V8 in I6 position

[tkmad]

How many of you have done that? Were there any difficulties?

It seems to me the weight distribution would be a little better with the engine in the aft position, especially if you don't haul big loads or trailer very often. Am I wrong?

[chevyman07]

It sits closer to the firewall making it alittle awkyard to adjust the distributor. And if it is a 3 spd then it is difficult attempting to get the Z-bar back in there the right way. I am going to try and move my V8 up to the V8 position because it has caused me so many problems with the clutch.

[Palf70Step]

Mine is back in the 6 position. Well sort of. I am using later model (80s) engine mounts, which moves it back as though it was in the I6 position. Mine is an automatic, so I don't have to worry about the clutch z-bar issue.

[powell72]

I seem to remember ChevyDude had some problems with his PS hoses reaching the box when he had I6 stands also.

[tkmad]

Bill - Do you like it further aft or would you prefer it more forward?

Is it possible to just unbolt the engine from the forward mount and rebolt it in the back position or are new mounts required?

[chevy72blu]

Originally Posted by tkmad

Bill - Do you like it further aft or would you prefer it more forward?

Is it possible to just unbolt the engine from the forward mount and rebolt it in the back position or are new mounts required?

It'll work with with what you have. Just put unbolt the trans cross member, place a floor jack under it and pick it up just barely off your frame. Pick up the motor, and back you go. You'll have to section the 3 or so inches out of the driveshaft.

[lpaine]

I don't think moving your engine to the I 6 position is any real advantage, you may also have driveshaft length issues (your existing driveshaft may be too long if you move the engine back) someone else will chime in if I'm wrong about the driveshaft, as far as the distibutor is concerned you could go to an aftermarket one that is smaller in diameter than an HEI.

[Palf70Step]

Originally Posted by tkmad

Bill - Do you like it further aft or would you prefer it more forward?

Is it possible to just unbolt the engine from the forward mount and rebolt it in the back position or are new mounts required?

I do not know what the differences are. Mine was an I6 to begin with and the parts truck had the V8 set this way, so it's all I know and seems to work just fine.

[myoldchevytruck]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Mine is back in the 6 position. Well sort of. I am using later model (80s) engine mounts, which moves it back as though it was in the I6 position. Mine is an automatic, so I don't have to worry about the clutch z-bar issue.

My 69' was an I6 then converted to a V8. Seems I too have issues with my z-bar lining up But mine is an automatic. When I purchased the truck 2 years ago, the PO had an auto floor shifter - NOW I SEE WHY. The z-bar is off about 1-1/2" to 2" from being able to properly connect the auto trans linkage. The motor must be in the wrong position but the driveshaft is correct and I have no other serious issues so the floor shifter will work for now. I really liked the idea of having the column shift lever (Lots of leg room) but all in due time. It's been sitting for 2 years - Summer's here - I want to dive it

[tkmad]

That one fo the things I was afraid of Harry. The reason I asked is because I'm going to go from a T400 to a 700r4 so I have to shorten the driveshaft anyway. I think maybe I'll keep it in the orig position...

[john@thepier]

The only problems I encountered was a little shave on the frame to fit my Hooker super comps and that you will want a high humps trans cover. The trans will hit the cab with out it. I just cut mine out and replaced with a high one. Put in a distributor that has the remote coil for clearance reasons like the the MSD pro billet. Other than that even high valve covers cleared with no problems. JOHN

[Palf70Step]

I have a T350 Tranny and either the donor vehicle they got everything from is what gave the column linkage or it is the stock one, but no problems with binding.

These are the only shots I have, and as yet she doesn't move, but it gives you an idea how she sits. Again, no problems taking a stock HEI unit in and out with it.

[tkmad]

Looks great Bill! Thanks for the pics!

[byrd]

Bill take a look at this pic, my trucks motor is in the I6 position and if you look closely you can see another hole towards the front of the frame, that you cannot see in your pics. Your motor is in the v8 position, and I can tell by seeing the hole behind where your clam shells mount to the frame.
As far as the topic at hand I have not put my cab on yet and will most likely move the motor up to the v8 position.

[Palf70Step]

Never paid attention Byrd. You maybe right. I was just told it set back further when they were trying to check my engine numbers. Maybe because of the newer style (80s) engine tower mounts it pushes it back some, but not as much as the 6 banger mounts mounts.

[john@thepier]

Don't be scared it will work in the rear holes with only little modifications. On a performance stand point it will only be better with it moved back the 3-4 inches. All 4x4 trucks have it set back that far.

[copywritten]

mine is in the I6 position as well. I had to shave the frame rails a bit (and bang the header tube a little), to get the headers installed. As far as the power stearing lines I did have trouble with those. For the pressure side I had to use custom steel braided hosed. Other than that works just fine.

[68GMCCustom]

another in the 6 position. it was that way on this '72 chassis when I put it under my '68's body, but I have also swapped out the motor since then.

I'm using a 4x4 fan shroud but need to get a 1" shorter fan blade extension. GM HEI is tight, but not unmanagable.





you can see the front mount holes here: