73-87 V8 saddles on 60-66 Frame

[Eagar1]

I am getting close to putting my 81 350 into my 63 C20, but realized I didn't salvage the engine mount saddles off of the donor truck, or the 72 C20, I only have the saddles off of the I6 that was in the 63. Should I just get a set out of a 73-87? The 81 engine still has the mounts and they are in good shape.

[Tx Firefighter]

The 350 will bolt straight to the original I6 saddles as long as your six was a 230 or 250 and not a 292.

Get new motor mounts from the parts store for a 63 and bolt them right to the 350 block. Drop it all in and secure it. Done deal.

[Eagar1]

I am pretty sure it was a 292, as the saddles are shorter and don't line up with the lower holes on the 72 crossmember.

[Tx Firefighter]

You must be putting them in the wrong holes or wrong side. The mounts for 63-72 all will interchange freely.

[Eagar1]

Well here are pics of the same saddle on either side lined up with the rear two holes on top of the frame, the measurement from center hole of engine mount to center hole of bellhousing mount is about 22 1/2 inches so I know it can't move to the forward holes.

[Tx Firefighter]

Those are your original 6 cylinder mounts there or did they come off of your parts 72 truck ?

[Eagar1]

It was a while ago, I remember they both looked similar, and I believe these are from the 63 C20 I6, because when I scrapped the 72 frame I remember at least one still attached, and the two I have now match.

[Tx Firefighter]

Let me see if I can get this typed without causing confusion.

If you will try to fit them to the front holes, I think you will find them to line up. You may have to switch them left to right, but they should line up with the front 3 holes each. Those are not the saddles you need.

You need a pair of saddles that fit the rear holes. You can use either small block or 230/250 saddles from any 63-66 truck. Or, you can use a pair of saddles from a 67-72 230/250 truck. In 67, GM moved the small block engines forward and used new saddles with the front set of holes. They continued to use the same old saddles in the rear holes for the non 292 inline six trucks.

In fact, I used a pair of 72 inline six saddles in my 63 truck with an 84 model crossmember. No drilling needed at all. They bolted right into place in the three rear holes on each side. The lower holes on each side in the late model crossmember were right on the money.

[Eagar1]

Yes I will need to get those saddles, I hate drilling holes.

[Captainfab]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Let me see if I can get this typed without causing confusion.

If you will try to fit them to the front holes, I think you will find them to line up. You may have to switch them left to right, but they should line up with the front 3 holes each. Those are not the saddles you need.

You need a pair of saddles that fit the rear holes. You can use either small block or 230/250 saddles from any 63-66 truck. Or, you can use a pair of saddles from a 67-72 230/250 truck. In 67, GM moved the small block engines forward and used new saddles with the front set of holes. They continued to use the same old saddles in the rear holes for the non 292 inline six trucks.

In fact, I used a pair of 72 inline six saddles in my 63 truck with an 84 model crossmember. No drilling needed at all. They bolted right into place in the three rear holes on each side. The lower holes on each side in the late model crossmember were right on the money.

I agree

I would say that the brackets you have are the '67-'72 small block brackets.
If you can't find the ones you need locally, let me know, I have a few sets.

[Eagar1]

Hey Captain,
I will send you a pm regarding the mounts.
Thanks!