350/700R4 85 El Camino

[K-Toe]

I'm stuck at a crossroad with my swap!!

My 85 was originally a V6. When I bought it, it already had the 1st gen 350 and 700r4, but there were so many things halfa$$ed with the swap that prompted a complete do-over. The motor mounts were not made for a Gbody and poorly welded instead of bolted. Many other problems followed!!

Luckily, the compression test was good on all 8 cylinders, so after removing the AC/Heater box, the engine was painted along with the engine bay. Correct motor mounts were used and placed, and the engine and transmission were reinstalled. This is where a new set of problems occur.

The engine now sits about two inches further forward than before. The shorty headers now rub the frame. I like the additional room between the engine and firewall, but I have to resolve the header-clearance issue before moving forward. Plus, the headers no longer aline with the muffler piping.

I haven't measured the drive shaft, but I'm almost positive it will no longer fit. Sooo...I'm looking for solutions.

My first thought is to pull and reinstall the engine after moving the motor mounts back by an inch and a half or so. My second thought is to leave the engine as is and replace the shorty headers with long-tube headers, but Iwould still have the drivetrain issue.

Any suggestions for a wiser way ahead would be appreciated.

 

[K-Toe]

More pictures...

 

[pontiac guy]

That looks like the right mount location. I haven't done a Chevy in a while, but that's how I remember it. I think your Shorty's are the problem. I'd leave it in the right spot so you don't have problems with the fan and shroud. Driveshafts are cheap and easy.

 

[K-Toe]

Appreciate your feedback!! I do NOT want to remove the engine again. Are you saying I need to switch to long-tube headers?

 

[pontiac guy]

Not necessarily. Maybe you can rework the shorties. Long tubes tend to be better but you already have the shorties so maybe just massage those. Depends on what you want to do with the car now and in the future

 

[K-Toe]

Not necessarily. Maybe you can rework the shorties. Long tubes tend to be better but you already have the shorties so maybe just massage those. Depends on what you want to do with the car now and in the future

Hmmm...I love my 85, and I want her to be best my wallet will allow. None of her running gear is stock other than the front brakes and control arms!

Being autocross capable is my ultimate goal, and as soon as my header clearance issue is resolved, the EFI conversion will continue on the .30 over 350. Truthfully, if I would have known how much this project would end up costing, I would have opted for an LS conversion.

Again...thanks for the feedback! I will remove the headers...and see how best to massage them to eliminate the clearance problem.

 

[pontiac guy]

So I was looking at your pics again. You might be 1 hole fwd. The dist should nest more or less in the dent they put in the firewall. I Suggest mocking the core support and radiator/ fan assy/shroud in to be sure. You won't have to pull the motor if you need to move it back you can go thru the spring pockets. Then just pick it up an inch and move it with the mounts so you don't scratch your fresh paint.

An LS is not an easy swap. Nor is it cheaper. Yes there are parts to make it easier, but if you look around here you will see many people who have done it say that very thing.

 

[K-Toe]

Copy all...and thank you!

I ditched the fan shroud a while back. I now run two electric fans, so I have more than enough clearance between the radiator and engine.

I will let you know how things go!

 

[57 Handyman]

K-Toe, I hate to say this but when I see work like this...half-assed motor install rather than getting the right motor mounts...I begin to wonder what else is wrong? From what you've share and provided there are no other issues, the simplest way to fix your dilemma is to get a patch pipe to connect the exhaust to the headers.

 

[K-Toe]

K-Toe, I hate to say this but when I see work like this...half-assed motor install rather than getting the right motor mounts...I begin to wonder what else is wrong? From what you've share and provided there are no other issues, the simplest way to fix your dilemma is to get a patch pipe to connect the exhaust to the headers.

57 Handyman: If luck is on my side, all issues have been resolved. Header clearance at the collector and the frame on both sides needs to be resolved. See pictures.

Over the next few days, I will remove the headers and a portion of the wrap near the collectors (%&$@×!!!) to see exactly how much room is needed.