1954 Motor Installation Question

[John L.]

I am in the process of installing the engine block in the frame of my 1954. Although I am not finished with tightening up the motor mounts, and the engine weight is still suspended from the lift, it seems that the unsupported weight at the rear of the engine will tilt tilt down in the back. Should I block the rear of the engine before I am ready to install the transmission or will the engine stay level once the mounts are tightened?
I may not have thought this whole process out completly before starting

Can someone walk me though the recommended installation of the engine/transmission?
Thanks

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1954 Motor Installation Question

IMHO, you should have installed them both as a unit.

That being said, the motor will not stay level when you tighten the front mounts. You're going to need something (block of wood) to support the rear.

I think the best thing to do would be to judiciously put a block of wood on a floor jack to support the rear of the engine. That way you can move it up/down when installing the PG trans.

If the flex plate is installed, you can put your jack there.

Chuck

[Chris S.]

Re: 1954 Motor Installation Question

The motor will not balance on the mounts
It will want to tilt to the rear
If your trans is not ready - you can thread some bolts into the block or adapter - place a 2x4 across the frame and it will support the engine until the trans is ready to install
put towels under the 2x4 to protect the frame
When your ready to install the trans - you can support the engine with a jack and square 2x6 and install the trans

[John L.]

Re: 1954 Motor Installation Question

Hmm great ideas - should have thought this through a little better. Problem sometimes with only one mind working on the problem.....
The transmission is ready for installation but I did not feel confident in the hoist and balancing to put the two together and install at one time into the frame. Will try to post some photos of the progress but I may be considering blocking the rear of the engine and then attempt the transmission install separatly (will need to call in an extra set of hands for this I expect.
Sure appreciate the advice....Every step is a little closer to getting this out on the road again!!!

John

[Chris S.]

Re: 1954 Motor Installation Question

I put my engine in first
then I installed my adapter
Then I installed the flexplate
- I installed two grade 8 bolts and supported the engine with a 2x4
- I removed the bolts and 2x4 and supported the engine under the pan (with towels)
when my trans was ready - I used two brackets and lowered the trans in with a hoist
My trans was in and bolted up in under 20 minutes........