Right side pipe sits too low

[dan512]

While working on SP1352 (351 engine), I noticed that the right (passenger) side pipe sits too low in the opening and that the bodywork already shows a small crack.

After reading up on it, I learned that this seems to be a common issue and can be solved by adding a few shims under the right engine mount.

So I planned to do that today.

But on removing the side pipe, I discovered there was already a (very crude) 3/8" spacer on the flange and 3 shims (total stack height approx. 5/16") under the engine mount.

Should I install a spacer wedge on the flange?

Can I raise the engine further with another shim?

Are there any problems / risks, for example can I tilt it too far?

Thanks!

Dan

[DanEC]

I'm not completely sure of the motor mounts used by SPF and a 351 motor, but a lot of mounts allow quite a bit of movement or rotation of the engine when the bolts are loose. It may be that you just need to loosen the mounts and rotate/shift the engine on the mounts a little to raise the low side.

Of course that will slightly lower the other side also and if you think the sidepipes sit perfect on that side now - this may not get you where you want to be.

[sllib]

Dan;
You may have the wrong motor mounts. The first set I tried left a 1 1/4" gap between my flanges so I ended up going with a stock set for a Galaxy, which worked perfectly.
Bill

[Mark IV]

The SPF factory supplies shims to use under the engine mount pedestal. If you need some I will send some at no cost.

The "Galaxie" mounts are for the FE, not a 351 Windsor. Often the mounts used by some installers are soft and allow too much engine "rocking" to occur. I suggest the polyurethane mounts available to limit the engine movement.

You can measure the clearance from the air cleaner top to the hood/hood scoop to determine how much the engine can be raised. If the amount of shim is excessive you can use a "wedge" spacer to raise or lower the sidepipe in the body opening.

[dan512]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

The SPF factory supplies shims to use under the engine mount pedestal. If you need some I will send some at no cost.

The "Galaxie" mounts are for the FE, not a 351 Windsor. Often the mounts used by some installers are soft and allow too much engine "rocking" to occur. I suggest the polyurethane mounts available to limit the engine movement.

You can measure the clearance from the air cleaner top to the hood/hood scoop to determine how much the engine can be raised. If the amount of shim is excessive you can use a "wedge" spacer to raise or lower the sidepipe in the body opening.

Hi Mark!

Thanks for the offer. I do live in Europe though, so shipping would cost you an arm and a leg.

Like I said, there are already 3 shims installed pn the pedestal, plus the flange spacer, which I find strange. I've only read about wedges, not about the flat flange spacers.

Would you have an explanation for this?

[jeffgrice]

My SPF 427sc and Coupe right side pipe hangs lower. Why is that?

Jeff

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by dan512

Hi Mark!

Thanks for the offer. I do live in Europe though, so shipping would cost you an arm and a leg.

Like I said, there are already 3 shims installed pn the pedestal, plus the flange spacer, which I find strange. I've only read about wedges, not about the flat flange spacers.

Would you have an explanation for this?

Keep in mind that that the engine may be "offset" and the flat spacer is to provide the spacing needed for the sidepipe to clear the body.

[dan512]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Keep in mind that that the engine may be "offset" and the flat spacer is to provide the spacing needed for the sidepipe to clear the body.

That's a possibility.

I'll just rig a a temporary construction and fill the gap with washers to see if I can get the sidepipe where I want it to be in the opening with a wedge type spacer.

For the spacers, I noticed there's models with 4 individual holes for each header pipe (Craig has them on his site http://craigscobras.com/parts/spacer/ ) and the one's Breeze sells http://www.breezeautomotive.com/deta...=719&cat_id=26 which are just an outside frame with one big hole in the middle.

What are the advantages / disadavantegs for each type ?

[Detroit Bill]

Originally Posted by dan512

That's a possibility.

I'll just rig a a temporary construction and fill the gap with washers to see if I can get the sidepipe where I want it to be in the opening with a wedge type spacer.

For the spacers, I noticed there's models with 4 individual holes for each header pipe (Craig has them on his site New Page 1 ) and the one's Breeze sells Breeze Automotive Factory Five Racing which are just an outside frame with one big hole in the middle.

What are the advantages / disadavantegs for each type ?

I would say Craig's Cobras is better more gasket surface area will be compressed.

[Mark IV]

You need the four hole type Craig sells as there are fasteners on the flange that will pull on the inner area and cause gasket failure without the support. We have used Craig's and they are unmatched for lack of failure.

[sllib]

Mark;
The mounts I tried first were poly's made for the 351W. The replacements were also poly but much thinner with a large steel rivet through both sides for security. I bought them locally, crossed to the part # listed in my manual, and they were listed for early
60's Galaxies. I guess that's shoes for industry.
Bill

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by sllib

I guess that's shoes for industry.
Bill

"Shoes for the dead! Hey what chance does a returning dead war veteran have for the free mule and more sugar?"

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by sllib

Mark;
The mounts I tried first were poly's made for the 351W. The replacements were also poly but much thinner with a large steel rivet through both sides for security. I bought them locally, crossed to the part # listed in my manual, and they were listed for early
60's Galaxies. I guess that's shoes for industry.
Bill

Your car uses the Galaxie type mount, the Windsor SPFs use a 60s/70s Mustang/Fairlane type mount.