1968newport

So after installing my replacement 383 block (64 383), originally a '68 383, when I stand in front of the car and check the motor for level, it is leaning towards the drivers side. It's a noticeable lean, and wondering if this is normal? Motor and transmission mount are poly-locks and brNd new.

Cheers!

moparted

no

TVLynn

Was the old motor setting low too ?? Recheck the motor mounts, maybe change the passenger side (flip it over)

1968newport

I didn't notice if the original motor had a lean to it, but now I have a 6-71 and dual 4 barrel carbs and it's very noticeable. I was afraid that I may have to lift the motor and swap motor mounts. I don't think they fit in opposite sides. Pretty sure I checked that. What else can I try? I'm not even sure I can pull my oil pump as the K member is in the way at the steering box. Estimating I have 3/4"-1" to lift on drivers side. Transmission fit nice and sat in the mounts with some coaxing. I remember the tranny was angled toward the drivers side I believe and we had to push it over to make it fit. But that was out like 1/2".

moe7404

check the oil pan hitting the frame. and both motor mounts. one that i ran into was the 65 413 C-body had a very odd mount on the left side. that only used one mount ear, and warped around the main block. and to put a 440 in the 65 we had to make a custom mount. that was drilled and taped into a boss near the oil pump. and some B-body i think. but best to check with an expert.

TVLynn

Re what I said ! THE rubber biscuit MAY be installed upside down Not the motor mount.. on the passenger side

1968newport

Oh! Ok. Well if it's just a matter of investigating the mount on the passenger side, then that's easy. Drivers side really tight fit, but I will check into the rubber mount for proper orientation! I'm very anxious to get this on the road for summer, and it seems like I'm running into all kinds of road blocks during these final stages before startup. Will try and advise. Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Really is greatly appreciated.

1968newport

Oil pan fits in nicely btw.

Rooty

I had the same issue when the previous owner changed from 318 to 383 and welded new lower frame mounts on the cross member. He did a pretty accurate installation but the engine had a tilt. Firstly I leveled the car and put in on blocks, not it's tires. I removed the carb and ran a 4 foot level across the top flange of the manifold. A 1/8" plate was fabricated to under the right biscuit to bring the engine to exact level. Another check that must be done is engine tilt front to rear. For the ujoints to work correctly the engine tilt (trans shaft angle) should be the same as the pinion angle of the rear.This should render the top of the intake manifold at the correct angle for the carb. A level in this plane is not the correct tool to measure with, you will need an angle finder like the one Mr Gasket makes. Always check the level finder by sitting it on a regular level to be sure it reads correctly. You can also use it to measure pinion angle but be sure the vehicle is sitting on stands under the axles and is level in both planes. Any shimming for front to rear angle correction will have to be done at the tranny mount or front engine mounts depending on weather the angle is positive or negative. Shimming has been practiced for years and done right the results are astounding. Just look at the tail end of your fenders where they attach to the cowl.

Gorts 5th

Maybe the chassis bent ....
without a automotive frame and chassis alinement ... all is a close guess some one on this forum has a body shop they should know what to look for

1968newport

Thanks everyone. I built a spacer and welded to the mount bracket. Needed a 3/16 shim, and brought the engine up level. I spoke with a guy who has had to do the same. You couldn't tell that it's been modified. Made a day of it! But makes me wonder if my frame isn't bent?
Again,
Many thanks for suggestions.

Gorts 5th

Your uni body may be bent ..but wthout a fram machine its hard to tell
some times the body lines have a vissible missmatch ..tops and bottoms of doors and front fenders and hood with the doors .
some times a bent or missalined fram can cause alinement issues and uneven rebond or suspension movement . But with out a fram machine its still a guess .
some body shops will cneck your cars frame and at least youll know wats up

RacerHog

You will know when you drive it.... If its off far enough it will drive like a (Log Truck) all over the place....
Sounds like your making great progress !!!