Tansmission/engine alignment problem.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 5
From: South Dakota
Tansmission/engine alignment problem.
On my '69, I am upgrading to a 700R transmission. Now that I have the engine and trans in place with all the mount bolts inserted, but not tightened, the rear of my transmission (the knuckles) seem to be too close to the driver's side of the tunnel. Nothing else is installed yet (exhaust, pumps, etc.) I can shift it over a bit, but it wants to move back to that position. I have tried to reposition the engine mounts and have taken the bolt out of the trans mount to see if that was holding it in place. The only thing I can think of is the new poly engine mounts might be "off" a bit. I had planed on switching the two engine mounts from right to left to see if that makes a difference.
Has anyone run into this problem before?
Has anyone run into this problem before?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
roger that buddy.....just enough space to get your finger knuckle up there....i seem to remeber elongating one of the trans mount holes for better alignment of the cross member....been like that for several years with no issue.. let me get some pics
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
i had the same problem. turns out the frame is just a bit out of straight due to 40 years of use. i had to have a helper push the trans nose to one side to get the mounting bolts started. runs true and vibration free now.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 5
From: South Dakota
I would rather get it true without placing the stress on the mounts. I don't believe I have a frame issue unless it came from the factory that way. This car has been in dry storage for 25 years. I would like the trans/engine to sit in place naturally.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
When I restored my '69 I found that the right side Eng. mount horn was approx. 1" rearward of where it should have been so I took accurate measurements of the frame from all reference points, thinking the frame was bent, and the frame checked out to be perfectly true.
The horn must have been welded in an improper location from the factory is the only conclusion I could reach at that point.
I removed the horn and placed it in a position where the drive train was parallel to the frame rails and welded it.
All has been good now for approx 15,000 miles.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
Ditto on the 'fit' problems with the 700R4. In my case, there is just enough clearance to assure no rubbing/impact from the drivetrain.
You might follow the suggestions above (pry the tranny as far to the left as possible, then tighten the rear mount bolts...the ones going to the transmission AND the ones on the rubber mounts), THEN loosen the engine mount bolts to see if it will shift a bit to your advantage.
If you get it all tightened up and there is any clearance at all, it should be fine. All of the drivetrain components are mounted to the frame, so there shouldn't be any movement/shifting afterwards. {At least, I've not had any.}
You might follow the suggestions above (pry the tranny as far to the left as possible, then tighten the rear mount bolts...the ones going to the transmission AND the ones on the rubber mounts), THEN loosen the engine mount bolts to see if it will shift a bit to your advantage.
If you get it all tightened up and there is any clearance at all, it should be fine. All of the drivetrain components are mounted to the frame, so there shouldn't be any movement/shifting afterwards. {At least, I've not had any.}
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 5
From: South Dakota
I misspoke. It is closer to the passenger side.
Last edited by builder; Sep 12, 2011 at 08:33 AM. Reason: To correct the facts.
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan