I noticed in my recently purchased 56 vette, with the correct 265 block, not the original, that there is only about 1/8" to 1/4" clearance between the front left spark plug and the pitman arm. Is this normal? Seems a little tight to me. I doubt if I could even get a socket on the plug. Any ideas? Thanks.
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Re: 56 engine fit
sounds too close. one can definitly get a socket on the # 1 spark plug if the engine mounts and the frame of original configuration. mike -
Re: 56 engine fit
I have about 3/4-7/8" between the pitman arm nut and the #1 plug boot. Your frame stands and the lower rubber cushion have an oval hole in them that accepts a shoulder molded into the upper rubber mount cushion. When assembled it is self centering. The bolt hole in the engine saddle is basically the size of the mount bolt and the same can be said for the frame stand to frame bolt holes. So you can see that once everything is assembled it ends up exactly where it needs to be. There isn't really much room for fore/aft adjustment. However if your rubber mounts are rotted, collapsed, or someone cut the locating shoulder off of the bottom of the upper one to gain some rear clearance for some reason this could be your problem....assuming the frame stands are not bent forward as a result of some unforseen event. Your upper mount should be setting exactly centered on the top of the frame stand and the mount bolt appears to be exactly centered in the upper rubber.
If eveything seems to be in good condition try loosening the mount pad bolts, the frame stand to frame bolts, and the trans mount bolts. Also maybe the exhaust hangers may need to be loosened. Then lift the engine gently with a crane or with a floor jack(2x6 piece between the jack and pan to avoid damage) and see if you can finese the engine rearward some. The mounts may stick to the metal so be sure they are loose before trying to move anything. Watch your distributor to firewall clearance. You should be able to gain maybe up to an inch I would think. Then tighten everything back down and torque the mount bolts to specs.
I see that Zip Products sells the rubber cushions seperately so you don't have to buy the whole kit. Also the frame stands are available if you need them.
TomComment
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Re: 56 engine fit
Tom..is probably on the mark.
However...One thing to consider..is that depending on the history of your car..some cars were experimented with by people like Smokey Yunick, GM engineering and others..and they adjusted the position of the engine forward, rearward and at different angles...back in 56/57.
Before you ( correct ) anything ..double check the history of your car! Are there any other unusual aspects to the car?
JoeComment
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