'72 LS-5 w/ A/C engine mount question

[Tom L.]

I'm getting ready to put in one of those tipped fans in my car and want to make sure the engine is at the correct height before I knock the tips off. The engine in the car seems a bit low, something I noticed a while back when changing the belts on the car. When trying to get the belts onto the crank pulley I need to use force to slip the belt between the cross member and the pulley. Once installed, the belt as it travels to the P/S pump on the drivers side of the engie is very close to the crossmember, probably not more than 1/16". There is one of those "V" shims under each mount.

My qustions are, should the engine be that low under any normal circumstances?? Are there engine mounts that are thinner than originals? The previous owner replaced the mounts, they are not that old. Thanks for any help!!

[Edward J.]

Re: '72 LS-5 w/ A/C engine mount question

Lynn, even with my 72 small block the p/strg. pulley is very close to the frame. and is just enough room to slip the belt on. I think the main thing is look closely at the centering of the fan in the shroud, keep in mind that when the car is on accelerating the engine tends to pick-up slightly due to the engine torque. clearance should be more to the top. The fan shrould can be adjusted slightly if all bolts are loosened.

[Dick W.]

Re: '72 LS-5 w/ A/C engine mount question

Are the shims under the motor mounts??

[Tom L.]

Re: '72 LS-5 w/ A/C engine mount question

Ed, the way it looks to start there will be more clearence on top. I'll post a pic once it's in and get an opinion.

Dick, the shims are between the mounts and the block, not sure where else they'd go.

[Dick W.]

Re: '72 LS-5 w/ A/C engine mount question

Ed, the way it looks to start there will be more clearence on top. I'll post a pic once it's in and get an opinion.

Dick, the shims are between the mounts and the block, not sure where else they'd go.

Shims are in the correct place then.

[David D.]

Re: '72 LS-5 w/ A/C engine mount question

Lynn, I think you will find the replacemant mounts are not as tall as the original factory mounts. Not many (if any) of today's replacement mounts are the correct height, usually they are about 1/4 inch lower in height than the original mounts. The difference is easy to spot, when compared side by side. Dave

[Tom L.]

Re: '72 LS-5 w/ A/C engine mount question

Dave, any way to check to see if the hieght of the repro mounts (I'm sure that's what I have) is too low? I'd be happy to add a shim if it will correct any height issues that may be caused by the possiblity of yet another poor repro part. I'm just not 100% sure how to approach this and want to protect that fan as much as possible. Thanks!

[David D.]

Re: '72 LS-5 w/ A/C engine mount question

Lynn, I don't have a lot of information on the mounts. I usually just added a 3/16"-1/4" washer or spacer, at each of the 3 bolt bosses on the block, and painted them Chevy Orange, same as the block. But, according to some old notes, the early (63-68 non-locking) GM motor mounts were 1 3/4" from the block surface to the center of the thru bolt hole, and the opening between the ears is 2 5/8" wide, where the motor mount bolt goes thru the frame. I would think the 63-82 Corvette GM motor mounts (locking or non-locking) should be the same dimensions. In another note, I have listed a GM #3990916 service replacement motor mount (a locking mount) for 1961-1968 passenger car and 63-82 Corvette , but don't remember where I got that information, so am not sure about that. Hope this helps. Dave