TeamZ LS to Foxbody Swap K Member Users
#2
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I did not use team Z, I went with MM, I am just posting a point for reference. However, my fbody T56 had interference issues between the trans tunnel and the service ears used when mounting the trans for repair. I think many GM T56s must, I don't see how they can't. If you want to measure the engine location relative to the firewall and pinch weld I would be happy to do the comparative measurements.
#3
I did not use team Z, I went with MM, I am just posting a point for reference. However, my fbody T56 had interference issues between the trans tunnel and the service ears used when mounting the trans for repair. I think many GM T56s must, I don't see how they can't. If you want to measure the engine location relative to the firewall and pinch weld I would be happy to do the comparative measurements.
#4
I did not use team Z, I went with MM, I am just posting a point for reference. However, my fbody T56 had interference issues between the trans tunnel and the service ears used when mounting the trans for repair. I think many GM T56s must, I don't see how they can't. If you want to measure the engine location relative to the firewall and pinch weld I would be happy to do the comparative measurements.
Last edited by SSSTANG#1; 09-23-2014 at 06:53 AM.
#7
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8 1/2" from top of valley cover to center of pinch weld.
20.0" from firewall directly above the pinch weld to the front machined surface on the block where the timing cover mounts. Centered on engine.
20.0" from firewall directly above the pinch weld to the front machined surface on the block where the timing cover mounts. Centered on engine.
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#8
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Can't get good measurement on crank to frame rails.
When valley cover is 88.6 deg the bottom of the flat surface at the top of the k member is 86.5 deg. Therefore angled back at 2.1 degrees. Used digital inclinometer.
When valley cover is 88.6 deg the bottom of the flat surface at the top of the k member is 86.5 deg. Therefore angled back at 2.1 degrees. Used digital inclinometer.
#11
Ok, 7 1/8" from pinch weld to valley cover and 22 1/2" from firewall above pinch weld to front machined surface of block. I really don't see going back any more.
From bottom of frame rails to crank centerline is 3/4".
My inclinometer is at PMEL plus the car is on jack stands so I couldn't get the angle. Jk, I do not own an inclinometer but the car is in the air.
From bottom of frame rails to crank centerline is 3/4".
My inclinometer is at PMEL plus the car is on jack stands so I couldn't get the angle. Jk, I do not own an inclinometer but the car is in the air.
Last edited by SSSTANG#1; 09-24-2014 at 08:06 PM.
#12
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I had to hammer the firewall behind the pass side head to set my engine back that far. However, the forward position is not really hurting you unless you cannot drop the engine any more due to clearance between the pan and the rack. With the fbody pan or Holley 302-2 the farther back the engine goes the more it can drop in the chassis. The Mast pan is a good alternative also. If you are having trans clearance issue it is probably engine height related.
#14
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Dont forget you also can use spacers for the k-member to frame. I use about 3/4" spacers which I was able to move the engine back a little more this way and some clearance. they now sell spacers for this, forgot who now.
#15
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Don't bring that subject up again, we've already gone round and round on that, I am with you on that i used just 3/8's" and it worked perfectly. UPR and Maximum Motorsports but you can make them easily enough.
#17
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I understand the point with the spacers dropping the k member and engine and headers and getting less ground clearance. However, if you drop just the engine without spacers, you also end up with less header and engine ground clearance. The engine clearance isn't really an issue, it's the header clearance that could be a problem. Granted, you won't know if you have header clearance problems until you spend $600 on headers, and then, you already spent the $600. This is pretty much why I began down the path of building my own headers (which is on temporary hold to expedite the project).
From the side view in your pics, it looks like you will hit the oil pan on the k member much sooner than the oil pan will hit the steering rack? Can the problem be solved by swapping pans and moving the engine forward to retain the ground clearance? Granted, then header fitment is affected fore and aft even though the engine remains in the same spot vertically.
I would tell you to notch the pan and weld it, but given the fact that I notched my fbody pan and wrecked it and then bought the 302-2 to replace it, maybe I shouldn't give advice.
Is the Team Z the old design or the new design? They changed it a while back to make everything fit better (or maybe just fit to begin with)?
The other thing is that, 2.3L auto chassis fox cars have a smaller trans tunnel than the T5 cars and the 5.0 auto cars. At least this is true with the aero cars from 87-93. Maybe you should look into which tunnel your car actually has? An 81 Cobra should have been a Canada car and I have no idea what they came with OEM, was it originally a 2.3L turbo? Or what am I missing here?
Based on the pinch weld measurement, your engine is about 1.375" higher than mine, and mine fits but is farther back at the same time (less clearance that way). You appear to have done all the same things I did to mine to get it fit, cut tabs, hammered tunnel. The only difference appears to be engine height?
From the side view in your pics, it looks like you will hit the oil pan on the k member much sooner than the oil pan will hit the steering rack? Can the problem be solved by swapping pans and moving the engine forward to retain the ground clearance? Granted, then header fitment is affected fore and aft even though the engine remains in the same spot vertically.
I would tell you to notch the pan and weld it, but given the fact that I notched my fbody pan and wrecked it and then bought the 302-2 to replace it, maybe I shouldn't give advice.
Is the Team Z the old design or the new design? They changed it a while back to make everything fit better (or maybe just fit to begin with)?
The other thing is that, 2.3L auto chassis fox cars have a smaller trans tunnel than the T5 cars and the 5.0 auto cars. At least this is true with the aero cars from 87-93. Maybe you should look into which tunnel your car actually has? An 81 Cobra should have been a Canada car and I have no idea what they came with OEM, was it originally a 2.3L turbo? Or what am I missing here?
Based on the pinch weld measurement, your engine is about 1.375" higher than mine, and mine fits but is farther back at the same time (less clearance that way). You appear to have done all the same things I did to mine to get it fit, cut tabs, hammered tunnel. The only difference appears to be engine height?
#18
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Crank center line. Measuring off the pinch weld is only a guess. Engine angle can move this around. I don't think the engine is as high in the car as you think it is. My pan was above the k member. With the aje it hung down.
Put the tb on it with the air pan and see how it fits the the cowl I know I have pics of that. Should be A better guide.
Put the tb on it with the air pan and see how it fits the the cowl I know I have pics of that. Should be A better guide.
#19
I'm not concerned about header clearance because they will be custom.
I thought about shortening the pan sump but after I moved engine back and saw it would fit I'm off that now.
K member is the new design.
From the factory the car had a 4.2L V8 with C5 auto and 7.5" rear with 2.26 gear.
Yes, the angle of the engine can affect the pinch weld measurement but I know for a fact that mine isn't tilted fwd.
I thought about shortening the pan sump but after I moved engine back and saw it would fit I'm off that now.
K member is the new design.
From the factory the car had a 4.2L V8 with C5 auto and 7.5" rear with 2.26 gear.
Yes, the angle of the engine can affect the pinch weld measurement but I know for a fact that mine isn't tilted fwd.
#20
crank center line. Measuring off the pinch weld is only a guess. Engine angle can move this around. I don't think the engine is as high in the car as you think it is. My pan was above the k member. With the aje it hung down.
Put the tb on it with the air pan and see how it fits the the cowl i know i have pics of that. Should be a better guide.
Put the tb on it with the air pan and see how it fits the the cowl i know i have pics of that. Should be a better guide.
Last edited by SSSTANG#1; 09-26-2014 at 10:39 AM.