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Help installing engine, Mounts To Frame Bolts Won’t Align
I’m installing the big block into my frame.
I’m using the Moroso solid motor mounts, with 7/16 x 20 bolts.
I easily installed the drivers side bolt but, the holes on the passenger side between the motor mount and the frame won’t line up to allow me to install the bolt.
I temporarily removed the 7/16” bolt from the drivers side and was able to install 3/8” bolts through both motor mounts.
I read on an old post that the oem bolts had machined tips which allowed them to be pounded through the motor mounts.
Is this what I need to do?
I also found that Moroso sells shim sets in 1/16”, 1/8” and 3/16”.
Is this what I need?
In another post I read that it’s acceptable to slot the engine mount holes.
Would I slot the holes where the mounts bolt to the block?
Would a good set of locking rubber or Energy Suspension locking poly mounts be easier to align with the frame holes?
I would appreciate any help.
Last edited by OldCarBum; Feb 11, 2024 at 01:58 AM.
Can't see which way the alignment is off in the pics. So if making the mounts slightly wider will line up the holes. Then yes. Get the shim kit and shim them wider.
when I do my motor mounts. I leave the bolts into the block loose. Then get the bolts into the frame installed. Then tighten the block bolts. Then the frame bolts. But again I can't see how far your out. Sounds like just a smidge. In which case, lossen up the bolts to the block. Install the frame bolts. How big a gap do you have at the block? If minor. Pull everything tight. If major, get the shims.
yes rubber mounts give you a bit more flexibility. But that to comes with a price. Everything is a compromise.
(one of those old mechanic rules of thumb, never tighten any bolts until all of them are started).
I would also add, wait till you get that trans mount in place before tightening anything. It's a 3 point mount after all.
Last edited by 4-vettes; Feb 11, 2024 at 04:29 AM.
Have you tried jacking-up a corner of the frame? - maybe the frame isn't sitting 100% level/square on the floor - experiment perhaps by jacking up parts of frame and seeing if bolt alignment improves?
Just shim the block mounts with some washers......don't spend too much time trying to figure out why. If you can get a 3/8" bolt through both sides you are not far off......I would use shim/washers rather than elongating the hole.....no reason to slot the holes at the block.
Thanks everyone!
After sleeping on it last night I’m also going to remove the load leveling assembly and just use the lift plate bolted onto the intake.
Maybe the leveler doesn’t allow enough movement.
I’ll also loosen the block bolts and see if it all lines up.
It is just barely off, so if this doesn’t work I’ll just add some grade 8 washers.
I’ll give feed back later today.
Kristine just made me a latte and I’m going to enjoy it before I head out into the garage.
Thanks again!
It’s in!!!
I swapped out the load leveler and used the plate on the intake, which allowed more movement of the engine all around.
I also loosened the solid engine mounts on the block and found that with all the bolts loose the mounts would not budge, so I removed them and drilled the holes the next drill bit size, reinstalled the mounts and there was a slight amount of movement allowing them to hang away from the block.
I lowered the engine and both 7/16” bolts slid in without any problem.
I was able to move both mounts tight against the block by hand, so I snugged them up and torqued them to factory spec.
The AIM calls for 22-30 ft lbs which seems light so I went to 30.
Does the factory torque spec apply with these solid mounts or are you guys torquing them to a different spec?
Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your help!
Greg
Help installing engine, Mounts To Frame Bolts Won’t Align
