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With so many late model engines being installed in the Tri-Five cars these days, many engines are being installed with side engine mounts. This can really be a game-changer as it cleans up the front of the engine and allows for more updated accessories like serpentine systems and different alternator and AC brackets. A very simple bracket PIN 53-219 has been developed for small block engines that will mount a Type II GM remote reservoir steering. This bracket mounts down low on the driver's side and will leave room for most any style alternator and A/C brackets. The remote and reservoir will give your steering conversion a real custom look.
Time Frame: 4 Hours
Image 1: The side engine mounts PN 57-131968-1 for small block engines mount to the side of the engine using the stock (1958-up engines) side engine mount bosses and bolt to the stock front engine cross member.
Image 2: A remote-type steering is smaller than a standard which gives more clearance at the front of the engine for other accessories. This will help when installing various alternator and NC brackets and will also give the engine compartment a more custom look. Classic Chevy's PN 53-219 remote steering bracket bolts to the front of the engine using the two 3/8" holes on the driver's side of the engine next to the timing cover.
Image 3: The GM Type II steering PN 53-208 is held to the bracket with two 8-millimeter bolts and flat washers. A 3/8" steel spacer fits between the bracket and steering.
Image 4: The two 8-millimeter bolts screw into the back of the bracket. The bracket is slotted to allow for adjustment. Leave these bolts loose at this time.
Image 5: When installing steering you must have three crankshaft grooves. The first groove closest to the timing cover is for the water and alternator. The second groove is for the water and air conditioning. The third groove is for the steering. To achieve three grooves on the crankshaft, a single groove P/N 53-34C will need to be added to the double groove P/N 211-21. For use with P/N 33-138170-1 or 57-140871-1.
Image 6: The bolt to the harmonic balancer with three 3/8" fine thread bolts, P/N 57-135464-1. If the original lower is riveted to the harmonic balancer, a replacement balancer P/N 57-132125-1 will need to be installed.
Image 7: The steering P/N 53-209 is a billet aluminum which onto the shaft of the. The includes a threaded tool to install the. Using a 3/4" wrench to hold the center bolt, use a 7/8" wrench and tighten the nut on the installer. Tighten the nut until the groove on the steering lines up with the third groove on the crankshaft. Once the is in, remove the tool from the steering.
Image 8: The steering belt P/N 57-169899-1 will fit around the steering and the third groove on the crankshaft. With the belt installed, the steering outward to apply tension on the belt. Tighten the two 8-millimeter bolts on the back of the bracket.
Image 9: A great way to mount a remote reservoir on a Tri-Five car is the driver's side radiator filler. Remote reservoir P/N 53-313 is billet aluminum and has a mounting bracket that is held to the reservoir with two set screws. The mounting bracket bolts the filler with two stainless steel Allen head bolts.
Image 10: A stainless steel hose kit is available for the remote steering. Use P/N 57-171298-1 for the 605/670 box or P/N 57-171297-1 for the rack and pinion. An additional hose kit P/N 53-312 will be needed to connect the remote reservoir to the. The hose connects to the steering with a banjo bolt. The other end of the hose connects to the larger on the steering box or rack and pinion.
Image 11: The remote reservoir has a large and small fitting on the bottom of the tank. The smaller fitting is for the return hose from the steering box or rack and pinion unit. The larger fitting is the feed hose for the steering.
Image 12: The reservoir hose kit P/N 53-312 includes the large feed hose. Connect the feed hose to the reservoir and the other end of the hose next to the large nipple on the remote steering. Mark and cut the feed hose. Install the chrome cover on the end of the hose and connect it to the remote steering.
Image 13: The return hose connects to the smaller on the remote reservoir and to the smaller on the steering box or rack and pinion unit. The return hose will need to be cut to length.
Image 14: With a remote steering and reservoir installed, it really gives the engine a clean and custom look! Using a couple of zip-ties we have the hoses together and out of the way of any moving and hot exhaust.