00Wildcat

I'm installing an iron block 6 liter into a malibu with custom engine mounts. they use a urethane leaf spring bushing to isolate vibrations. The crossmember is notched and I expect some twisting of the frame during suspension travel in the a-arm area where the engine mounts tie in. so should I tie the engine mount stands into the area near the upper a-arm mounts which will stop the frame flex, making the engine a stucturual frame member or will that break the sides out of the block?

z28mccrory

iTrader: (7)

Why not just weld in some tubing to brace the frame?

ShortChevy

iTrader: (21)

This kind of belongs in the suspension dept. Anyway if you expect twisting and movement why wouldn't you tie it in with some tubing?

00Wildcat

The engine has full truck accessories including a/c, and it's a turbo car. It will have forward cage struts and bracing from those struts to a-arm area. but I'm sure some forces will still be transmitted through motor mounts to the side of the block. I've seen a lot of dirt car blocks destroyed from wrecks breaking the mounts out of the side of the block. I guess my question is are gen III blocks much stronger in the mount area, is it safe to use the block as a structural member or am I much better off transferring as little stress to the side of the block as possible? G-bodies are very prone to wheel stands and although that's not my intention it will probably happen at some time.

z28mccrory

iTrader: (7)

Have you considered using all 6 of the mount holes on the side of the block? That would help distribute the force a little more.