Cary3982

I was trying to drop my new SBC into my 85 Camaro today. The car was a 2.8 V6 car, however I felt an engine swap was in order. The engine fell right into place, however the engine mounts do not line up correctly with the frame mounts. I am using frame mounts from an 83 V8 car, and engine mounts that I had lying around the garage. To make a long story short, I am trying to decide if I need 3rd Gen F Body specific engine mounts, or did I bolt the frame mounts up in the wrong holes on the crossmember???? The frame mounts are bolted into the most forward holes within the crossmember. I am really, really hoping I need different motor mounts, and don't have to reinstall the frame mounts. Has anyone had a similar problem or have any insight they could share with me. This is my first swap, so take it easy on me.... Thanks in Advance!

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Welcome to the Board, and welcome to the wacky world of "what have I gotten myself into?" 3rd gen V6 to V8 engine swapping.

It's been over two years since I did mine, and I had a complete donor V8 car and just moved things from where they were in the donor car to the same place in the driver. I never even removed the mounts from the engine.

I haven't been around enough '80's-later SBC cars to know what other engine mounts they used (most of my experience is '55-'70 vintage). But, I have learned that the frame mounts are the same parts whether V6 or V8 - it's just the clamshell on the engines that are different (and, like you already know, where they bolt to the crossmember).

Curious exactly how yours are not lining up now. Is the tranny mount hooked up to the rear crossmember? What tranny did/do you have?

Cary3982

The 2.8 V6 was attached to a TH200 transmission (OD). As for the mounts, the engine (clamshell) mounts fit perfectly over the frame mounts, however, with the passenger side bolt in place, the driver's side hole within the frame mount is about 1/2 - 3/4 inch below the engine mount bolt hole and about the same distance towards the center of the car (towards the pass. side). At this point, I didn't try to bolt up the trans. crossmember.

I have noticed that Moroso offers several different engine mounts for SBC equipped vehicles (#62510 for a 3rd Gen F Body). I was thinking about giving these mounts a try, but I'm not sure if it would be necessary to change the frame mounts over to Moroso as well. Again, I really don't want to tackle changing the frame mounts out unless absolutely necessary because it is such a PITA! But, that's Hot Rodding, I guess. Either way, I can't wait to get the new engine in place!

Riley's35089rs+

Hey 5 7 kid, I don't think the 6 & 8 mounts are the same, as a matter of fact, I know they arent. The 8 's are wider..at least that is what i found out when I did my swap....the clam shells for sure are different. I think maybe he is mounting the mounts on the wrong holes......use only three bolts, that is all the mount uses, mount them to the furthest forward holes, the front of the mount will almost overhang the front of the cross member. I'm not doubting you 5 7 , This is how it was for me.

Riley's35089rs+

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Cary3982
[B]The 2.8 V6 was attached to a TH200 transmission (OD).



700r4:lala:

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Perhaps there were changes between '82 V6 and '89 V6 frame mounts. GM has done some weird things over the years.

Riley's35089rs+

you are fast to reply.. ..hey 5-7 thanks for the help on my distributor. I rebuilt it and things are better than ever

Cary3982

Thanks for the info guys. Unfortunately, I have the V8 frame mounts mounted as Riley described. I feel confident that this is the correct location for the mounts, so I'm gonna assume that the clamshell mounts are wrong for this application. I went ahead and ordered the Moroso mounts, both engine and frame. I guess I'll just tackle changing out the motor mounts, and if they don't line up, I'll go ahead and change out the frame mounts.

Thanks again guys!

Cam84358

I had to swap the frame mounts on my 84 2.8 v6 Camaro.I bought new v8 motor mounts from autozone.Its a pain to change these out but it is possible to install these without disconnecting the lower arms to get to the back side of the mounts if you have alot of patience .Your service manual will tell you exactly where to bolt these mounts.

Cary3982

I checked at the local wrecking yards today, and my frame mounts appear to be in the correct location. I didn't drop the control arms to change the frame mounts over to the V8 mounts originally. But, was it ever a PITA! I'm sure you guys know exactly what I mean. I really feel like my problem is in the Engine Mounts. If not, then I don't know what else the problem could be! I'm sure the Moroso frame and engine mounts will solve the problem. I just wonder how much vibration will be transfered through the frame with these solid mounts...

Riley's35089rs+

I think you better change your tranny mount to solid also...at least that is what they tell me...if you go with a solid mount, you need solid all the way back...

Cary3982

Thanks for the info, Riley. I'll do that.

Coxy

I just put my engine in today and Im also using the moroso solids I just hope they dont jar my eyeteeth out,lol

bjm323

Don't use a solid tranny mount. They tend to crack the transmission tailhousing. It is ok to use solid motor mounts with a standard rubber trans. mount. Trust me you don't want to use a solid tranny mount. I had a big block in my '91 RS with Moroso mounts and a stock trans. mount. Never had any problems.

Cam84358

I thought about solid mounts but everyone told me " not on a street car you wont like it" .I bought a 350 turbo trans from TCI and they said dont use solid mounts it will crack the case.

bjm323

You can use solid motor mounts, that is ok. TCI was getting at not using a solid tranny mount. When you hit the throttle, even with solid motor mounts, the motor still wants to move a little. If you have a solid tranny mount, all the stress is going to be at that point. Therefore, something has to give, and that would be the tailshaft housing because it is the weak link. If you use a rubber mount it will allow some movement and not hurt anything. I would only recommend using a solid tranny mount on a car with motor plates and lateral limiters. These items lock the motor down solid with no movement of any type. Even then I would probably use a rubber mount for piece of mind. Just my .02

Riley's35089rs+

i stand corrected check on the transmission and drive train board.....ttransfixleo or probuilt..can give you an answer..

Cary3982

I'll post a thread on the transmission board and see what the tranny experts have to say.
Hey Coxy, I'm worried about the same thing. I know using solid mounts should help my reaction times a little, if nothing else, but I'm just afraid it will vibrate my little Sport Coupe apart. Guess we'll be finding out soon!

Coxy

Cary I would not use the solid tranny mt. either, imo no need too risk the damage to trans. Im the solids will rock me, as it did with rubber mounts when I had this motor in my s-10, oh well Its not a daily driver,lol.