clearance issue
 

Hello everyone ,
Today I got my 350 installed in 1952 gmc truck frame and I only have about a quarter of an inch above power steering rack.
Im thinking this is pretty close
any suggestions? or is this ok
Im worried about torque of the engine and harmonic balancer hitting power steering rack
look forward to hearing from you all

Re: clearance issue
 

Remember that the engine is going to be torquing around the spinning crank. Although you may see the engine move under acceleration from the top it is actually rotating on the engine mounts around the axis of the crank shaft, therefore the balancer should not get any lower than it already is.

That being said, 1/4 inch is pretty close and working on the rack may prove to be difficult, for example if you have a leak in one of the lines that feed the rack, or if the lines get bumped they may contact the balancer and rub a hole in the line. When I installed my rack I had to reposition it several times before it cleared everything just right. I was able to move the rack back just far enough so that it nests in the area between the balancer and the pan.
What kind of cross member did you mount the rack to? stock or aftermarket?

Although it is hard to tell I have a good 3/4 inch between the balancer and the rack.

http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/o...k/DSC03322.jpg

http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/o...DSC_0008-3.jpg

Re: clearance issue
 

some photos of the issue

Re: clearance issue
 

Like Mike said the engine will usually rotate up and CCW (viewed from the front) on acceleration, but the rebound might cause problems for you. Also depending on what type of tranny and engine mounts you have, settlement could occur over time.

Re: clearance issue
 

well did some research and i am going to put a 6.75 inch harmonic balancer on and get a total of 1 inch clearance
thanks for the responses
I will sleep better with more clearance.
On another note LOL tried putting in the starter and wont fit crate 350 with 4l60e transmission
starting to think Im out of my skill level lol

Re: clearance issue
 

No just learning as you go like the rest of us did...Someone versed in the newer engines and transmissions will need to address the starter deal, I looked online and could not find any indication that there was any difference before 1998, then it looks like the flex plate changed.

Re: clearance issue
 

I made my bracket for the rack so I could tweak it a bit forward and back. Yeah I would sleep better if it were that close. How is the turning radius with that rack?

Re: clearance issue
 

Well its a 82 T Bird rack that came with the tci m2 ifs.
have not turned it in the garage yet lol
Still alot to get done before I can fire it up
Hoping to have it going by spring( if I can figure out the starter problem)
Its a 1998 bellhousing on a 4L60E with a crate 1967-2003 ,350 330hp and the stock starter is hung up on it.
Came right from gmperformanceparts, the guys there said plug and play NO PROBLEM it will match up perfect lol
Oh well what you gonna do

Re: clearance issue
 

Two possible problems/solutions:
1) You just need to shim the starter for proper clearance. The local parts place will sell shims.
2) You have the starter for the wrong number of teeth on the flywheel. It's either a 153 tooth or a 168 tooth, IIRC.

I'm betting on the shim, #1.

Re: clearance issue
 

Are the starter bolts staggered or straight across?
You do have the right bolts for starters, correct?

Re: clearance issue
 

I have posted this problem in the engine and drivetrain section
but to answer your questions yes it is a 153 tooth 12.75 inch flex plate and 153 starter
the bolts are correct and a straight across bolt pattern
the problem is the bellhousing/ starter issue I have a starter on its way to try something Thursday (fingers crossed)
bye for now

Re: clearance issue
 

If it were me I'd buy the shims and try them (especially if loosening the bolts allows the starter to spin).