What position on mounting plate should I use

[tinsoldier]

Sorry this might be a stupid question. But what position should I be using in mounting the plate for my LSx swap. I ordered a mounting plate from Ebay. They had 3 options. I seen other that are adjustable with multiple mounting holes. I am trying to minimize having to move the engine around too much by getting an idea first.

This is a 2005 5.3 into a 71 c10 with air conditioner and power steering. Should I stick with stock locationg, 1/2 forward, or 1 3/4 forward. I am planning to use my stock radiator.

[crazy longhorn]

This ? comes up a lot....depending on stands/position, it is really hard to answer? I would do a test fit on the engine/trans, & see what works the best, for your fit Longhorn

[Matt Cramer]

I mounted my engine in the stock location to keep everything simple and avoid issues with the shift linkage. There's plenty of room for firewall clearance; it could have been set back a bit without hitting the firewall.

[tinsoldier]

Thanks for the replies. Will try stock first to see.

[slotard]

My thought has always been that as long as you have enough clearance, you want the engine as far back as possible. It gets you a better weight distribution, leading to more traction and better handling. Maybe if you haul huge loads it could be a minor downside, but that's about it.

Farther back may be more difficult to work on, but an LS shouldn't need much work.

[BR3W CITY]

Put it where it fits. The whole "front to back" argument is tossed around, but most folks completely forget that train of thought when moving onto the rest of the build. I've seen people stress the engine position under the guise of weight balance, traction, whatever...and then never consider things like; weight loss anywhere else, actual suspension mods etc.

For 99% of the builds, just put it where it fits.

[oldman3]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

For 99% of the builds, just put it where it fits.

This is the best answer, each and every build is different....Jim

[crazy longhorn]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

Put it where it fits. The whole "front to back" argument is tossed around, but most folks completely forget that train of thought when moving onto the rest of the build. I've seen people stress the engine position under the guise of weight balance, traction, whatever...and then never consider things like; weight loss anywhere else, actual suspension mods etc.

For 99% of the builds, just put it where it fits.

Agree, but if I can, I will set the engine , as tight to the firewall as I can? I am not here to argue "front to back', but I am on a 133" wb, & will always set as deep to the firewall as possible ! Test fit the booger, & find what works for you....as far as driveline mods, or mods on the front, or stock ac? Put the fight where you want it ... Longhorn

[tinydb84]

Spend a few bucks and get the adjustable plates so you can fit it where everything else fits best.

The other option is to read everyone's build threads and see which engine position you like the most and fits the accessories you have.

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by crazy longhorn

Agree, but if I can, I will set the engine , as tight to the firewall as I can? I am not here to argue "front to back', but I am on a 133" wb, & will always set as deep to the firewall as possible ! Test fit the booger, & find what works for you....as far as driveline mods, or mods on the front, or stock ac? Put the fight where you want it ... Longhorn

lol thats what you get for being a longbed. My blazer had a 98" wheelbase, only rivaled by postal jeeps lol.

I'm all for tubbing the firewall and setting that beatch into the cab 3", but since were' not building AFX cars, I'll leave that alone. lol my response is mostly to folks "worrying" about the wrong things.

(lets face it, if we all KNEW we wanted racecars from the beginning, someone would be making GOOD fiberglass body panels for these things....but they dont )

[crazy longhorn]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

lol thats what you get for being a longbed. My blazer had a 98" wheelbase, only rivaled by postal jeeps lol.

I'm all for tubbing the firewall and setting that beatch into the cab 3", but since were' not building AFX cars, I'll leave that alone. lol my response is mostly to folks "worrying" about the wrong things.

(lets face it, if we all KNEW we wanted racecars from the beginning, someone would be making GOOD fiberglass body panels for these things....but they dont )

We are on the same page brother trucker I had set my gen I in on I 6 stands, for a little setback (3 1/2", from sb factory spot)....the engine /trans combo had to be moved forward 1", to let the heads clear the firewall on the Ls engine. With the 2 pc shaft (slip in the middle & @ the trans), I was able to "fudge" the distance that the shaft was short in the middle & @ the trans. I do agree with you....set the booger in, for a test fit & let the pcs fall where they need to be! Longhorn

[homemade87]

When I set mine in I installed the trans cross member bolt and set it down . That's where it stayed . This way I did not have to adjust the cross member and I used the existing drive shaft . Saved a few bucks and time . Everything else seemed to fall in place for me.