Frame dimensions difference
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: California
Frame dimensions difference
Is there a difference in dimensions between a 1964 frame and a 1966 or a 1967? Reason: I've installed a 454 c.i. bb in my 1964 corvette and I have about 1" clearance between the harmonic balancer and the front crossmember. I would think there would be more. Solution: An underdrive pulley system with dampner pulley combination. Input is welcomed. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
Is there a difference in dimensions between a 1964 frame and a 1966 or a 1967? Reason: I've installed a 454 c.i. bb in my 1964 corvette and I have about 1" clearance between the harmonic balancer and the front crossmember. I would think there would be more. Solution: An underdrive pulley system with dampner pulley combination. Input is welcomed. Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 10
From: california
holy cows, just a thought, but i worked on tons of C3s. they must have that same notch in the frame. i never noticed or looked. but they must have (they also came with big blocks). all the C2s and C3s were the same...
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,683
Likes: 3,680
From: Central Arkansas
1965 was also the first year the rear kickup rails got the indentations for disc brake caliper clearance (I think only a concern if the spring breaks). I think 65 was also when the triangle reinforcements at the rear of the main frame rails appeared - but I'm not 100% sure on that. I think dimensionally however, the major dimensions of the frame are unchanged.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: California
Frame Dimensions response
Thank you for your replys - very helpful. I was not aware of the notch, and yes the engine does set off center slightly. Short of posting a picture of the notch, can you give me an idea of the dimensions and placement of the notch? And if doable, will I loose frame integrity if I attempt to do have it done? Other application would be an entire pulley system made to fit which I would rather not do. FYI, I re-enforced the front end with HV springs, converted to front disc brakes, and HV shocks. Thank you again. 
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,680
Likes: 68
From: Towanda KS
If you can find a donor crossmember, you can section out the notch area and weld in the notched piece with no loss of frame strength.
In my opinion, if you have an inch of clearance now, that is enough. The engine should not move that much. Run it for awhile and see if you have a problem before you pull it out again.
tc
In my opinion, if you have an inch of clearance now, that is enough. The engine should not move that much. Run it for awhile and see if you have a problem before you pull it out again.
tc
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
Thank you for your replys - very helpful. I was not aware of the notch, and yes the engine does set off center slightly. Short of posting a picture of the notch, can you give me an idea of the dimensions and placement of the notch? And if doable, will I loose frame integrity if I attempt to do have it done? Other application would be an entire pulley system made to fit which I would rather not do. FYI, I re-enforced the front end with HV springs, converted to front disc brakes, and HV shocks. Thank you again.
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Concord North Carolina
Need help- Trying to build a temporary frame for my 1964 corvette after it is removed from the chasssis. What and where is the best place to find dimensions to construct this temporary frame. Thanks
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 381
From: Strongsville, OH
2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
http://lbfun.com/Corvette/Tech/vettetech.html Look in the Tech Section at Body and Frame for Body Dolly.
Dave
Last edited by dkleather; Dec 23, 2012 at 11:14 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,317
Likes: 291
From: Ocala FL
Is there a difference in dimensions between a 1964 frame and a 1966 or a 1967? Reason: I've installed a 454 c.i. bb in my 1964 corvette and I have about 1" clearance between the harmonic balancer and the front crossmember. I would think there would be more. Solution: An underdrive pulley system with dampner pulley combination. Input is welcomed. Thanks.
The issue they did have was typically there wasn't enough room to change belts, unless you removed the two lower bolts in the pulley to let it swing upward.
Once underdrive pulleys came into common use, the belt issue was solved.
If you are running hot from the underdrive pulley, then change to a smaller pulley on the water pump.
If you are having charging issues, use a smaller pulley on the alternator.
Cutting and welding the frame is a bit of work, and once you do it, the frame is permanently marked.
These pictures show the notch in a '68 frame. If the notch wasn't there, the pulley would clear by about 3/8 inch.
