Engine height in 32 frame

I'm mocking up my engine and trans in my 32 rails. Is there a rule of thumb or something for how high it sits? I kinda set with the oil pan rail level with the top of the frame then put a little rake on it to see what it looks like. To me it looks a little low in comparison to where the fan is in the grille shell. Oh ya this a 30 A coupe on 32 rails, no channel. Any input would be great. Thanks.....Mike

 

Mike,

I would just be more concerned with the oil pan to ground clearance - I like the pan to be above the wishbones, maybe only 2-3" below the bottom of the frame at most...

 

I would mock it up with the rad you are going to use, to make sure your fan is going to clear the lower rad hose.
HemiDeuce.

 

I'd try putting the body on and go from there, I agree with TimDavis though you want to make sure the pan clearance is high enough. with the body on you can tell if you want to run it higher, take a step back and check if it looks right to you.

 

See the post I did http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=339822 "--- I think the relative engine height in relationshipto the frame is the same as on a model A.---Brian

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=255769&page=2

i set the bottom of my engine (no pan) about 2" above the top of the frame, that created alot of problems with clutch linkage. If i was to do it again i would put the bottom of the motor about 2'' below the top of the frame. If you are running a hood, i would keep it low, but being as i am not going to run a hood, i wanted the motor to set high. If you set the motor low, the height of the fan will not be in the center of the radiator. I did look at truck 409 water pumps and the are swept up real high so that could be a solution to counteract the low engine cooling issues.

Matt Tindall

 

Using the time tested Pete and Jakes build style they put the through bolt on the motor mount level with the top of the frame rail. If you use their (and So-Cals) mounts that is where the location ends up. I've followed this rule for years but lately I've been raising the mount bolt tube 1" above the top of the framerails. It helps fill up the engine compartment and a bonus of getting more pan clearance. I may play with raising it even more on a couple of my own builds but the downside is having a transmission tunnel intrude in the passenger compartment which is already short on room. Mock it up and stand back. I think you'll like the higher location.

Frank

 

The whole deal is a tradeoff. A buddy of mine raised the motor and drive train to make sure he could get the truck low without banging into anything. Problem was, the intrusion to the cockpit was substantial, and made the vehicle not very user-friendly. Low enough to fit under a small floor bump is a good balance.

 

What HemiDuece said...........

 

i think all of you guys are bringing up some really good points, ground clearance, fan position, floor intrusion, drive shaft angle. it all needs to be looked at , mocked up and moved around for the best fit. i just came out of the garage , im building a rpu project i bought off of the hamb awhile back. an i have been going over the same adjustments to fit. takes time ,or you wont be happy. i went for the higher route to get the fan centered in the rad,

 

The # 1 thing to do is not trick yourself.

So the #1 thing you should look at is the ( REAL DEAL ) Size of the front & rear wheels and tires your going to use.

Best thing is acually have the wheel & tires your going to use - along with the front axle & spindles for your mock ups.

All your real ground clearance issues are based on where the wheel & tire height put the chassis ( then ) were you put the engine.

Always start with Track - Wheel base & wheel - tire combo you are going to use.

 

What about the old Hurst style front cradle mounts? Dont those give you an automatic position since the side brackets mount in the middle of where you box the frame? Isnt that a neutral area unless you choose to raise the engine higher? I'm hopefully going to mount my engine soon in my 32 and I wondered the same thing.I set the pieces so you could see what I mean.The front bottom of the pan is above the lower curved edge of the mount when bolted on the engine.