motor plates on 73-87 crossmember swap

[harleyx2]

so tomorrow im doing the 73-87 crossmember swap into my 68. which motor mount plates are the easiest to install and not have to move the motor mounting position foward or backwards, i hear that the newer 73-87 style motor mounting plates move the engine backwards. is this true? i have a v8 with auto trans. and i dont want to have to move or modify the trans mounts or crossmember. would it just be easier to install all the newer stuff onto my existing crossmember? thanks.

[LockDoc]

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You should be able to use the same mounts and the mounts should bolt into the same place as before....

LockDoc

[harleyx2]

you mean the new mounts or the old mounts. it looks like if i use the old mounts i will have to drill holes in the 73-87 crossmember for the bottoms to bolt up. if i use the newer style mounts it looks like ill have to drill holes in the 68 frame for the top of the engine mount plates to bolt up.

[MrShelley]

Ok, I'm confused. I understand swapping the a-arms, spindles, etc. (I have '76 model A-arms & 73-87 dropped spindles on my '68), but why change the crossmember? I guess I don't understand what you're trying to accomplish. I'm not trying to be a jerk, I just don't get it.

[harleyx2]

if you change the crossmember you dont have to unbolt all the control arms and stuff. just roll the new crossmember in. i have a whole 80 model truck to get the brake lines off of so i thought it might be easier this way. from what i red alot of people have done it this way. im just trying to find out the easiest way.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by harleyx2

you mean the new mounts or the old mounts. it looks like if i use the old mounts i will have to drill holes in the 73-87 crossmember for the bottoms to bolt up. if i use the newer style mounts it looks like ill have to drill holes in the 68 frame for the top of the engine mount plates to bolt up.

I meant the old mounts. I don't remember having to drill any holes but CRS runs rampant in my shop..... At least using the old mounts (even if you have to drill a hole in the crossmember on each side) you would be assured that the engine will be in the same place and you won't have to worry about moving the rear crossmember, and driveshaft mods. If everything lines up on the new ones except for the two holes in the frame I guess it would be which ever would be the easiest to drill new holes in. I've never messed with the newer mounts.

Just my 2¢ worth...

LockDoc

[70GMCer]

I plan on trying to use the newer motor mounts on the 84 burb member swap and hope the the engine/trans will be in the same place. It's a lot easier to run the mount bolt thru the side, than those PIA bolts that mount up thru the bottom..

[mtm_seven]

It's my understanding that the 73-87 xmember will allow you to pull the oil pan without lifting the engine as well as use the newer style motor mounts.

I guess I have the same question though - if I want my motor in the forward position in order to make it easier for distributor work and such, what mounts are recommended?