E_S

Using the Trans-Dapt plates with stock CSB clamshell mounts.

When lowering the engine, I can get the long bolt in without problems on one side, but on the other side, the mount on the engine will rest about 1" above the bolt hole on the clamshell thing mounted to the frame. The distance between the mounts on the engine and on the frame just doesn't match up good enough.

From what I've read, this isn't exactly an unknown problem - but what is the best approach for solving it?

BobKovacs

An inch seems like quite a bit to be off. My mounts were off by about 1/4" on my 69 Camaro, which I fixed by opening up the holes on the frame stands a bit. I don't know how you'd accomodate an inch of miss that way, though.

psiconversion

iTrader: (5)

What kind of vehicle is it? I have seen the rubber portion of the mounts sag because they are worn out (havent see 1 inch though) which results in misalignment of the adapter plates.

Jon
PSI

oldgoat69

What is the chassis? I don't think the Transdapt engine plates are designed to work with clamshell mounts.

gagliano7

Try putting the other side in and see if you can get it to line up.We had to do this on my buddy's camaro.We spent about an hour trying to get the bolt in put other side in and we were able to get it lined up.

E_S

The engine is going into a '89 Caprice. Will try some more and take some pictures tomorrow, see if I can figure something out. The clamshells (on the frame) are brand new, so I they're not worn and sagged, I really hope..

How could it be a difference between different adapter plates on whether they work or not with the clamshells? I can't figure out how different plates would make this problem any different, but then again, I have no idea anymore.

DEEDDUDE

I'm not a big fan of Trans-Dapt products even though I'm using them in my swap. You may need to added spacers between the engine and upper mounts or the lower mounts and the frame or a combo of both. The lower mounts may be able to slide up and down or around. I know the metric chassis had a small amount of play in them; I always had to install the mounts with the bolts loose just so I could move them around with the engine installed. One other thing is I believe there are more than one lower mount(s) available and there was a small difference in height.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

Which way is the remaining bolt off ? Is the clam shell hole outside of the frame mount or inside of the frame mount. Picture please.

Imo... it is best to bolt the adapter, engine mount (in your case, the clam shell mount) and the frame mount all together on the engine. Then drop it in and adjust the engine location to where you need it and then mark the frame mount on the cross member. Then remove the engine and drill new hole for the frame mounts or modify them. Yes this will require removing the frame mounts from the cross member and remounting them, and yes it can be a PITA..

Tip. Use weather stripping glue and glue the nut to the washer ( NASCAR lug nut trick). Them use some blue tape to keep the nut/washer in the shocker or wrench while you hold the nut in place while you tighten the frame stand to the cross member. That is how I held them in place going through them little acess holes in the cross member/frame.

But at least you know everything lines up and you have the engine right where you want it (front or back).

Good luck either way you go.

BC

1967BuickGS400

X2 I have done this in my last 2 engine swaps and it works great

Blackpony

iTrader: (6)

I had a similar problem. Mine was about 1 1/4 inch too wide for the rubber mount. ended up getting 2 buddies to help. one person on each side with a pry bay pushing up on the inner rubber mount to help kinda spread them out and one guy put the last bolt in. Took a little muscle but we got it finally.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

Wow.. spreading and inch and a half is a lot..!.. are you concern that you have stressed the mounts any. .I would keep an eye out on them mounts to start tearing from the stress of being stretched out that much..!?

just a thought...

BC

darren roar

iTrader: (1)

I had the same problem with the same mounts. U could grind the back of your clamshell smooth and ditch the spacer and raise the motor up 3/8". I also made my own mounts and drilled bigger holes in my clamshell and mount plates. I also hit the crossmember with the truck oil pan too don't know if your fighting that.

Gray86hatch

iTrader: (83)

carshop inc mounts should fix your problem.

tim

Blackpony

iTrader: (6)

Naa I'm sure it will be fine. Worse case they wear out and ill deal with it then. I bought new ones and originally tried that but they were even more off.