C1 Problem Mounting Engine Properly

[Richard H.]

It was suggested in a previous post (see C1 Aluminum Shims) that I post some pictures and measurements to help resolve my engine mounting problem. So, here it goes. All measurements are approximate rather than exact as it is a challenge to get precise measurements with the engine installed.







height at a lower level, the hood closes properly. Pictures are posted below. They start with the mounting brackets installed when I first got the car 11 years ago. It is a project car with a 58 frame and a 60 body. The other pictures I hope are self explanatory. I also hope that I will be able to drive it someday. It's been a challenge from day 1.

[Gary C.]

Re: C1 Problem Mounting Engine Properly

Richard, what transmission? Post a photo of the rear trans mount. Gary....

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Problem Mounting Engine Properly

What's that thick spacer between the rubber and the engine brace? Something doesn't look right.

Rich

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[Bruce B.]

Re: C1 Problem Mounting Engine Properly

It looks like a lot of cutting and welding has been done but it is difficult to see how things were changed

[Richard H.]

Re: C1 Problem Mounting Engine Properly

Richard, I have a new set of reproduction cushions but attempted to shave the old ones to reduce the height. Have not bolted them into place as it is a challenge to shave and get them perfectly flat. So what you see is the pad actually mounted on the mount but not secured with the bolt. The holes are not exactly aligned to insert the bolt at this point.

Gary, the transmission is a T-10. I will have pictures later. It was mounted, for the first time, at the time of engine installation. Although it is not shimmed, I wonder if in some way it might be pulling the front of the engine up a bit for some reason. I will have pictures later.

Richard

[Jerry W.]

Re: C1 Problem Mounting Engine Properly

Rich...See and Read Page 387 of Nolan's book...There is a difference in Transmission to frame mtg. brkts between 61 and 62 model years...Not sure which tail stock that you are using. May not be your problem...Just a lead.

[Bruce B.]

Re: C1 Problem Mounting Engine Properly

Rich,
Are you using a stock 2 X 4 intake manifold?
Are there any insulating spacers under the carbs?

I am very curious about all the welding in the pixtures, something was apparently changed or repaired on or around the front of the frame or the engine mounts.
Also there seems to be some cutting torch modifications on the engine mounts.

Concerning the trans mount. The 61 Corvette uses a "U" shaped bracket under the transmission which in theory would raise the back of the engine versus the flat plate mount used on the 62 Corvette. I don't believe the difference is significant.

As I stated before when I installed a Ramjet FI crate engine in my 62 I reduced the thickness of the rubber mounts using a belt sander. Worked great with no issues.

But that is a work around type fix, I would determine why the problem is happening then fix it correctly.

[Richard H.]

Re: C1 Problem Mounting Engine Properly

Bruce,
The manifold is stock and there are no insulating spacers under the carbs. Yes, there were evidently repairs that took place prior to getting the car. Since the 58 body was removed and replaced with a 60 body there was, in all probability, an accident and what exists now are the after effects.

Regarding the transmission, I need to confirm that I have the correct bracket for the 4 speed attached to the mount since the 3 speed mount looks to about 1/2" greater in height. If that were the case, it would push he transmission down and raise the front end.

You are right, I would like to diagnose the cause of the problem before applying a remedy to fix it. Thanks.

Rich

[Richard H.]

Re: C1 Problem Mounting Engine Properly

Jerry,
Thanks for the suggestion. I will check it out. Thanks.
Rich

[William B.]

Re: C1 Problem Mounting Engine Properly

If possible get another car or frame beside you car, I think you will see somthing has pushed the frame horns up? Also look in the corvette service guide ST-12(?) it will list frame measurements, check yours out I think you will see something wrong around the engine mounts, too much extra welding???

[Richard H.]

Re: C1 Problem Mounting Engine Properly

Bill, I did have the frame assessed previously and the results indicated that all frame measurements were within specifications. It appears to me that the excessive welding that took place when the right side bracket on top of the frame to which the mount is bolted was attached. My impression is that it was just a sloppy job putting the bracket in place but not related to the structural integrity of the frame or caused it to be out of specifications. Thanks for your input. Rich

[Richard H.]

Re: C1 Problem Mounting Engine Properly

I have 7/8" space between the transmission and the retainer . I believe it is the correct bracket for the 4 speed.

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Problem Mounting Engine Properly

Rich,

How many shims are under the radiator support? Can you get a measurement of it and a picture straight on from the front?

[Richard H.]

Re: C1 Problem Mounting Engine Properly

Rich, Here is a picture of the radiator support with shims. It measures approx 1 1/16" at center from bottom of support to bottom of shim unit. The tilted angle of the shot reflects my uneven position not that of the support. Rich

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Problem Mounting Engine Properly

You can experiment by loosening the body mounts from firewall rearward, and add more shims to the radiator support to raise the front.

Front bumpers/brackets may need to be loosened also. Fan shroud loose or removed as well.

If someone replaced the nose on the body hopefully they did it on the frame. A photo from the wheelwell area showing where the inner skirts attach to the rad support may be a clue.