, the headers won't clear the power steering pump. Any suggestions?

Power steering pump or box?:confused:

Close ratio power steering box

Greetings,

I ended up having issues when I had the 468 in mine. The only header I could get to clear at that time was the Hooker Super Comps. I know they were (probably still are) a bit pricey but they fit with no issues whatsoever. I assume you got the big block frame mounts as well? If you're trying to use the small block frame mounts, that could be your issue as well. Most of the Nova parts places sell the big block frame mounts.

Jason

if you mean gear box, all i did was replace a bolt with a button head, line it up and then dropped the engine on the box to make a small dent.

We do have the big block mounts. We've been looking at the Hooker Super Comps, so it's good to know that they'll work. Suck it up time then. Average prices that I've seen are between $700-800, and Alaska might as well be Ethiopia when it comes to shipping stuff up here! Oh well, the ones we tried first were a freebee, so I can't really bitch. Thanx

if you are near a pep boys give them a part number, i fin stuff online all the time and give them a part number it takes a little long than shipping to my house but the shipping is free

From what I heard, you need to install the headers after the engine is installed. I would pull the headers off and do it that way. Come in from the bottom with them after the engine is in.

We are in the process of converting our 73 Nova from a 350 small block to a 396 BB. We decided to also convert it to power steering, but now when we tried to drop in the motor, the headers won't clear the power steering pump. Any suggestions?