Why's my engine so high? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

clemsparks · 09-23-2009, 10:17 PM

Hi all,

I'm trying to figure out what a prior owner did to make the engine sit to high in my new-to-me project '77 SWB.

Here is an overview where the fan-to-shroud mismatch is a dead giveaway that something is awry:

Looking closer at the engine mounts...everything seems so be more or less in order:

I figure it's possible that this is could be a common malady. For instance, maybe there's a combination of frame/engine mounts that makes this happen.

Has anyone experienced this before or have any ideas?

Thanks,
Clem

clemsparks · 09-23-2009, 10:21 PM

And while I'm at it...did GM ever paint a 350 Blue like that or did I just buy a truck with a 305? It doesn't even run as well as a 305 really

(I was told it was a "355"...which I am aware is a .030 over 350)

The real point of the post though is to be able to get the engine set correctly next time one goes in (weather it be this one or the '95 LT1 I have in mind for it

)

Clem

**N2TRUX** · 09-23-2009, 10:26 PM

The riginal motor for 77 would be a 350 that was painted GM blue.

I can't tell what going on wiith your motor because of the angle of the pics. Do you have any others?

clemsparks · 09-23-2009, 10:37 PM

All I have currently (in addition to the ones above) are these:

(another shot at the Driver Side mount)

A shot at the passenger side mount

A likely unusable shot of the passenger side mount from a wierd, low angle

If you give me an idea what you need to see, I'll get some photos up in the next day or two...

Thanks!
Clem

asphaltburner · 09-23-2009, 10:40 PM

Yo! Just checked my '76 Camaro and '78 FRANKENTRUCK and the mounting sure looks identical,...BUT my Camaros' fan shroud seems to extend higher than the one I see in your pics,...in both my Camaro and the truck (truck doesn't have it's installed yet) the shroud would rise about 2" above the radiator top. Center of the fan is at about 7.5" below the top of the radiator, and the top of the shroud is about 9.5" from the fan center.
Hard to tell from the pics if the engine angle is extreme, but that shroud just doesn't look proper.
I'll get a pic and post.
Todd.

**N2TRUX** · 09-23-2009, 10:41 PM

I can't really tel from the pics but it almost looks as if it has the wrong radiator/fan shroud

clemsparks · 09-23-2009, 10:43 PM

Oh!

I forgot I had this one too...

I guess it would make sense if it was just a shroud...

Thanks!
Clem

clemsparks · 09-23-2009, 10:46 PM

And yes...that IS a coat hanger holding tension on the steering pump in the last photo. That's the way I got the truck...and the FIRST thing to be fixed (well...after several layers of dirt that got blasted off

).

Clem

AceX · 09-23-2009, 10:47 PM

Wrong shroud.

**N2TRUX** · 09-23-2009, 10:52 PM

Yeah, thats the one I needed. AceX is correct, that is not the correct fan shroud.

clemsparks · 09-23-2009, 10:56 PM

Cool, thanks a lot folks!

I'll add that to the list of things to look out for next time I'm at the yard or parts truck or such...

Clem

asphaltburner · 09-23-2009, 11:07 PM

Yo! Here's some pics of the Camaros fan shroud and engine mount:

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But the trucks' radiator extends higher:

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11" from the top of the rad. to the fan center with a 19.5" diameter fan. Mounts look just like yours and the Camaros'.
Check these measurements with yours,...I still suspect the shroud. Both have 350s.
Todd.

AceX · 09-24-2009, 02:53 AM

Here's a bad shot of what th stock shroud should look like. Overal the shroud is very fluid in its transitions. Yours looks like it came from a passenger car and then attacked mercilessly.

Tx Firefighter · 10-12-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AceX

Here's a bad shot of what th stock shroud should look like. Overal the shroud is very fluid in its transitions. Yours looks like it came from a passenger car and then attacked mercilessly.

