engine placement

I'm putting a '85 318 into a '48 Dodge with Volare style front end. What determins how height I mount the engine in the frame ? Is it just to level the rear mount to the frame , and level the carb ???​

 

If you're putting a 318 Chrysler into a Volare/Aspen subframe, I would just use stock 318 Volare/Aspen 318 motor mounts, and a stock Volare/Aspen V8 transmount. Those cars came from the factory with 318 engines and both manual or automatic transmissions as options, so you can use off-t******lf replacement parts to perform your swap.

The only thing that MIGHT be an issue is if the subframe is installed at some kind of a weird angle, but that would also create driveline issues.

Best bet is to use Volare/Aspen mounts and modifiy your floor, firewall or trans tunnel as needed. If you run a 904 automatic, it will probably fit okay. (A 727 transmission is physically larger and may require mods. Most manual transmissions fit with ease) You COULD have some clearance issues with the distributor and the firewall, but Mopar distributors are pretty small in diameter, so I don't think you'll need to to m***age the firewall much, if any.

Always use OEM style parts when you can, especially in cases like yours where the engine you want to install was originally available in the subframe that you are using! It's a slam-dunk! I don't see why you'd need to make things more difficult on yourself by moving the engine's mounting position or trying to make custom mounts. The 318 should fall right into place and bolt up easily using parts-store mounts.

 

You need to make sure the engine sits high enough for the fan to cool the radiator properly. Also you need to make sure and level the engine at the final ride stance using a level on the intake and checking your driveline angles once the engine is level.

 

The stock or original mounts on the volare were four inches too far forward to be able to use the exsisting radiator core support. Moving the engine back 4'' to the firewall, puts the fan in the core support, allowing me to put a rad on the front of the support. Engine placement; I got the oil pan and tailshaft higher than the frame , sraight, centered and phased. I forgot about lining it up with the radiator, thank you... I'm thinking , lower is better, but creates a problem with the steering stuff.

 

An old man told me once when I was young and working in his Hot Rod Shop in North Texas, " Son, if you do not like it where it is, then cut it loose and move it where you want it." Made sense to me.