J-BIRD

1) could anyone tell me if the 430 that went into the 59 tbird had different exhaust manifolds to a 65 mel out of a lincoln?

The LINC/BIRD manifolds were the same.

2) it appears the expansion chamber for the radiator will be too high,is there a thermostat cover i can buy to eliminate the use of the expansion tank and set up a remote filler and overflow?

MERC (58/60) used a thermostat housing. You can get a filler neck that inserts in the upper radiator hose(speed shop).

3) I have issues with exhaust as steering box is now on right as i am in Australia.

How did you install the engine? With the origional forward mount insulators or mid-mount?