Your shroud is different than his would be. Your truck is later and has the taller radiator than his 77 would have. They changed that it 81 when the front clip changed.

donut · 10-12-2009, 08:44 AM

Looks like the wrong shroud for the fan.

bitchin85 · 10-12-2009, 10:36 PM

is that the right fan? it looks like it was replaced. maybe with the wrong one?

bitchin85 · 10-12-2009, 10:38 PM

also is it just me or does the motor look like it doesn't sit as level as it should?

D13 · 09-24-2009, 06:53 AM

You've got a V6 shroud that's been cut. They are longer and stick back rearward. Yours has been hacked up. The shroud should be easy to jyard, just watch out for the 6's and diesels, they can be different.
Might also check your trans mount, that will make the motor nose up if it's collapsed or someone had swapped in a wrong crossmemeber.

clemsparks · 09-28-2009, 01:12 PM

Hey all,

I'm wondering if maybe my truck wasn't an I6 to begin with. Does anyone know an online decoder for my 13 digit VIN (which is ccu147s129903). If someone just wants to decode which engine came in my truck in this thread here...that's fine too. If there's an online one, It'll just be handy for all the other numbers. (I know 129903 is probably the build sequence...I used to work in a GM plant. That number was very important to us)

It's really of no consequence to me which engine it came with...it's just nice to know as I work on the truck (replacing/upgrading parts and such).

Thanks,
Clem

clemsparks · 09-28-2009, 02:08 PM

Oh...I was doing some other looking around on the projects section and found the decoder at http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/VIN.htm

So...my truck came with a 305 (possibly the engine that's in it now...).

I guess I'll have to try to read some casting numbers off the back of the block and see what's in there (I was told it was a rebuilt 350 when I got it...but I have a fair amount of skepticism there...).

That does seem strange that I have a non-V8 fan shroud, though. Does my radiator look right? It doesn't come all the way to the top of the core support.

Thanks,
Clem

Sniper X · 09-28-2009, 02:28 PM

First idea I got was that your truck came with a 250 or 262 or 292 straight six and someone did a swap. A very backwoods swap.

87Bob · 09-28-2009, 03:06 PM

I'm sorry but I have to ask what was it smoking?

I know I'm just being a smart as but you left youself wide open. Glad you get some good answers.

**Captainfab** · 10-12-2009, 01:54 AM

It's a little hard to tell in the pics, but it almost looks like the clamshells are the tall ones, which would make it sit up a little higher. I also noticed that your PS pump brackets are the short water pump style used on the '69-'72 trucks. Just a FYI for you.

clemsparks · 10-13-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captainfab

It's a little hard to tell in the pics, but it almost looks like the clamshells are the tall ones, which would make it sit up a little higher. I also noticed that your PS pump brackets are the short water pump style used on the '69-'72 trucks. Just a FYI for you.

On the power steering pump bracket: I've got a long water pump. You're saying I have short pump style bracket? I don't think this is the case becasue it's a big bracket that also has provisions for a smog pump (or something) that wouldn't have ever been on a short water pump engine, as far as I know.

I'd love to get to the bottom of that. can someone post a photo of their long water pump power steering pump bracket? Mine has a cast alunium part (that can't be removed from the pump until the pulley is off) and a stamped steel part. I'll try to get better photos of it now that it's off the truck.

There were "tall" clamshell engine mounts? What were they used for/on? Just curious because my engine does appear to have a downward slope to the rear.

Thanks,
Clem

ron350 · 10-13-2009, 07:42 PM

Clem your motor must have the wrong block to motor mount brackets because the exhaust manifolds are way too high.

The bottom of your exhaust manifolds should be lower than the top of the frame rails.

