The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 53 Panel (frame cross member)

Wondering about the cross member at rear of
stock six cyllinder point. When installing Chevy
Small block does this cross member need modification?
I have not had an opportunity to observe this.
The LS1 Gen 111 has a different bell housing and oil pan than
previous Small Blocks. Apparently they fit well in 60's, 70's
models. Not sure on A.D. truck. I am guessing mod's.

watersguy: I wonder the same thing. I'm almost at the point of setting in my small block and have been pondering the question myself. I think it would have to be taken out OR perhaps a modification to leave it in. I'm wondering about the integrity of the frame with it out.
OK....6 cyl to V8 Guys, we need some help here to save us some aggravation and get this bolts on the road!

** wonder if putting "V8" in the subject line would help get more reponse's??

I installed a 283/TH350 in my 49 sub. I placed the engine about 3" lower and 2" forward in order to have clearance for the HEI distributor. I ground off the rivets and removed the crossmember, fabbed two brackets that lowered the crossmember 3"and then bolted it back in. I then bolted a pad to the crossmember to accomodate the rear transmission mount. Can't say about the LS1 Gen3. Pics in my photo album. Weeds

weeds, I have to look at your pics....it helps keep me motivated. Nice, very nice job your doing.

Now, I don't know if you are on the same page with me and "meetingofthewatersguy". Hmm, maybe I'm on the wrong page. Lets try again.

I have taken out the "rear" cross member where the rear of my 350 automatic tranny will be and have a fabricated crossmember from CP that bolts in.
The one I'm talking about, and I think meetingorthewaters, is the one right where the back of the engine will be. Is it needed?
Will it stay if we don't lower the engine as you did?

I have the "new"(?) motor mounts that fit inside the frame rail and can be bolted in or welded. The instructions show where to measure from the from frame rivets, back 19" and install mounts. This is suppose to be OK for the "smaller" electronic distributor even though it will be close.
By using these mounts I don't have to have the fabbed crossmember to bolt the engine mounts to.

So, all this to ask again about the crossmember that is in "front" of the tranny.

heck, I don't even know what LS1 or Gen3 means!!

Meetings Guy, I removed the aft 6 cylinder crossmember when I installed the 283/th350. Weeds

i am modifying the cross member you guys are talking about. cutting it to clear the t350 and linkadge. i am going to fab some peices to bolt the peice i cut out to go under the the trans. i think it should be there if you are using the stock straight axle because the rear spring hangers are also rivited to that cross member. at least on my 53 3100 pickup

Good stuff! I purchased a cross member kit for the 700R to
be mounted a while back. Still in the box. The cross member
just back from the fire wall should not be there I do believe
once the trani mount is in. If left in, it would be a pain
under there. The LS1 Gen 111 needs a different mount kit than
the Small block chevy.

Man, isn't this a great place! Info from the guys that have been there and done it! Can't get much better. Thanks from me to guys.