56 firewall/engine clearance

[Steve Junkersfeld]

Hi, With the body back on my 56 chassis, I was checking evrything over carefully when I noticed the clearance (or lack of it) between the vertical ignition shields and the seam that runs laterally across the middle of the firewall. The passenger's side shield has about 1/4 inch of clearance - but the driver's side shield just barely touches that seam. I can trim the seam a little, since it's about an inch deep - or I can try to reposition the engine a little bit more forward. Before I tackle the problem, I'd like to know about how much clearance to expect - I can't find any photos that give a clear enough perspective to determine. As always, thanks for all the invaluable help I've received here. Steve

[Mike M.]

Re: 56 firewall/engine clearance

Don't modify seam. try moving engine/trans ass. foreward. if you can't get adequate clearance(1/4" or more), then check frame for prior damage that resulted in left frame rail being driven back. another possibility is bent engine mounts.hope thats not the case for your sake.P.S. if body off frame recently, malpositioning body on frame a possibility

[Steve Junkersfeld]

Re: 56 firewall/engine clearance

Mike, Thanks for the info. The body was off the frame for a complete restoration. The frame is straight and the motor mounts are good. I think that there is enough wiggle room in the engine mounts to reposition the engine a little forward. From what you indicate, 1/4 inch will be sufficient? Thanks Steve

[Mike M.]

Re: 56 firewall/engine clearance

Steve: years ago(40+) when i was a young buck building hot rods (they call em street rods today but our products were definitly hotter) an old timer told me we'd need at least 1/2" clearance when stuffing a 331 caddy in a 49 chev. that may be necessary for a backyard production that was orchestrated in 61 and may hold true for today's jerry-rigging. but i checked the clearance between ign shielding and firewall on about 4 of my c-1's and a 1/4" seems to be the norm. good luck, mike

[roy braatz]

Re: 56 firewall/engine clearance

Loosen the rear trans mount first

[Dennis C.]

Re: 56 firewall/engine clearance

A little "adjusting" of the plug wire/shielding mounting brackets can often help you pick up a little room.

[James F.]

Re: 56 firewall/engine clearance

Steve,
I checked mine. The passenger side has about 3/16" clearance while the drivers side has about 7/16". Body's been off mine, so who knows! I think I'd first try relocating the engine a little, also the body a little if necessary (it isn't that hard a one time do) Regards,