Engine placement

fasterpatrick · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 08:24 PM

Well after modifying the oil pan (Lincoln thing) I managed to get the engine between the frame rails. I have approx. 3/4" before the starter hits the frame and was wondering if the engine can/should be mounted center or can I adjust for the offset of the carrier toward the passenger side rail? Also how far forward can/should I try to push the engine with out upsetting the balance?

Man this engine is huge.

Patrick

Jerry Clayton · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006, 06:53 AM

Yes you can offset the engine to the right-various reasons to do this--in drag racing to offset drivers weight--in other cars it gives more room to foot area of driver, pinion alignment, altho the rear end is usually set up to align with engine( unless IRS )

Problems with offset engines---exhaust, starter, oil filter, front accessories, appearance

Most cars have offset engines

Jerry

Three Peaks · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006, 07:18 AM

All the drawings I've seen show the engine offset to the passenger side 1/2" to 3/4". I think my engine is offset 3/4" but the starter is going to be very close to the frame rail- may need a wee bit of grinding to clear. I also had to cut a pretty good chunk out of my scatter shield to clear the frame rail at the starter location.
Yes, it is a tight fit and the mod motors don't make it any easier.

fasterpatrick · #4 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006, 04:39 PM

Okay for the side offset, now how about front to back. Would like to push it as far forward as possible. Giving me more room for foot boxes but don't want to throw off the balance catastrophically. How far can I go any ideas. Patrick

mickmate · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006, 07:01 PM

The FE's are a little further forward on the motor mounts. Their mounts are called out 19.75" behind axle centreline. I would think they are heavier than you're aluminium donk. It looks like your pulleys are well flush at the front. I would stuff it forward a ways and see how it looks for exhaust to footboxes.

fasterpatrick · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006, 08:14 PM

Well I can't move the engine that far forward. Mounts on the block are dead center of the casting. If I put them at 19.75" my steering shaft would tangle with the headers and who knows what. Are the mounts on the other blocks that different. I can,t get them any closer than 24" from front axle centerline before things start to interfere. Boy this is fun. Patrick

mickmate · #7 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 04:25 AM

The FE block is about 21" long. The mounts are about 8 1/2" from front. That leaves about 6" between the front of the block and the back of the a-arms. Alot of the motor goes between the foot boxes. Hey maybe that's why the Cobra is so legendary, they put 10 lbs of ....... in a 5 lb bag?????????

stangden · #8 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006, 07:10 AM

patrick, have you placed your engine yet? if so where did you locate it? I'm still adjusting--trying to keep balance close-- need more room and a shoehorn

is the hose neck giving you any problems? I need to drop engine about 3 inches--use remote oil filter and figure out radiator hose route then see what the next challanges are

I'm still having fun though

stangden

fasterpatrick · #9 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006, 07:32 PM

Yes engine is mounted, tight fit yes.(see gallery) Radiator hoses will be interesting, oil filter may go to remote set up. Look for parts from 97 f-150 I had one and it came with remote filter from factory with built in cooler, should be a bolt on. Dont let the size discourage you, just think I have the twin cam It's just freekin huge. You may need lube and the big hammer to make it fit. Happy fabricating Patrick

stangden · #10 (**permalink**) 10-27-2006, 12:52 PM

Patrick. whats the measurement from the center of you a arms to the center of the motor mount?
Dennis

fasterpatrick · #11 (**permalink**) 10-27-2006, 04:47 PM

Passenger side. looks like 23.5" to drilled hole in motor mount from the front axel centerline. Hole is the one where the rubber mount bolts in.