Engine Placement

[1964GMC]

Been struggling with this since I put in the engine. Did I put it in the right place, or does it need to move forward to the next hole in the frame? Seems to me that valve cover is really close to firewall. That's a 283+.040, backed with a 700R4. Hope to be running summer 2014.

[siggyfreud]

My 350 in my 66 has a bit more room than that, but not much. Not sure I could slip a 1" harness past it. How much forward would moving it up bring it?

[1964GMC]

I've got about 3/8" between valve cover and firewall. If I move it forward to the next hole in the frame, it should be around 2". Which would give me more room for the HEI. I do not plan on raising the engine any, just moving it forward.
I'm going to use a radiator that has built in electric fans and a shroud, so still should have clearance for front drive unit. Eventually will have a Vintage Air front runner on it.

[jtrichard]

they all sit very close and some of the aftermarket rocker covers wont fit as they hit the fire wall

[AcampoDave]

I have yet to see the forward holes used in any factory set up and I have always wondered what was the original intended application for them. They seem ideally suited for your plans, but in my case it would have open up a can o' worms beause of fan, pulleys, drive shaft, bell housing mounts for the manual trans etc...anybody know what the deal is with those forward holes? I would love to know.

[Reyals Bemus]

Certain I-6 mounts, Dave.

1964GMC, I would just clearance that area on the firewall with a mallet. The benefits of the V8 being in the rear holes is worth it.

[AcampoDave]

Originally Posted by Reyals Bemus

Certain I-6 mounts, Dave.

1964GMC, I would just clearance that area on the firewall with a mallet. The benefits of the V8 being in the rear holes is worth it.

Reyals, when you say benefits, do you mean weight distribution? I'm curious, can you please elaborate a bit? Thanks

[Lugnutz65]

The front holes are for the engine perches for a 292 engine. This link shows and explains why the holes are there.

[Reyals Bemus]

Yes, benefits in the form of weight distribution indeed. Those few inches make a difference.

[Captainfab]

That is the correct original location for all small blocks and also the 230/250 I6 engines. You have a slightly reduced valve cover to firewall clearance due to your aftermarket valve covers. A HEI distributor will fit with the engine there just fine. You will just have to remove the cap and possibly the rotor to R&R the distributor.

Originally Posted by 1964GMC

Been struggling with this since I put in the engine. Did I put it in the right place, or does it need to move forward to the next hole in the frame? Seems to me that valve cover is really close to firewall. That's a 283+.040, backed with a 700R4. Hope to be running summer 2014.

[brokenspoke]

Correct me if I'm wrong......I dont think if you moved the motor forward to the next hole..I dont think the bell housing would make up to the crossmember

[jtrichard]

broken.... notice the dip stick? he has an automatic no bell mounting..... rear cross is easily moved.. not that i would move the engine

[1964GMC]

Thanks all for the information and advice. I feel more comfortable with it's placement now. I'll just dimple the firewall a little bit, have my driveshaft cut down and call it a day. It had been SO long since I tore it apart (about 6 years) I couldn't remember where everything fit.