sub frame mounts

[minendrews68]

I am having problems with my motor and subframe fit. I rebuilt the subframe and noticed that my headers (Hooker Pro Comp) were hitting he steering arm coming out of the box. I put the frame back under the car and now my distributor ( HEI type MSD) is within a1/8" of the firewall. I was told by one of my friends that if the car was originally a 6 cyl car, that was the problem. He also stated I probably should go to the 6 cyl frame mounts. Has anyone else heard of this? It seems like I'm locked as far as where the motor can go. It needs to go forward (which puts the steering arm further into my headers) if I go backward (to get the headers away from the arm) the distributor now would be into the firewall about 3/4" . Is there anything to the mount?

Thanks,

Carl

[astroracer]

Not sure on the 6 cyl stuff but where is the engine height wise? Would different height frame towers or spacers get you out of the steering arm so the engine can go forward to clear the firewall? You will need to verify top of trans to tunnel clearance.
Mark

[minendrews68]

I believe I've got a lot of room, well not a lot but 2-3" I could go straight up. I've got the sub frame out right now, but to the best of my remembering, I'm wanting to say that my "Z" bar for my clutch rod is pretty even with the block when it was in. I've contemplated cutting out a rectangle about 1" deep and making a pan to weld back into the firewall to give me the extra space I need for the distributor and just set the motor back. I really don't want to take to the "hammer" method. That is why I was asking if anyone knew about the mount issue. Thanks for the reply, I will have to look into it.

Carl

[MrQuick]

Big block Carl? sorry, not famillar with your build. You would have to be very talented to get V8 engine mounts on 6 Cyl frame stands.

[IMPALA MAN]

1st gen or 2nd gen?
Either way, you may want to read these links.

http://www.nastyz28.com/2gcog/motmount.html

http://www.camaros.org/engine.shtml#EngineMounting

http://www.camarosource.ca/faqs/1st_gen/answers/2/

With all of the combinations, you have a higher chance of getting it wrong than right.

Hope this helps.

[minendrews68]

Guy's I'm sorry, trying to put a small block in a '68 Camaro with 4 speed. Thanks for the replies.

Carl

[Rod]

you have to give up on the Dizzy, an HEI will not fit a 1st gen if the engine is in the correct location

[minendrews68]

I have the correct mounts, they are in the correct position on the sub frame, but my problems still persist. The header tube still hits my Pittman arm and yes, the distributor still hits the firewall. I could move the mounts forward (to the other set of holes in the frame) but the header problem won't let it. This would solve my distributor problem. I have contacted Hooker headers and their person asked me to send pictures of what's going on and would probably ask me to send the left side header back to them for replacement. I've sent pictures already now I'm waiting for his reply.
I will let everyone know how it turns out..

Carl

[MrQuick]

Those Hooker headers suck on a small blocks...I'd sell them and get yourself a set of Dynatechs. They fit much better.


You gonna have to work the firewall to fit the HEI too. Spend the money on an MDS billet. No fitment issues at all.

[minendrews68]

I agree So, anyone want to buy a Pro Billet HEI MSD distributor? :twothumbs

Carl

[minendrews68]

Well Hooker Headers has asked me to send in the header in question and told me that if it was indeed bent wrong they would replace it. Not bad for a company. We'll see what happens.
I'll keep everyone informed.

Thanks to everyone...

Carl

[minendrews68]

Just sent my header back to Hooker to day, I talked with their service dept. today also. He's going to let me know .....and I will let everyone else know what happens.

[minendrews68]

Well heard back from Hooker Friday. They said that their tech put the header back into the welding jig and everything was OK. I then asked if he had a idea why my headers were hitting the steering arm when everything else was in it's right place. (motor to frame mounts etc.) He said he didn't know what was wrong, but if I needed to do some adjusting, to get a big hammer and block of wood and try tapping a "dent" in the place that was hitting. I then asked if, since they had the header in a fixture, would they put a relief in the header. That answer as most of you have guessed was NO. They're sending it back with the same problems I sent it to them with. Go figure...

carl

[minendrews68]

I did a little research on the internet from different forums. It seems that Hooker has had problems with the left side header hitting the steering box for some years now. I went to the following and there were several threads dating back some time about this problem. Seems like Hooker would at least fix their jig to fix this problem. I've got another email into them with what I've found, bet they don't care though... here's some of the forums I've read about the problem in..

Camaroforums.com
Protouring.com
Camaros.net
Nastyz28.com
LS1tech.com
Camaros.org

So yes, even though they sent mine back saying it fit their fixture, I think it's time to reevaluate the fixture..

Carl