Big engine, small car

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Jan 16, 2008 | 01:08 AM

gmg1977

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 300

Likes: 0

From: Joplin Missouri

Big engine, small car

I finally got my big block dropped in. But to my untrained eye it looks like my dampner is a little close to the cross member. Does anyone have photos of this or is it my imagination and its supposed to be that close. I will try to get a few photos posted tommarow.

Thanks

Jan 16, 2008 | 07:55 AM

Durango_Boy

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 24,125

Likes: 15

From: Columbia Missouri

How close is it? Can you get a finger between them?

Also, what was in the car before? Have a look at the drive line angle from the transmission back. If it all seems a bit high, you can shim the transmission cross member down a tiny bit and that will raise the balancer up and away from the front cross member.

Jan 16, 2008 | 09:30 AM

Aggitated Monkey

Drifting

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 1,572

Likes: 51

From: Wichita Kansas

Big blocks are longer than small blocks. The added length is from the front mount point. If your BB is sittting on the stock mount location with no mods you are OK.

Jan 16, 2008 | 10:46 AM

7T1vette

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 37,637

Likes: 3,118

From: Crossville TN

It just needs enough clearance to allow for normal movement in the motor mounts and flexing of frame. I would think you would like to see at least 1/8"....1/4" would be better.

Jan 17, 2008 | 01:25 AM

gmg1977

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 300

Likes: 0

From: Joplin Missouri

A tree fidy was in it before. I will try the drive angle thing this weekend. What is the recomended angle? I didnt know if I needed "taller" brackets in it. Ive got the BB brackets on now but my block started its life in a early 80s suburban. Didnt know if that makes a difference.

Jan 17, 2008 | 08:29 PM

RHD '68 L89

Drifting

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 1,634

Likes: 2

From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the World

My 68 BB has the same engine mounts as a SB but has 1/8th plates between the mount and the block to raise the front a little. I am 99% sure these are factory.