351w swap problem

[latrucker]

Dropped in my new 351w this morning and having some clearance issues. The engine has roller rockers so I had to go with tall valve covers. Now I can't get the gear selector out of park. Looks like the linkage on the steering column that the rod mounts to is hitting the valve cover. Has anyone else ran into this? Really like my new valve covers so would like to find a way around replacing them, maybe shortening the linkage but wanted to see what others have done before chopping away.

 

[5001craig]

When I installed my 351 I switched to a Winters floor shifter at the same time so I am no help on your work around (removed the bracket you are having trouble with on the idi t column at the same time). Looks like the arm could be modified (shortened) if you want to stay with a steering column shifter.

And BTW I really like my Winters shifter.

 

[Doyle]

There is some slop in the frame holes the motor mount studs fit into. You may be able to tilt to the passenger side enough to clear. Can't tell how much you need.

 

[73azbronco]

Might try a hole lower/closer to steering column than the stock one on shifter arm then remove material to clear. It would make shifter a little tougher to shift, less leverage. Only alternate I know is the floor mounted shifter.

C4?

 

[SteveL]

Another vote for grind down the linkage if you can get enough clearance

 

[cs_88]

That's interesting, I have different valve covers but have plenty of room.

 

[73azbronco]

The first covers are high lifter covers, I have those but do your really need them? Roller rockers are one thing, did you go high lift camshaft? The black covers might work if you remove a baffle under the breather port. That would solve all the issues.

 

[latrucker]

The first covers are high lifter covers, I have those but do your really need them? Roller rockers are one thing, did you go high lift camshaft? The black covers might work if you remove a baffle under the breather port. That would solve all the issues.

.600 lift cam, but that's not the issue. I have a set of valve covers just like the ones pictured above but the baffles hit the poly locks. Don't want to run without the baffles, sucks too much oil through the PCV. For some reason my old valve covers worked on my old procomp heads but won't work on my new Trick Flow 11R 190's. Guess the rockers sit up higher with the new heads.

 

[latrucker]

That's interesting, I have different valve covers but have plenty of room.

I have those exact covers but won't work with my roller rockers.

 

[Crush]

You can also loosen up the three bolts on the firwall that hold the steering column and the two bolts under the dash that hold the steering column and move it some. It should slide down a bit and to the drivers side farther. That should give you enough room

 

[Crush]

Also what kind of master cylinder u runnin? Looks like u dont have any room for that either

 

[Rustytruck]

If your not fighting hood issues extreme motor mounts woud raise the engine a little maybe clearing the arc of the shift lever.

 

[latrucker]

Crush, that's a great idea. I might try to loosen the column and move it over. That and trim the linkage together might do the trick. I don't think I need much, it's worth a try.

 

[latrucker]

Also what kind of master cylinder u runnin? Looks like u dont have any room for that either

yes, I'm going to have to trim the booster bracket.

 

[Crush]

Lol. Ive thought about trimming it just to make taking the valve cover off easier. Just pulled the engine to fix a couple oil leaks and put an new clutch and flywheel on it and that Booster bracket was a pain in my ass.

 

[c0astie31]

I have the same issue when I pulled out my po hockey puck body lift lol
U are gonna have a issue with your throttle linkage unless u have a cable style
I love the look of the tall cover but I may have to go back to the shorter ones and selll the tall ones

 

[latrucker]

I have the same issue when I pulled out my po hockey puck body lift lol
U are gonna have a issue with your throttle linkage unless u have a cable style
I love the look of the tall cover but I may have to go back to the shorter ones and selll the tall ones

i wish I could run the short ones.....life would be so much easier.