Need a lot of help with engine mounting.

[Rileys68Camaro]

I've got intallation issues in my 68 Camaro that I just can't figure out. Both engine and transmission.

First, the motor is tilted back, it seems to me but I don't know how to measure it. I knew it had the wrong trans cross member so I bought a G-Force member for the '87 Firebird 700R-4. It measures right, and will center the trans left to right but the bolt holes don't line up front to rear, the cross member needs to be moved forward an inch or so.

So, looking at the engine mounts, the rear of the engine frame bracket hang off the subframe by an inch on the rear.

So, now I'm questioning the engine mounts, whether they are correct?

My biggest indicator is the MSD billet distributor, which is quite small compared to an HEI, it within half an inch of hitting the fire wall.

How do I measure to figure out if my engine is located correctly? Is there a way to make sure it's not tilted to far back for certain?



I'm running this motor
http://gilbertautoparts.com/ChevySmallBlockV8s/300.cfm

Do I need special mounts or should the standard Gen I mounts work?

Anyone know how I should refer to this motor so I get correct parts in the future? Like manifold and such?

[Rileys68Camaro]

I realize this is very basic knowledge, but I can't get it to work.

This seems to be a very common swap, and I've researched before I got the engine and transmission but the mechanics screwed so much up, I can't tell if it's the correct parts or not. I'm fairly certain I ordered the correct mounts, but that was years ago.

I provided them the info and specs on the transmission mount and the article with instructions but they screwed that up.

[1969CamaroRS]

I can feel your pain, I'm doing a big block swap and its been hard going, seems like nothing fits.

Sounds like to me perhaps your trans cross-member is letting the transmission sit too low, I might double check that.

[Rileys68Camaro]

I hope not, I spent $250 for a custom model from GForce/crossmembers.com. Now it just seems the motor is too far back, but it much more level now.

The old cross member did for sure, as it was bolted to the underside of the sub frame through new holes. That was the shops doing.

[1BADRS]

I can feel your pain, I'm doing a big block swap and its been hard going, seems like nothing fits.

Sounds like to me perhaps your trans cross-member is letting the transmission sit too low, I might double check that.

If I remember correctly swapping a small block to a big block on a first gen, use your orignal engine stands, but use the correct motor mounts. It should fit right in if I recall correctly.

[1BADRS]

I hope not, I spent $250 for a custom model from GForce/crossmembers.com. Now it just seems the motor is too far back, but it much more level now.

The old cross member did for sure, as it was bolted to the underside of the sub frame through new holes. That was the shops doing.

Thomas,
You should be able to use your stock cross member with the 700r
with the position moved slightly back. IE, the holes may need to be re drilled.

[Rileys68Camaro]

I didn't have a cross member, as the car was minus everything but body and suspension/sub frame when I got it.

It was a 327/Powerglide car, but didn't have a cross member so I supplied a TH400 cross member that the shop didn't use and the one they did, didn't fit correctly. Thus the new, custom cross member.

I think it would fit, but I think the motor mounts or frame stands are incorrect, but I don't want to buy new parts to find out they're the same as I have now.

Thanks all!

[Vegas69]

There are left and right frame stands. You can shim the transmission up with a spacer between the mount and tranny. If I read it right you bought a crossmember for a 87 Iroc when you need one for a camaro.

[Rileys68Camaro]

Nope, the cross member is for installing a 700r4 into a 1968 Camaro, using the factory sub frame holes.

The transmission is from, a 1987 Firebird out of a salvage yard. The transmission was bought that way primarily for a fitting and getting the drive shaft length correct. Plans were to rebuild or buy a new one as funds allow.

I guess that the 700r4 could be an odd ball version?

[2yellow69]

When I switched from a small block/powerglide to a big block/5 speed I installed the big block frame stands backwards. That put the engine to far forward. The first gen cars did not have the option of HEI; the firewall makes installing an HEI very tight. There are 3 different types of frame stands for these cars. 307,302/350, and big block(if I remember correctly). Make sure you have the right ones. I'm sure there are some people here that can supply you with the correct part #'s. If you have the wrong ones you will have all sorts of fitment problems(ask me how I know). The correct mounts will change engine height(which will affect engine tilt) and side to side position. They might also change for and aft fitment but I'm not sure. If I think of anything else I'll let you know.

Matt