09-23-2009, 10:17 PM	#1
clemsparks Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Columbia MO Posts: 45	Why's my engine so high? Hi all, I'm trying to figure out what a prior owner did to make the engine sit to high in my new-to-me project '77 SWB. Here is an overview where the fan-to-shroud mismatch is a dead giveaway that something is awry: Looking closer at the engine mounts...everything seems so be more or less in order: I figure it's possible that this is could be a common malady. For instance, maybe there's a combination of frame/engine mounts that makes this happen. Has anyone experienced this before or have any ideas? Thanks, Clem

09-23-2009, 10:21 PM	#2
clemsparks Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Columbia MO Posts: 45	Re: Why's my engine so high? And while I'm at it...did GM ever paint a 350 Blue like that or did I just buy a truck with a 305? It doesn't even run as well as a 305 really (I was told it was a "355"...which I am aware is a .030 over 350) The real point of the post though is to be able to get the engine set correctly next time one goes in (weather it be this one or the '95 LT1 I have in mind for it ) Clem

09-23-2009, 10:26 PM	#3
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Why's my engine so high? The riginal motor for 77 would be a 350 that was painted GM blue. I can't tell what going on wiith your motor because of the angle of the pics. Do you have any others? __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

09-23-2009, 10:37 PM	#4
clemsparks Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Columbia MO Posts: 45	Re: Why's my engine so high? All I have currently (in addition to the ones above) are these: (another shot at the Driver Side mount) A shot at the passenger side mount A likely unusable shot of the passenger side mount from a wierd, low angle If you give me an idea what you need to see, I'll get some photos up in the next day or two... Thanks! Clem

09-23-2009, 10:40 PM	#5
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 862	Re: Why's my engine so high? Yo! Just checked my '76 Camaro and '78 FRANKENTRUCK and the mounting sure looks identical,...BUT my Camaros' fan shroud seems to extend higher than the one I see in your pics,...in both my Camaro and the truck (truck doesn't have it's installed yet) the shroud would rise about 2" above the radiator top. Center of the fan is at about 7.5" below the top of the radiator, and the top of the shroud is about 9.5" from the fan center. Hard to tell from the pics if the engine angle is extreme, but that shroud just doesn't look proper. I'll get a pic and post. Todd. __________________ '78 3/4 ton 4x4 custom "Todd-built" FRANKENTRUCK! Last edited by asphaltburner; 09-23-2009 at 10:50 PM.

09-23-2009, 10:41 PM	#6
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Why's my engine so high? I can't really tel from the pics but it almost looks as if it has the wrong radiator/fan shroud __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

09-23-2009, 10:43 PM	#7
clemsparks Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Columbia MO Posts: 45	Re: Why's my engine so high? Oh! I forgot I had this one too... I guess it would make sense if it was just a shroud... Thanks! Clem

09-23-2009, 10:46 PM	#8
clemsparks Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Columbia MO Posts: 45	Re: Why's my engine so high? And yes...that IS a coat hanger holding tension on the steering pump in the last photo. That's the way I got the truck...and the FIRST thing to be fixed (well...after several layers of dirt that got blasted off ). Clem

09-23-2009, 10:47 PM	#9
AceX >130dB Moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,130	Re: Why's my engine so high? Wrong shroud. __________________ Living Life @ 130dB LED Tail Light Conversion; How-to Friend. Father. Brother. RIP El Jay ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLICK HERE and for less than $0.07 a day, you too can help support and build a better forum.

09-23-2009, 10:52 PM	#10
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Why's my engine so high? Yeah, thats the one I needed. AceX is correct, that is not the correct fan shroud. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

09-23-2009, 10:56 PM	#11
clemsparks Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Columbia MO Posts: 45	Re: Why's my engine so high? Cool, thanks a lot folks! I'll add that to the list of things to look out for next time I'm at the yard or parts truck or such... Clem

09-23-2009, 11:07 PM	#12
asphaltburner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ault, Colorado Posts: 862	Re: Why's my engine so high? Yo! Here's some pics of the Camaros fan shroud and engine mount: But the trucks' radiator extends higher: 11" from the top of the rad. to the fan center with a 19.5" diameter fan. Mounts look just like yours and the Camaros'. Check these measurements with yours,...I still suspect the shroud. Both have 350s. Todd. __________________ '78 3/4 ton 4x4 custom "Todd-built" FRANKENTRUCK! Last edited by asphaltburner; 09-23-2009 at 11:08 PM.

