L31 Vortec 350 Clearance Issue

[Wageslave]

You may also change that power steering pump bolt out with an allen head, flat head bolt. That may give you enough clearance without having to change your pulley system out.

Also, check and make sure that your motor mounts are in good shape and not collapsed. You can use motor clamshells from a Silverado that will push the motor up a little higher

I run an S-10 drive on my car and it has a similar issue. With truck clamshells, fresh motor mounts, and the factory bolt in the power steering pump, I have about 1/8th to 1/4 inch of clearance.

 

[Bar50]

Seems like there is an S10 power steering pulley that is smaller to make it fit.

 

[pontiacgp]

I would not raise the engine, these engines sit too high as it is. If you can move the engine back that will; help with handling and the front rear weight bias. In circle track they always looked at the distance front he fuel pup the to engine cradle to see if the engine was slid back. Even 1/2" will help

 

[Kratos]

I would also take a good close look at the motor mounts. I have a 350 from a 1994 truck in my 83, running an S10 serpentine setup, no clearance issues and this engine was pulled from my 84 EC prior. BTW , the Serpentine setup was originally in the 84, on a mid 70's 400SBC. I sure don't remember it sitting that close to the PS box. Will get pics when I get home Good Luck!

 

[csstrux]

Check the diameter of the pulley. I had that issue when I was putting an LQ4 into my Cutlass. Swapped the pulley for one off a FWD Grand AM and problem was solved. Cheap and simple fix.

 

[el camino ss 84]

I've swapped tons of serpentine setups from 92-up trucks with 4.3 to 5.7 engines and also s10 blazers or s10 trucks with 4.3s . never ran into the power steering pulley clearance issues on older sbc's in gbodys. I would say your motor isn't positioned even from side to side or needs to be moved back some or your pulley isnt all the way on the pump shaft or your bracket isn't bolted tight enough to the head or your using the wrong power steering pump. I have the same setup on my elcamino for years no issues.