I'm trying to put a 4.3 V6 in my 26 using the original frame(boxed)Someone welded mounts on the inside of the frame,If I use these mounts,I have no room for exhaust headers.Frame is 20" wide.I had a guy that looked at it and said that the frame would have to be widened at least 2"where the motor would go and would cost at least $2000 for this frame work.Does this sound right?Whats the purpose of boxing a frame if part of it has to be cut out to fit an engine?Cant I just get higher motor mounts?I have seen BB's in these cars.How?? I have pics but too stupid to download.
I don't see where you can't move the mounts to where the motor will fit. 4.3 isn't that big and you're right ,I've seen bbc motors in them too.Sounds like maybe somebody trying to blow smoke where the sun don't shine. 2000.00???
Bigger Hammer & Bigger Wrench, In that order. Nah, just relocate the mounts to a position where they will work. Heck that block has 2 cyls cut off so it shoud go anywhere.
As I said in my post"I am too stoopid to know how to post pix.If someone will send their e-mail addy I will send the pix to them ,thanx
Couple quick references for ya...... SMALL BLOCK CHEVY[and 4.3] has the mounts usually at about the model T's "top of frame rail" level.... They are spaced approximately 16-1/2" apart[the boltholes in tubes] that the motor mount cushion bolts to...... the center of the mounts will be approximately 16" from the blocks rear surface where block fits bellhousing- this is also the distance from motor mounts to the back of the distributor.....so your motor will fit fine as it is- width wise an exact copy of the SBC...... you are better off in the length department too being two cyls shorter! IF IT WAS BOXED you are very "adequate" in useing of that frame rail set as it sets......
seems like you can move the engine forward quite a bit, just loose the front suspension or get an model a frame instead...
The mount on a 4.3 and v-8 are in different areas of the block, not what you would think. For instance the mounts off a early 90's model C1500 pickup that had a 4.3 has a plate that bolts to the frame mount to relocate it for the 4.3 engine mounts about 3 inches foward. You could probably use a pair of these from a junk oops I mean salvage yard, or relocate them on the frame
Loose the side mounts and put a Hurst style mount on it, or run your exhaust on the outside of the chassis. or both. problem solved. i have a bonehead stupid qusetion for you whay would you pay someone 2k to widen your chassis when you can buy an aftermarket chassis for around 1,200.
Well PB thats just it,I don't see any need to spend $2000 to have the frame butchered,and I don't see a need to buy a different frame.I knew that I would be led in the right direction by HAMBERS.I read a lot of posts before I joined the Hamb.and it looks like I joined the right bunch!!I just wish that more of you lived closer to Florida.Thanx for helping an old fart.
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