59 PU V8; front motor mounts w auto?

[CaptainAmerica]

I want to drop a 350/350 combo in my '59 Apache and have a question about the motor mounts. Can I use the stock(front of the block mount) motor mounts with the auto tranny? The tranny mount on the auto is near the tailshaft and this seems like a looong span between mounting points. I'd like to just use the stock mounts and build a simple tranny x-member so I can get this thing running, do the few inches forward vs side mounts matter that much?

I had a V8 Chevy Luv done this way(by a previous owner) and it didn't exactly break in two, but I don't want to end up with issues later on.

-John

[OrrieG]

Look at my build thread, towards the front. 350/350 with transfer csse, front motor mount and trans mount where it attaches to the transfer. Drove it like that for 15 years as a DD on and off road. You will be Ok.

[CaptainAmerica]

Right on, thanks. I'll go read it right now... This will save me quite a bit of time.

-John

[_Ogre]

i've had them both ways. with it set up the way your suggesting the motor will rock sideways in the engine compartment a lot.
i recommend using the side motor mounts when using an automatic with a rear trans mount

with the stock 59 mounts the front mount balances the motor and the heavy bellhousing mounts hold the torque of the motor.
with a new setup the trans mount balances the motor and the heavy side mounts on the motor hold the torque of the motor.

in the my 58 the PO had installed the rear trans mount and the front motor mount.
i couldn't keep exhaust donuts in the exhaust manifolds because of the motor moving around in the engine bay.
with my foot on the brake and gassing it from forward to reverse the motor would move side to side 3 or 4 inches.
i welded in side mounts on the motor and had no more problems.

side mounts are easy peasy to fabricate and weld in, even with the motor installed.
the ones i fabbed originally looked similar to these except with a stock frame



and these are my current motor mounts in truck coming up from the mustII x-member

[Russell Ashley]

"'59 mild gasser project...April deadline!"

If it's going to see any drag strip action I would definitely suggest using side mounts.

But then, I recommend using side mounts any time you are eliminating the bell housing mounts and using a rear tranny mount. You'll be glad you did if you ever want to use an after market serpentine belt system.

[OrrieG]

Missed the gasser part. Here is how I have always kept the engine from rotating started in the 60's with my 57 210 and did it when I dropped the V8 into the truck. No exhaust donut problems.

[buggy5872]

I had the front motor mounts and rear tranny mount in my 59. I had a lot of movement at first but cast some erothane bushuings for the front mount and it was fine. Ran it this way for 10 years. I have a camaro clip under it now so I do not have the set up anymore.

[CaptainAmerica]

Yeah, I need to change my signature lol, I've decided to just get this thing running as a cruiser for now. Just a Goodwrench 350 with intake/carb upgrade, ram horns with 2 1/2" exhaust, used stock th350, and a highway flyer geared 12 bolt. I can definitely whip up a torque strap easy enough like OrrieG's truck. I guess I'll just install it with the front mounts and torque strap, if it rocks and rolls too much I could build some side mounts. Heck, the front mounts will have the engine located, side mounts would be easy...haha.

I appreciate the replies/advice guys!

-John

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by CaptainAmerica

Heck, the front mounts will have the engine located, side mounts would be easy...

i was going to suggest that.

[Russell Ashley]

I just got a sale flyer from Tuckers. They have the engine side mount crossmember and tranny center mount for $52 each. Sometimes it's not worth fabbing them if you have to go buy the material.

[_Ogre]

i don't know about that russell.
$104 plus shipping and 2 weeks to get them.
and you still need to cut and weld them
plus they don't come with the mounts

while mine were made from metal i had laying around from boxing the frame
if i had to buy everything i'd still only have $20 in metal and they wouldn't be universal
maybe i just like to build stuff

[mvitale27]

If you would rather buy the crossmembers and weld the ends in... I just purchased engine and trans crossmembers with urethane mounts from performance online. In total they cost me about $160