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Does the engine and trans need to sit level in the car?

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Old Mar 5, 2006 | 09:07 AM
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Default Does the engine and trans need to sit level in the car?

I just put my new LS1 and 4L80E in my Jaguar XJ6 this weekend and with the mounts I have, it looks like the engine and trans run a little downhill relative to the chasis of the car. I have the car up on jackstands and it's level, but the engine and trans are still running slightly downhill.

Is this how it's supposed to be, or do I need to rework things so the engine and trans are level with the chasis?

Thanks, -Dave
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Old Mar 5, 2006 | 09:11 AM
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measured from your trans. output shaft, you need 0 to -4 degrees.
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Old Mar 5, 2006 | 09:16 AM
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Awesome, so that means it can be anywhere from level to 4 degrees downhill towards the back of the car (tailshaft sloping towards the ground) ?
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Old Mar 5, 2006 | 09:25 AM
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Yes, within that area. BUT 0 to -1 is best for performance.
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Old Mar 5, 2006 | 09:44 AM
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Some good info and links in this thread:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-swaps/371722-lq9-4l80e-72-chevelle-driveline-angle.html
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Old Mar 5, 2006 | 10:27 AM
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Go to Sears and pick up an angle protractor like the one in the picture. They don't cost too much and can be used for other things too. In the pic you can see my measurement, I am about 4.5 degrees down. My pinion is 4 degrees up, so it am expecting it to be smooth. The U-joints can handle slight differences. In a hard leaving drag car you want more down angle on the pinion to allow for the axle to twist up some on acceleration, but for most street driven cars you want them to be close to the same and parallel.

Pat
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Old Mar 5, 2006 | 12:50 PM
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4 degrees is typical engine angle (camaro, firebird, gto...etc....... and vettes have 0 degrees) so anywhere in between there should be fine. just make sure that the degree it leaves the trans is the same as the pinion on the rear end angle..
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Old Mar 5, 2006 | 02:36 PM
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Ive no idea of the angle, but my engine definately tilts rearwards. its as low at the front as I can get it, and as high at the rear without major tunnel alterations as I can...

Everything seems fine so far. I could maybe try and measure it when i refit my new engine in a few weeks.
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