How long can I have the shock tower braces out?

[88 Fox GT]

When doing my engine swap, how long can I have the shock tower braces out before the car starts to flex and such? I know I'm going to be doing some mocking up and stuff for the EFI and will probably have to remove them time to time if not for an extended period of time and I don't want the body flexing on me. So, anyone know how long I can go for without any flex?

 

[Ozsum2]

Since you will have the motor out, most of the weight will be gone so sagging won't be a factor.

 

[88 Fox GT]

I'm talking about with the engine in. I will need to figure out if the braces I am ordering will clear the Trick Flow intake. I guess I could always take off the upper intake so the engine will fit in the bay without hitting the tower braces.

 

[Ozsum2]

Since that is the case, for some insurance, put a jack under the cross mount under the oil pan. This will keep anything from settling. You would probably be ok with out doing this, since the car isn't encountering any sudden jarring from the road. But no need to risk it.

 

[Mosse]

If you don´t drive it hard on bumps, I think you should be fine for a while. Those non-exportbrace type supports aren´t so strong either, so difference isn´t really a lot.

 

[Ozsum2]

If you don´t drive it hard on bumps, I think you should be fine for a while. Those non-exportbrace type supports aren´t so strong either, so difference isn´t really a lot.

They aren't so strong, but needed if the car is to be driven. My answer was rferring to the car being supported in the garage, not driven on the road.

 

[mustangdave]

Another option is to cut a 2 x 4 piece of wood to length and wedge it in towrd the front of the engine compartment.