Which Plates? (Part II)

[Mustang54]

I have been reading as many threads as I can find about swapping the F-body LS1 into a '91 C1500. I also checked some links to sales on eBay.

It seems there are 3 plate designs available. One keeps the engine in the stock location. The others move it either forward or back by 1".

What is the purpose of moving the engine either direction? Does this create or eliminate a clearance problem for headers, oil pan, starter, etc?

Does anyone have any direct experience with this and feel comfortable making a suggestion or recommendation?

[RedHeartbeat]

the plate with 6 holes drilled in them move the engine forward for additional alternator clearance with the fbody accessories. The transmission moves forward easily. The 7 hole setup moves it to the stock location, I believe, but the alternator is sickeningly close to the engine mount cups and bolts. The third setup, I don't believe I've seen anyone use before. I've actually seen guys put multiple hole locations about 1/2 apart in the plates so they can move the engine anywhere they want.

[Mustang54]

You are a wealth of info, RedHeartbeat. I appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge with me.

I believe it was you and Nitrous chatting with R604Z6 back in November about some 1-piece motor mounts he was planning to mill from aluminum. Have you heard anything more about that?

Are you aware of anyone making a motor mount that incorporates the plate and the "cup" ears in one piece?

[RedHeartbeat]

Nope, but I have heard of guys taking the adapter plates made of steel and welding tabs to them. Bolt the engine to the stock transmission, take measurement from the engine mount to the adapter plate, cut material, drill hole, weld plate to new tabs. That lets you put the engine right back where the old one came out from.

[r6z4o6]

hey i haven't had a chance to make any yet. I just ordered the 6 hole 39$ jobber off ebay to get me through the xmas break, and so far have a mock up engine bolted to T-56 and its in the truck. It appears the tranny is in teh right spot once i figure out yoke situation. I have both f-body and truck a/c brackets, and it's too tight for me. The 6 hole is fine and i'm gunna try to use stock 1991 a/c compressor up top opposite the alternator. So the 6 hole seems to be fine, i dunno how the trans will bolt up to driveshaft yet.

[Mustang54]

R6 -

I am still in the planning stage on this project and probably won't turn any wrenches for 3 - 6 months. I would really like to see what you come up with.

If you are going to let it go, I will take your idea to a buddy who runs a machine shop here. He has 5-axis CNC and CNC water jet equipment, so he should be able to make up what I want with the right specs or a good mockup.

I'll be watching to see how it turns out. Please keep me posted.