I am working on placing my 292 into a newly boxed frame. To do the boxing, all of the X members were removed and will be replaced with a tubular fabrication that also includes the transmission X member. I have the engine placed fore and aft where it’s going to live and for lack of anything else, I have it leveled. My question is, is it supposed to be level, or does it sit slightly downhill, pointing aft? Does anyone have numbers or info to help me get my block squared away so I can weld in my frame mounts?
Is the frame going to set level? Is the rear axle installed? What is the driveline angle compared to the crankshaft and rear pinion?
This would be a step best made once you have the chassis about completed. Most factory built cars have the carburetor flange on the intakes setting almost level, the engine and transmission will be slightly angled towards the pinion. The shorter the driveline you have, the closer you need be on getting the u-joint angle with-in the recommended 1 to 3 degrees of working angle.
For now I would tack weld them in place knowing you may need to relocate in the future. Have you thought about cab floor clearance and radiator placement?
Thanks Joe. Front and rear end are both still out. I’ll just forge on for now without bolting the engine down. As long as I know where the engine sits fore and aft, I can fab my frame mounts, and get the tubular stiffeners fit and welded in place. I appreciate the help.
With that many modifications, I'm wondering why you're using any part of the factory frame? It was designed to flex. I've put many thousands of laps on boxed frames on dirt tracks, and we were constantly patching cracks at stress points until we learned the right way to "box" frame rails. It's not as simple a process as it looks to a first timer with a MIG welder and a bunch of flat stock. You'll also need to install some chain anchors into your shop floor, and compress the suspension to the desired ride height with ratcheting chain binders before tinkering with engine mount angles. Jerry
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