First Gen engine mount adapters

[streetk14]

Hey guys….been out of the loop for a while. What are the best options these days for engine mount adapters to put an LS3 into a 68 Firebird? The plan is to use a TKX transmission if that matters.

[dhutton]

Holley.

[streetk14]

I was looking at Holley, but found they don’t offer anything to work with a TKX. I did see that they have a complete setup that’s supposed to work with a T56 Magnum without any tunnel mods, so maybe I’ll go that direction instead. The gearing is a little nicer on the Magnum vs the TKX.

[ilikeike]

I'd definitely mod the tunnel if you're going with a T56, it's not worth cutting that corner to save time.

You'll just end up limiting yourself trying to get the best driveline angle, especially if your car is low with the rear end tuck up under the car.

my buddies 68 firebird with T56 no tunnel mod sits too high in the back due to a stock tunnel and limited space above the T56.

Even with a TKO on My 68 Camaro the trans vent is right on the tunnel. my car is pretty low and I just barely got a good working driveline angle,
I wish I would have just modded the tunnel anyway, even with the TKO.

[streetk14]

Interesting. Holley claims their kit has the recommended 3-3.5 degrees of angle . The car has 3” drop DSE leafs on it, and it actually might be lower than I’d like. I know the 6 speeds are tight on these cars, but I don’t think the driveline angle will be an issue at my ride height. At least I hope not, haha.

The TKX is supposed to be smaller than the TKO, which is why I was leaning that way. I’m sure I can find a crossmember that’ll work with it and the Holley engine mounts.

Decisions, decisions. I really don’t need the extra gear of the 6 speed if there are going to be complications. I’d rather not cut up the tunnel if possible.

[streetk14]

Oops… double post

[Chevy Kid]

No tunnel mods needed with Holley in a first gen. My only suggestion would be to cut a big enough shifter hole to enable the shifter to be removed from the inside. Otherwise you will be lowering the trans down to remove it.

Exhaust is tucked up and fits nicely.

[Jk918]

Plenty of crossmember choices that should work with TKX, its lighter, smaller and cheaper than T56 if it fits your needs

[streetk14]

I should maybe start another thread for this, as we’re heading more towards a transmission discussion. On that note, I’m also trying to figure out the best option for clutch hydraulics. ATS (no longer in business) used to sell a nice bolt in clutch master setup that used a 4th Gen Camaro slave cylinder, which made for a very easy and reliable install with a T56. I’m guessing this same setup would work with a Magnum, but not the TKX.

Any suggestions on hydraulics with the Magnum or TKX?

[TANKMASTERJ]

I should maybe start another thread for this, as we’re heading more towards a transmission discussion. On that note, I’m also trying to figure out the best option for clutch hydraulics. ATS (no longer in business) used to sell a nice bolt in clutch master setup that used a 4th Gen Camaro slave cylinder, which made for a very easy and reliable install with a T56. I’m guessing this same setup would work with a Magnum, but not the TKX.

Any suggestions on hydraulics with the Magnum or TKX?

I bought it my T56 from schwartz performance. Dale was great to work with and super knowledgeable. I purchased it by with a Bowler transmission clutch conversion kit. Had everything needed in box. Bracket, hydraulic slave, fittings etc. Indie nkt like fully the location of the hole in the bracket. It had my clutch slave push rod rubbing the firewall. So I sliced the bracket, moved the lower half over towards the passenger side 1/2" and took about 3/8" out to move hole up the firewall. Now it is center in the firewall factory hole. It still looks the same as purchased just moved alittle for my situation is
Jason
Jason's 67 Pro touring Camaro build thread