ERA folks...please help / getting frustrated

[Jim Holden]

The solution that Hans refers to (a bolt through the engine mount per ERA) is the way I have done both my big block and small block cars. Much less obtrusive solution than puttin a boat anchor chain from the frame to the block...

Jim

[JWheaton]

Originally Posted by Jim Holden

The solution that Hans refers to (a bolt through the engine mount per ERA) is the way I have done both my big block and small block cars. Much less obtrusive solution than puttin a boat anchor chain from the frame to the block...

Jim

You are embelishing my chain. Not a boat anchor chain. The size chain I have would only be on a something that would referred to as a ship.

[cobrajeff]

I know my situation is not quite the same, as I have an ERA FIA with a small-block in it, but, what I did to fix this issue on my own car was to open up the holes in the body.

I could see witness marks on the pipes where they were hitting. I drew outlines on the body with a grease pencil, and trimmed the holes to give me about 3/4" clearance top and bottom. I used an air saw, and finished the rough edge with Dremel tootsie rolls, then touched the raw edges up with brush-on touch-up paint.



I actually did this twice - the first time with the side pipes still on the car. Naturally, it was a little difficult working around the pipes while they are still protruding through the hole. The next time, I took the sidepipes completely off (I do that anyway about every third year, to respray the side pipes with VHT White paint). I know it's not an elegant solution (do I mess up my $800 ceramic coating? or my $10,000 paint job?), but, the witness marks on the pipes were really bothering me. I hardly notice the holes in the body being larger.

regards,

Jeff

[John Martin]

I had the "tork up" rubbing with my first motor (390)in my ERA , so when I wanted to changed engines (427) I would compensate .With only the motor in the engine bay , trans was connected but the trans mount bolt left loose , I put the 24" level from one valve cover to the other , parallel to the fire wall . I make the engine level and centered , then pushed down the one side ( the other side will come up as you are turning the engine )1/4 " or so , then tightened the one big nut on each the motor mount .