Engine Placement help

allcarfan

The Answer Man

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Oct 29, 2006

#1

• Oct 29, 2006

• #1

I have my Mustang II style front suspension welded in. However, I have run into a small problem....the motor mounts. I thought the mounts welded to the cross member. However, I realize now, that they are welded to the sides of the crossmember, and need to be trimmed to fit. So, the dilemma that I am faced with is...how HIGH should the engine be in the bay? AND, how do I measure what angle the engine should be placed at for corect driveline alignment? I have one of those composite mock-up 302 engines, but, as I said...I dont know how high to set it in there, and how to measure the correct angle to set it at.

Anyone have any ideas? or maybe take a measurement as to how high the engine should be in there?

-Shane

 

S

scottspence9

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Aug 16, 2006

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Oct 29, 2006

#2

• Oct 29, 2006

• #2

To measure the engine angle put a angle gauge on the intake that will tell you what the angle is. The angle should be the same or close to the rear end pinion angle to eliminate any vibration. As far as determining how hight the engine should be that is dependant on how close the oil pan is to the rack and how close the carb is to the hood and how close the headers will be to the floor. It would have been best to take measurements before you started but thats to late now. I would mock up the carb, intake and air cleaner and see what your hood clerance is. Hope this helps

 

allcarfan

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#3

• Oct 29, 2006

• #3

thanks.

Where can I get an angle gauge? I guess I am not worried too much about engine height since I have a 3" cowl hood and no radical intake and a drop base air cleaner

 

zookeeper

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#4

• Oct 29, 2006

• #4

If your trans mount is still in place, bolt the engine and trans to that to help locate it front-to-back. Next put the car close to ride height on both ends. It doesn't need to be exact, we're not building a nuclear reactor here, within an inch or so is fine. Now use an oridinary level (torpedo levels do nicely) and make the carb mount level both side to side and front to back. Then block up your motor and trim your mounts as needed. I've done a lot of street rod chassis and this is the simplest way to do it. As for getting the ride height close, just remember, the closer you can get it, the better, but lots of people drop their cars an inch or two with no problems, so don't get too hung up on it. Just make sure you have adequate room for exhaust, good pan clearance and check to ensure you can close the hood before finish welding anything.

 

allcarfan

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#5

• Oct 29, 2006

• #5

wouldnt that put then engine at a zero angle? Isnt it suppose to be around 3-4 degrees?

 

allcarfan

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#6

• Oct 29, 2006

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wouldnt that put then engine at a zero angle? Isnt it suppose to be around 3-4 degrees?

 

DarkoStoj

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Oct 29, 2006

#7

• Oct 29, 2006

• #7

well you want to measure your rear differential angle and angle the motor the same as whatever that number is

 

zookeeper

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#8

• Oct 29, 2006

• #8

allcarfan said:

wouldnt that put then engine at a zero angle? Isnt it suppose to be around 3-4 degrees?

Click to expand...

I'm not sure what angle you're talking about. The intake manifold should be level so the floats are accurate. Center the crank between the framerails, level the carb mounting surface and you'll be fine. Trying to match the engine to the pinion angle at this point is not as critical as you might think. Gas running out of the bowls because you mounted the engine at a bizzare angle to match the rear axle is critical. You can adjust the pinion angle later, right now you should concentrate on getting the engine in the chassis square and level.

 

reenmachine

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Jun 27, 2004

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Oct 29, 2006

#9

• Oct 29, 2006

• #9

zookeeper is right on. If you look at most intake manifolds from the side, you'll notice that the carb mounting surface is angled downwards toward the front. In fact, the angle will be 3-4 degrees -- the common engine angle. Thus, when the engine is angled downward 3-4 degrees to the rear, the carb will sit level and function properly. So, if you use an ordinary level to level the carb mounting surface, your engine will be at 3-4 degrees.

As far as engine height, simply get as low as possible. I have found that with the Heidt's kit, if I leave about 3/8" at the closest point between the small front sump of the pan and the rack, the engine will basically be at the stock height.

 

allcarfan

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Oct 30, 2006

#10

• Oct 30, 2006

• #10

Reen/Zoo....

Thanks for the clarification. As I lay in bed last night, I was wondering if the slight angle of the carb mounting surface on the intake was around 3-4 degrees.