Does this look crooked to you???

[Hybridcx]

The engine in my truck looks crooked... of is it playing tricks on me?

Is this typical? Anyone ever have to slot their engine mounts?

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[Molberg]

Place a level sideways across your intake where the carb sits. From what Ive seen... most of the V8's tilt back towards the cab a bit. Should be level sideways though...

[Molberg]

When your tranny is hooked up, measure and set your output shaft evenly between the frame rails... it'll parallel your engine with the frame rails

[Hybridcx]

I did the 700r4 swap in my 72 and have centered the rear output shaft in between the frame rails (might be a 1/4" off) in doing so it seems to pull the engine quite off of center. I really fear the frame is tweaked...

[Troy Sr]

I see what you're saying, it does look a little skewed to me too. I think I would do a bunch of measuring to verify before I change anything permanently. I could also be an optical illusion seeing as the firewall is unbalanced with components. Also I think your toe out plays into the illusion as well. Good Luck I hope your frame's not tweeked!!

[Keith Seymore]

It (probably) should be offset to the right.

Most vehicles offset the powertrain to provide a little more foot room for the driver rather than the passenger.

So - parallel to the frame rails but offset an inch or two.

K

[Hybridcx]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

It (probably) should be offset to the right.

Most vehicles offset the powertrain to provide a little more foot room for the driver rather than the passenger.

So - parallel to the frame rails but offset an inch or two.

K

Thats what I figured... Im going to really measure it this weekend and see if its even parallel.

On a side note anyone ever run newer style small block mounts (80s-90s)? Does it help with header clearance. The headers I have wont clear the mounts or oil filter.

[cdowns]

they run better when not perfectly square in the frame

[Hybridcx]

Originally Posted by cdowns

they run better when not perfectly square in the frame

Thats my next question... I have been fighting my OCD and lack of skills on this build and its taking me way to long to get **** finished. I want this truck to be a driver... not a show truck (I still want it to look decent of course). Is there any major issues with this? As long at the rear output is centered I should be all good? Do you think it will be really obvious when I lift the hood that its crooked?

[Troy Sr]

Originally Posted by Hybridcx

Thats my next question... I have been fighting my OCD and lack of skills on this build and its taking me way to long to get **** finished. I want this truck to be a driver... not a show truck (I still want it to look decent of course). Is there any major issues with this? As long at the rear output is centered I should be all good? Do you think it will be really obvious when I lift the hood that its crooked?

It has always been my understanding that in the static condition the crankshaft center line should be as close to parallel to the pinion center line. They should not be in line with each other, there should be some offset. So parallel but offset.

[tony58]

Engine location is not precise in any car/truck. You can wiggle the engine up/down/left/right a little with a pry bar. I wouldn't worry about it.

[67 chevelle]

Originally Posted by Troy Sr

It has always been my understanding that in the static condition the crankshaft center line should be as close to parallel to the pinion center line. They should not be in line with each other, there should be some offset. So parallel but offset.

ford explorers are 3 inches off center

[chevjayfsd]

Your pics aren't dead on... They almost are, but use the frame for reference I can see more of the inside left frame rail then I can the inside right, which means you were standing more right than center.

[hamjet]

also when standing in front of the truck look at the side windows through the windshield, you can see you aren't directly centered.

[shawno72]

Take on shoe off mine was the same way. Once the clips on you'll never notice.

[Grumpy old man]

Baloney ! That engine is as crooked as a $5.00 attorney ! !

[Hybridcx]

Maybe a dumb question... I'm using a the th350 trans mount on the 700r4. Could this cause issues? Do those mounts only go in one way? (Is there a front and back if that makes sense )

[Sklptrljay]

I think I might know your problem. Remember the frame is like a ladder. If one side is pushed in or out it affects the other. Stand at the front of the frame rails looking side to side and see if they are off a bit. If that's it, just get a come along and pull it back in (diagonally to the opposite rail).
I had this problem and fixing it solved a lot of issues with my body panels that didn't line up right.

[shawno72]

Originally Posted by Hybridcx

Maybe a dumb question... I'm using a the th350 trans mount on the 700r4. Could this cause issues? Do those mounts only go in one way? (Is there a front and back if that makes sense )

I believe that the 700r4 can use the same mount. Shouldn't be a problem.

[shawno72]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Baloney ! That engine is as crooked as a $5.00 attorney ! !

Here is my engine right after swapping it with the I6. Does it look crooked? It does to me. Not saying it's right but it was fine and has about the same skew. I would definately try moving the trans tail shaft and see if you can straighten out.

[shawno72]

You also need to remember that the drivers side cylinder head sits farther forward than the passenger side which can add to the illusion that it's kinda sideways.

[trac209]

Originally Posted by shawno72

You also need to remember that the drivers side cylinder head sits farther forward than the passenger side which can add to the illusion that it's kinda sideways.

This if you're looking from above. The op pic looks to be crooked slightly though.

[Grumpy old man]

Still looks crooked to me !, it may run down the road but how well ? spend untold dollars and time and then settle for a somewhat correct power train alignment ?

[mud.man.rj]

To me it looks like the trans is a bit off to the drivers side, not much but some.

[67_C-30]

Originally Posted by Hybridcx

Thats my next question... I have been fighting my OCD and lack of skills on this build and its taking me way to long to get **** finished. I want this truck to be a driver... not a show truck (I still want it to look decent of course). Is there any major issues with this? As long at the rear output is centered I should be all good? Do you think it will be really obvious when I lift the hood that its crooked?

Big block first gen Camaros have assymetrical offset engine mounts to allow clearance for the steering box and power steering components. The engine sat 1" further to the passenger side from the factory. IOW, you have nothing to worry about even if is offset a little bit.

As somebody else mentioned, it is often an optical illusion because heads are offset on the block.