Odd question: Engine "alignment"?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 10, 2010 | 01:46 PM

AZhitman

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 274

Likes: 7

From: Surprise AZ

Odd question: Engine "alignment"?

I just installed headers / X-pipe / catback on C5. No issues, relatively straightforward install, and actually much simpler than some other cars I've worked on.

Afterwards, it appears the P side header is closer to the frame rail than the D side (resulting in the O2 sensor touching the frame).

During install, I loosened the motor mount bolt (on each side, separately) and raised the engine 1-2" in order to wiggle out the manifolds and squeeze in in the new headers.

At the risk of appearing a complete moron, here's my question:

Given the design of the C5 motor mounts, which I'm unfamiliar with, can the engine itself be "misaligned" in relation to the frame rails? Or do I just have an oddball header?

Last edited by AZhitman; Sep 10, 2010 at 03:28 PM. Reason: ...typing with boxing gloves...

Sep 10, 2010 | 02:14 PM

vettekidc5

Pro

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 619

Likes: 1

From: ATLANTA GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZhitman

I just installed headers / X-pipe / catback on C5. No issues, relatively straightforward install, and actually much simpler than some other cars I've worked on.

Afterwards, it appears the P side header is closer to the frame rail than the D side (resulting in the O2 sensor touching the frame).

During install, I loosened the motor mount bolt (on each side, separately) and raised the engine 1-2" in order to wiggle out the manifolkds and squeeze in in the new headers.

At the risk of appearing a complete moron, here's my question:

Given the design of the C5 motor mounts, which I'm unfamiliar with, can the engine itself be "misaligned" in relation to the frame rails? Or do I just have an oddball header?

make sure the engiine mount is completely flat against the mounting bracket and frame with a flash light. There IS an alignment pin on both sides of the mount

Sep 10, 2010 | 03:16 PM

Eric D

Tech Contributor

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 2,843

Likes: 16

From: Howell Michigan

St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettekidc5

make sure the engiine mount is completely flat against the mounting bracket and frame with a flash light. There IS an alignment pin on both sides of the mount

It is easy to miss the pin thinking you are fully on the mount and may not be. No, there is no engine alignment process. The whole powertrain including the engine, torque tube, trans, and diff are held by three mounts.

Sep 10, 2010 | 03:21 PM

AZhitman

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 274

Likes: 7

From: Surprise AZ

OK, so theoretically, I *could* have tightened the mount bolts down with the engine "misaligned" in the cradle, resulting in the engine sitting a bit more to one side, correct?

Sep 10, 2010 | 03:24 PM

Eric D

Tech Contributor

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 2,843

Likes: 16

From: Howell Michigan

St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZhitman

OK, so theoretically, I *could* have tightened the mount bolts down with the engine "misaligned" in the cradle, resulting in the engine sitting a bit more to one side, correct?

I would be looking at the driver's side mount to see if the mount is in full contact with the cradle. That would leave the driver's side set a little higher than the passanger side. If that is not the case than you may just have a fitment issue.

Sep 10, 2010 | 03:25 PM

Bill Curlee

Tech Contributor

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 32,910

Likes: 2,402

From: Anthony TX

CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet

St. Jude Donor '08

Theres some clearance around the hole on the engine mount bracket. If it were me,, I would loosen up the bolt on BOTH motor mounts and nudge the engine over toward the drivers side and re-tighten the bolts. See if that will give you the correct clearance. It wont be much but it will help a little..

BC