Engine and tranny mount

[Shua57]

Removed my frame horns recently now it is getting time to decide on mounts. I was thinking of this kit from TCI

http://www.totalcostinvolved.com/productdet.cfm?prodID=977

Any thoughts or comments? I haven't decided on the engine yet. I keep changing between SB and BB. Either way I can use this kit.
Josh

[hotrod55]

You really need to decide on what engine you will go with,then decide stock location or moving it forward. The kit you mention is two different kits the SBC kit moves the engine forward 3/4" and the BBC kit moves the engine forward 1 1/4". I have spent the last 6-8 months deciding on my BBC install in my 55 2DR sedan.The SBC is much easier,less headaches and less expensive.The BBC in the stock location requires modifications to the firewall.If you move the BBC forward then you have issues with the center link,valve cover and power brake booster, radiator core support, oil pan,headers not to mention rack and pinion.The big decision was engine and location. My advise is to decide SBC or BBC find someone with that set up and ask them what they used. I don't like wasting time and money to find out it didn't work out, research as much as possible. The guys on this site have been very helpful for me.Hope this helps

[Shua57]

SBC, that is what I will use. After considering the use of the vehicle, driver, it makes more since to go with a small block. I have run upon a couple of BBC's and was playing with the thought, but it wouldn't be practicle driving 100 miles a day back and forth from work. Now, has anyone used this kit or any piece of this kit? See, I can make decisions under pressure.:D
Josh

Oh, tranny will probably be a 4L60.

[Shua57]

Also, anyone use the Polyurethane transmission and motor mounts. Jumped o CPP's web site and it seems like they have a crossmember that allows more exhaust clearance
http://www.classicperform.com/Store/1955_1970_Fullsize_Cars/CP90044.htm
Seems though, I would have ground clearance problems.
There is also this one
http://www.classicperform.com/Store/1955_1970_Fullsize_Cars/5557TTX.htm
which has more ground clearance. If you haven't noticed I want a tubular crossmember. Any suggestion? Or which ones have you guys used? Also I am wanting to use the 3/4" foward side motor mounts.
Josh

[acardon]

I don't understand the "ground clearance" problem. The transmission mount has to be at the same height (to maintain the correct driveline angle) with any crossmember you use. If it has more curve, it will have to be mounted heigher on the frame. The more curve, the more exhaust clearance.
Also, I don't think the Total Cost kit includes all the parts pictures.

[210bob]

You might want to take a look at the side mount kit from Danchuk that moves the engine forward about 3/4" to allow clearance for HEI distributor. I used the weld in kit p/n 12184. I also used their tubular trans cross member for my trans install - their p/n 12198.
This was for installation of a 355 cu in SBC and a Muncie M-20 4 speed and all went together beautiflully!
That trans crossmember also works for TH-350, 700 R4, 400 etc.
Good Luck
210Bob:tu

[wraplock]

There was an article a while back in one of the tri-five magazines that told about the use of first generation Camaro trans crossmembers for the 55-57 chevys. In fact when I asked a few of the parts dealers about this they said thats the unit they sell for the tri-fives. I got mine from C&P in Pa.

Don

[Shua57]

Though I would just see what would be involved in creating my own crossmember. So, I drew up a couple and here they are
http://www.trifive.com/photopostgallery/data/512/tn_CROSSMEMBER.jpg

The one on top would mount lower for pipe clearance and would not go below the frame rails and you can run duals above it. It could be a straight tube or you could add your own customizing to it and do some horizontal bends. You could also make it universal by making the bracket that bolts/welds to the frame run longer horizontal on the frame rails with bolt locations for different trannies, which I have that information - from 350's to 4l80e's.
The bottom one has a 3" drop in the middle. It would mount to the frame rails closer to the top so that you would maintain a decent ground clearance. You could also add brackets similar to the ones above and make it universal as well.
I also thought of one that would be similar to the ones above but on either side of the trans. it would have 1/2" thick plate arches to allow for dual exhaust. So the crossmember would start from one side of the frame go over the exhaust then under the tranny then over the other exhaust then tie into the other side of the frame.

Anyone know how far the body sits off the top of the frame rail?
Josh

[keith]

Some good info back on this thread.
http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7199&highlight=engine+mount

This is the kit I used.
http://www.jimmeyerracing.com/tri-5_motor_mount_crossmember.html

[grandmas55]

In my '55 Del Ray I'm using Danchuk bolt-in side mounts and a '79 Camaro crossmember, with stock rubber mounts. Works well, no vibration. I bought some angle iron to bolt in the rear crossmember from a place that sells steel. Danchuk sells the same thing but you can save by cutting and drilling your own. Mark