SBC into Cutlass motor mounts...

[LWillmann]

I'm working on my '88 Cutlass, getting ready to swap my 350 SBC and 200-4R in. But while I wait for the trans to be rebuilt, I figured I would work on the front and rear suspensions, and get the frame side of the motor mounts installed.

Got the rear suspension done, and started on the passenger side of the front suspension. I get it all torn apart, and get the Oldsmobile frame mount out, and go to install the SBC mount that I bought a long time ago (clamshells that I purchased used and then installed a pair of poly mounts in) and find that I can't get the holes to line up right. So I don't have the right frame mounts.

I guess I got an older style set or something, the spacing is wrong, or something. There are 4 holes two at the top, two at the bottom, the two pairs are spaced differently though. One pair is farther apart than the other.

Can someone who has done the swap from Olds engine to SBC engine in a Cutlass help me out here by pointing me in the right direction? I need to know a year/model range for the clamshells. I was told that the steel standoffs (engine side) from a 3rd generation F-body would work, but if that's wrong, please let me know now before I go trying to drop this thing in the car.

Because of the way the motor mounts install on the k-member, I'm kinda stuck on the front suspension right now, so if someone can help me out soon, it would be great.

[TPI Monte SS]

The 3rd-gen F-body engine side mounts will work on a G-body. I think you might just be mixed up on which holes to use in the frame. When an SBC is mounted in a G-body chassis, only 3 of the 4 holes on the frame side engine mounts are used. Here's some pics -





Hope that helps you!

[LWillmann]

Assuming that the mounts I have will line up with the holes you show in these pictures, that helps a TON!

Will that still let the factory TH200-4R meet up with the transmission crossmember and the driveshaft and everything install properly?

[TPI Monte SS]

Assuming that the mounts I have will line up with the holes you show in these pictures, that helps a TON!

Will that still let the factory TH200-4R meet up with the transmission crossmember and the driveshaft and everything install properly?

Yep! My Monte originally came with a 200-4R, and they used the same X-member and shaft. You may want to upgrade to a heavier-duty shaft out of a Monte SS though; pretty sure mine is 3.5" diameter, and the low-power Cutlii, Montes, and Grand Prixes got a 2.5 or 3" shaft. Also, are you keeping the stock 7.5" rear out back, or going with the 8.5" from a 442/GN?

[LWillmann]

Keeping the 7.5" for now. It's a 3.73 posi unit from a Monte SS.

I'll hunt for a drive shaft from a Monte SS though. But for now, I'll use the one from the Cutty.

I just finished up the rear suspension, with all new rubber bushings, Trick Flow aluminum cover with main cap supports, Bilstein HD shocks, Eibach Pro-Kit springs, Suspension Techniques 1" solid (25mm) sway bar, and fresh brakes.

The front is getting similar treatment with Bilstein HD shocks, Eibach Pro-Kit springs, ST 1-3/8" (35mm) solid sway bar. Replacing some steering some steering stuff too; inner and outer tie rids, center link, idler arm.

[TPI Monte SS]

Your suspension sounds pretty similar to mine, except I'm running Edelbrock adjustable upper arms and BMR tubular lowers with greaseable polyurethane bushings out back. The Bilsteins and Eibachs are a great combination of ride/handling for a G-body, you'll be impressed once you get it back on the road! Good luck, let us know how your engine mounts line up!

[LWillmann]

Thanks for tips, I got the passenger side mount in last night. It was a pain, with that fuel line in the way, but I got it.

Now to put the new shock and spring in there and get that side buttoned back up so I can tear down the other side.

[TPI Monte SS]

Great news, glad I could help! Keep us posted and git 'er dun! [/Larry the Cable Guy]