Taller Motor Mounts for 327

[John Farwell]

Does anyone know where I can get some taller motor mounts for a sm block 327? What happened is this. I'm doing a frame off restoration of a 63/327/360hp and had to replace the left had motor mount and damage to the frame. Now the frame is 99.99% done and looking really good!! When the motor mount on the frame was welded in place it was not put in its correct position. When I go to drop the engine in, with the engine mounts in place, I'm about 1/2 inch to short on one side or 1/4 inch on both. It's almost like the frame mount doesn't reach the motor mount. Now someone suggested getting some taller mounts..anyone ever run accross this? Someone also suggested I shim it on each side with washers. I know I don't want to stretch the rubber and I definetly don't want to start cutting and re-welding if I can help it. I've heard that the mounts that come on the engine for bolting to the frame are NOT all the same. Sometimes there are deviations with the different mfgs.

If anyone has run across engine mounts that are larger than normal, I'd be interested in where they ordered them from. I'm trying to avoid ordering 5-6 different sets from different places.

[Joe L.]

Re: Taller Motor Mounts for 327

John-----

While all the motor mounts on the market for a 63-82 Corvette might not be of exactly the same configuration, I'm VERY confident that they are all DIMENSIONALLY the same. So, I don't think that you will gain anything by using a different brand motor mount.

Also, I would not recommend shimming or otherwise trying to "adjust" the motor mount. The correct positioning of the engine in the chassis is critical to many other things and, personally, I wouldn't think of changing it.

The first thing that I'd recommend is ensuring that the motor mount is fully seated in the frame bracket. This MIGHT be the only problem. If that's the case, just do whatever is necessary to seat it. If the motor mount bracket is, indeed, positioned incorrectly as a result of the frame repair, then I'd recommend having it repaired correctly. You really don't want to "mickey mouse" something like this.

[John Farwell]

Re: Taller Motor Mounts for 327

Joe---thanks for your opinion..It's highly respected. I've heard from another source thats been doing corvette engine work for a number of years---there are taller ones out there that make the engine sit 1/4-3/4 inches higher--he just can't remember where they came from. Dimensionally they are the same, same hole position for bolting up to the motor however, he has seen them with longer tabs which makes the engine a little higher when aligning up with the frame mounts. I'm trying to avoid cutting and re-welding but this may be my only choice. Then again...if the engine sits a little higher, like 1/2 inch, will I have a problem with the hood shutting with the FI unit on it? Hmmmm I see your point, but still curious if anyone has seen taller mounts.

[Joe L.]

Re: Taller Motor Mounts for 327

John------

SOME of the other potential problems that could be caused by change of the engine position:

1) fan hitting the fan shroud

2) shifter linkage out of position

3) clutch cross shaft misalignment

4) driveshaft misalignment

5) clutch pedal push rod misalignment

6) accelerator linkage misalignment

7) etcetera

Most of the above can be "overcome" by making other adjustments and/or modifications. But, where does it all stop and what do you have when you've finally "chased down" and corrected each one?

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: Taller Motor Mounts for 327

--------If the motor mount alone is slightly low(1/4 inch,maybe a little more)and all other points are close to correct,you could possibly use a couple of big-block air condition motor mount spacers.They are available at Long Island Corvette and maybe other vendors as well.
--------Remember to get longer bolts to compensate for the extra thickness.
--------Also remember that as you add these shims you also push the motor mount slightly towards the outside of the car.This tends to make the motor mount bolts all that much harder to get lined up.
--------Id stress that this is not a cure all for bad work in a good restoration.Would you sell this car with this kind of repair?Would you buy it if you spotted it before the check was written?Would you sue the guy you bought it from if he wouldnt give you your money back?All questions to ponder.
--------I know fixing it correctly will be a big pain-in-axx but it wont be right until you do.
--------My quick repair is meant more for drivers and twisted up race cars.Stuff like that!.............Bill S

[Lonnie Johnson]

Re: Taller Motor Mounts for 327

John,
Joe is correct. Any moves you make, other than fixing the original problem of a mis-mounted motor mount is in a compensating direction, and you will end up kicking yourself for the duration. Since you seem to indicate that you know the motor mount is incorrectly mounted on the frame, I would encourage you, as others have, to bite the bullet and fix it right now for more happiness in the future. I had a situation with something similar to this and had hood clearance problems continually.

[Mike McKown]

Re: Taller Motor Mounts for 327

I agree with everything everyone else has said. If you persist, 396 mounts for a '70 Nova might fix your problem. That's the rubber insulator that bolts to the engine and falls down over the frame mount. They are thicker and will make up just about the difference you need. If you can't get the hood shut or your fan rubs the shroud, got back and see your frame man.

Mike

PS NAPA and Pep Boys may tell you they are the same mount. Believe me, they are not.