Have a 64 Rambler American and am getting ready to swap in a small block Chevy & a 350 auto. I would really appreciate any advice as to motor & transmission mounts. I am told that this is an easy switch but would like to hear from someone who has been there and done that. ED S.
I just bought a 1965 American with a 350/400 and 9" ford today. As soon as I get some pics, I'll post them.
The switch is RELATIVELY easy as far as swaps go -- no harder than putting a modern V-8 in a Nova or Falcon that originally had a six. You have to fab both mounts, no kits. Since the 64 American had the 196 OHV or L-head, it's not hard. What I did was use a couple pieces of 11 gauge (1/8" wall) rectangular tubing. Lower the motor in place with the trans and mounts bolted to it. Determine how far above the cross member the mounts need to be, then lift it all out. Make sure the mounts will go over the crossmember while it's in there! The edge of the CM should be around the center of the mounts. Once you know how far above the CM the bottom of the mount needs to be you can buy some tubing. 2"x3" should do it -- I would think the bottom of the mounts are no more than 2" above the CM. Cut the tubing a little longer than the mount is wide, then drill it to bolt to the mount. I put the rect. tubing along the CM, ends facing the center and inner fender panel, but I was mounting a newer model six. You may need to use a longer piece and position it prallel to the motor. Now lower the engine/trans back in place and position the rect. tubing on the CM. There are two holes about 7/16" on the CM that the original engine mounts bolted to. From under the car mark the location of those holes on the rect. tubing. Then drill and tap for a FINE THREAD grade 8 3/8" bolt. That's it! You can use a universal hot-rod trans crossmember or mod the original. You're pretty much on your own there.
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