I installed the motor and 4-speed into the frame today and it seems to be tilted towards the rear. I cant imagine the motor being to high, any lower and the headers (TA shorties) would be touching the frame. So I figure the trans is too low. In order to make it level the trans needs to be about 1-7/8 . I couldnt find a trans mount listed for a 400 only a 350 so thats what I went with, could there be a difference? The mounts are AutoStar (Supplied by Anchor Industries). Motor mount part numbers are 2291 and the trans mount is 2378. Thanks in advance Matt
Is photo # 1 in the final position? Or is the floor jack still holding it up? What you need to worry about is whether the trans output shaft and the rear end input shaft are at the same angles. To simplify, if the trans is pointing down towards the rear at a greater angle than the rear end is pointing upwards, you will have universal joint problems. There is a margin of safety as the suspension goes through it's travel, so it can vary a few degrees up and down, but you should strive to have the same angles at rest. John C After thinking a little more, the angles won't change as the suspension travels up and down. Make sure they match or the u-joints will bind.
John, The first photo is with the jack lifting it level. Here is a picture of it mounted to the cross member. The rear end seems to be pretty level compaired to the tranny. Have a look. Matt
In the service manual, there should be information on the angle of the driveshaft. At least there is in my '68 manual. How about posting a picture of the shift linkage side for me. I'm preparing to do a conversion to 4-speed and am trying to gather as much info as possible. Thanks. By the way, what you've done so far looks awesome!!
I have noticed that alot of the motors I see are tilted back, just figured they did something wrong too. Even if thats the way its supposed to be I think it doesn't look right. Any thoughts on how to make it level? I'll check my book for driveshaft angle. As far as the linkage I havent connected any of it yet but I will post some pics when I do. What have I done so far? Heck what havent I done! The body should meet the frame Friday and I hope to have it back in the garage in about a week. Matt
Engine slope Matt, From what I have seen & read.... you want the engine to slope back. On the average about 3 degrees. If you look at the top plane of your intake manifold you should see that it is pitch to allow for the engine angle, this will also allow for the carb to sit level at ride height. You will also need to check the pinion angle.... but this should be done after the car is back together at ride height. Hope this helps. Tom :TU:
Tom, never noticed that but your right, the manifold does slope up and with everything bolted up the top of the carb is pretty much level. OOPS....never mind. Thanks for all the help Matt
Yes, I should have thought about the intake manifold too. It's been a while since I've had a car that far apart. Anyway, you're on the right track. :TU: John C