09-24-2009, 02:53 AM	#13
AceX >130dB Moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,130	Re: Why's my engine so high? Here's a bad shot of what th stock shroud should look like. Overal the shroud is very fluid in its transitions. Yours looks like it came from a passenger car and then attacked mercilessly. __________________ Living Life @ 130dB LED Tail Light Conversion; How-to Friend. Father. Brother. RIP El Jay ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLICK HERE and for less than $0.07 a day, you too can help support and build a better forum.

10-12-2009, 08:44 AM	#15
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: Why's my engine so high? Looks like the wrong shroud for the fan. __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around. Last edited by donut; 10-12-2009 at 08:45 AM.

10-12-2009, 10:36 PM	#16
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: Why's my engine so high? is that the right fan? it looks like it was replaced. maybe with the wrong one? __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"



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10-12-2009, 10:38 PM	#17
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: Why's my engine so high? also is it just me or does the motor look like it doesn't sit as level as it should? __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"

09-24-2009, 06:53 AM	#18
D13 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Memphis MI Posts: 1,851	Re: Why's my engine so high? You've got a V6 shroud that's been cut. They are longer and stick back rearward. Yours has been hacked up. The shroud should be easy to jyard, just watch out for the 6's and diesels, they can be different. Might also check your trans mount, that will make the motor nose up if it's collapsed or someone had swapped in a wrong crossmemeber. __________________ 1987 2 ton 1982 250/TH350 beater in progress Dad's 1981 3/4 L6 3 on tree posi and no options, awaiting restoration or scrapping Plus a mess o' tractors

09-28-2009, 01:12 PM	#19
clemsparks Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Columbia MO Posts: 45	Re: Why's my engine so high? Hey all, I'm wondering if maybe my truck wasn't an I6 to begin with. Does anyone know an online decoder for my 13 digit VIN (which is ccu147s129903). If someone just wants to decode which engine came in my truck in this thread here...that's fine too. If there's an online one, It'll just be handy for all the other numbers. (I know 129903 is probably the build sequence...I used to work in a GM plant. That number was very important to us) It's really of no consequence to me which engine it came with...it's just nice to know as I work on the truck (replacing/upgrading parts and such). Thanks, Clem Last edited by clemsparks; 09-28-2009 at 01:15 PM.

09-28-2009, 02:08 PM	#20
clemsparks Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Columbia MO Posts: 45	Re: Why's my engine so high? Oh...I was doing some other looking around on the projects section and found the decoder at http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/VIN.htm So...my truck came with a 305 (possibly the engine that's in it now...). I guess I'll have to try to read some casting numbers off the back of the block and see what's in there (I was told it was a rebuilt 350 when I got it...but I have a fair amount of skepticism there...). That does seem strange that I have a non-V8 fan shroud, though. Does my radiator look right? It doesn't come all the way to the top of the core support. Thanks, Clem Last edited by clemsparks; 09-28-2009 at 02:09 PM.

09-28-2009, 02:28 PM	#21
Sniper X Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Albuquerque New mexico Posts: 169	Re: Why's my engine so high? First idea I got was that your truck came with a 250 or 262 or 292 straight six and someone did a swap. A very backwoods swap.

09-28-2009, 03:06 PM	#22
87Bob Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Franklin Indiana Posts: 635	Re: Why's my engine so high? I'm sorry but I have to ask what was it smoking? I know I'm just being a smart as but you left youself wide open. Glad you get some good answers. __________________ My Truck's not leaking its marking its territory!

10-12-2009, 01:54 AM	#23
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: Why's my engine so high? It's a little hard to tell in the pics, but it almost looks like the clamshells are the tall ones, which would make it sit up a little higher. I also noticed that your PS pump brackets are the short water pump style used on the '69-'72 trucks. Just a FYI for you. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

10-13-2009, 07:42 PM	#25
ron350 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Birmingham AL Posts: 266	Re: Why's my engine so high? Clem your motor must have the wrong block to motor mount brackets because the exhaust manifolds are way too high. The bottom of your exhaust manifolds should be lower than the top of the frame rails. __________________ Stock 75 C10 step side. 350 2 BBL, 350 trans. 150K miles. Last edited by ron350; 10-13-2009 at 11:28 PM.

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