Motor mounts and trans cross member

['65 chevy lover]

I did some searching on the web but, couldn't really find what I was looking for. I have a '65 LWB pickup that currently has a trashed out 283 in it. I have a 383 stroker coming from engine factory and I plan on putting a TH 350 behind it. I know I need to change the trans cross member and would like to replace the engine motor mounts as well. Could someone point me in the right direction to obtain new front motor mounts and a trans cross member! I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

[63burban]

http://www.classicperform.com/Chevy-Truck.htm

[Captainfab]

You can use your original engine mount brackets with new replacement mounts. But if it were mine, I would upgrade to the '73-'87 style of engine mounts. To make that conversion you will need the frame brackets from a '73-'87 C20 or 30. For the tyrans cropssmember, a factory crossmember from a '63-'87 will also work. You'll just have to drill the bolt holes. Of course there are many that prefer to purchase the aftermarket engine mounts and crossmember. I prefer to spend that money elsewhere and use either OEM parts or build my own.

['65 chevy lover]

Originally Posted by 63burban

http://www.classicperform.com/Chevy-Truck.htm

Thanks for the link 63burban, I appreciate it.

['65 chevy lover]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

You can use your original engine mount brackets with new replacement mounts. But if it were mine, I would upgrade to the '73-'87 style of engine mounts. To make that conversion you will need the frame brackets from a '73-'87 C20 or 30. For the tyrans cropssmember, a factory crossmember from a '63-'87 will also work. You'll just have to drill the bolt holes. Of course there are many that prefer to purchase the aftermarket engine mounts and crossmember. I prefer to spend that money elsewhere and use either OEM parts or build my own.

Thanks for the info Captain. would the trans cross member from the '63 - '87 also work for a 700r-4 if I decided to go that route? The 7000r-4 is what I would really rather use but, I mentioned the TH350 first because I already have one of them although it needs to be gone thru before I install it. When you mention drilling holes, are you talking about holes to locate it on the frame or, holes in the cross member to locate it on the trans?

[Captainfab]

The '63-'87 truck auto trans crossmember will work with any GM auto trans. It is just a matter of the correct location in the frame to accomodate the trans. And also using the correct trans mount. Yes I was referring to drilling holes in the frame flanges to bolt the crossmember in. To drill the uper holes, it is easiest to use a 8"+, 13/32" drill bit. The longer drill bit will allow you to drill the holes in the top flange, inserted thru the bottom holes. It is really quite simple to do and relatively inexpensive

[fs64]

Does the C20 mount bolt directly on top of the frame rail or does it require a spacer ?
Thank you,

[Captainfab]

You will have to trim the top flange a little, but they will work bolted directly to the top of the frame. Some guys prefer to add a 1/4" spacer.

Originally Posted by fs64

Does the C20 mount bolt directly on top of the frame rail or does it require a spacer ?
Thank you,

[kieth]

Here is what the frame trimming looks like in order to use the later model motor mounts:

this is what you run into using 91 suburban motor mounts:
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-jVGrQkF




this is how much we trimmed the frame to allow the newer style motor mounts to work...
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-mbFzsSf




How they looked:
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-XnWz9nk




If I remember correctly it was easier to install the motor mounts on the engine, then set everything down and bolt the brackets in place rather than try and get things lined up with the brackets installed first then putting the pin in the rubber motor mounts.....it just worked better the other way. Kieth