47-55.1 283 question mounting question

[8man]

I have the motor and tranny set in the truck. Right now the front bottom of the oil pan is ~4.5" off the A-frame.

I am using Skymangs version 2 cab mounts, as we don't want to lower the cab, I'll use the 2" frame drop with Front spindles and rear blocks.

Is this about the right height for the engine? It seems a little high to me, but this is my first rodeo.

Also, the front of the harmonic balance is almost flush with the front of the tongue on the A-frame.

Is this about the right location front to back for the 283 or any small block?

Thanks.

[NorCalGal]

Robert by A frame do you mean the front X member? I sat mine so that the bottom of the oil pan sits just above the motor X member that way the oil pan is protected from driving over something and ripping a hole in the pan. The lower you can get the motor the smaller trans tunnel you will need (if any at all) and the lower center of gravity with better cornering.

[mr48chev]

I'd set it so the bellhousing is 3/4 to an inch from the kick board and the trans clears the floor without having to make a hump. As Norcalgal said on hers, having the bottom of the pan above the bottom of the crossmember protects the pan in 99.9 % of the situations you will get into including foreign objects like chunks of 4x4 or equal size scrap iron laying in the road.

Back about 35 years ago I had a buddy I was following hit a raised man hole cover with his pan on a street that they had ground the asphalt down to repave the street but left the manholes sticking up several inches above the pavement. He ended up getting a long ride on a tow chain behind my truck that time The pan was ripped open and the pickup screen was busted off.

The other thing with your pan too low if it is just the right distance behind the axle line you hit speed bumps with the pan after the wheels go over and the springs are compressing when the tires hit the pavement on the other side of the bump. Busted the pan on my T bucket that way.

[8man]

Thank you both, that makes sense.

Good to know I need to lower it some.

[Clay54]

Hey Robert, please check your mail box. I sent you a PM. Thanks, Clay

[Clay54]

Thanks for your response. Clay