Re: Rear gear ratio

Posted by PackardV8 On 2011/4/10 7:57:04

Cortcomp gives pretty good advice on positioning the engine.

The only thing i will add is that radiator clearence (if seemingly excessive) is the least of your worries. A fan shroud will take care of that and a shroud is no major fabrication effort.

Watch for drive shaft length. Not a problem to lengthen or shorten a drive shaft but if the engine can be conveniently positioned for zero or minimal driv eshaft modification then let that work in your favour. Special note than when lengthening or shortening a drive shaft cut it at the ENDS not near the center. Cutting and patching a drive shaft near the center creates problems in trying to keep it STREIGHT among other possible problems!.

THis fitting of the engine is just something that has to be done according to visual inspection for clearences and convenience of fabricating mounts. THere will be trade offs. Just try to keep the centerline of the crank and transmission in the same position vertically and transversly as the original engine had. Fore and aft position is not as critical.

Spring rates and steering/handling considerations can be compensated for thru alignment/spring cnages or modifications.

Main thing is to get the engine positioned for clearences and to hold the same attitude of the engine as close to possible to the OEM engine. It mite have to vary some. Bottom line is that u do not want the engine setting in the car with any extreme or odd angles causing drive shaft to have wierd angles from OEM specs.

Any handling or driveability issues can be handled later thru front end alignment changes. Most likely u'll want to set the caster positive anyway for modern high speed driving above 50 mph instead of oem specs.