Tonight I am in final preparation to put a 302 in my 56'. I have a friend coming over first thing in the morning so I don't have time to search this topic fully. I believe the popular opinion is to offset the motor about an inch toward the passenger side for exhaust clearance with the steering. My friend says he has never done this and it's safe to say he is not on board. I rely on him a lot and hate to go against his opinions unless I have the collective experience of you guys to support what I think should be done. Could you please refresh my memory and confirm or deny the one inch theory. THANKS! I'm back outside to continue preparation. Wish me luck.

 

Hey Matt,
We have a 351W in our '50 F1 - Yes we moved the engine over an inch and a bit over toward the passenger side. You'll see when it comes time to connect your steering - it's tight on the driver's side. It's also tight up by the radiator - make sure you have enough room up front as well.

Good luck over there in Bakersfield. (1) vote for the inch.

Ben in Austin
(San Francisco this week)

 

What's the concern? The geometry of the driveshaft? 1" is peanuts in this situation.

 

My question would be do you have your steering and exhaust parts ready for mockup? It's foolish to guess at this stuff. To make an informed decision on engine placement, you really need to have all your parts at the ready and fit everything right the first time.

 

It's your truck.....pull rank.

Yes it is advantageous to have the engine to the right as far as needed for exhaust clearance. It can even be somewhat crooked.

Most factory installations are too the right including the rear carrier just for the purpose you describe.

 

I would advise against running anything crooked, crank center line should run parallel with the pinion, not angled at it. Offsetting to the side is fine as long as the engine and trans are moved over as a unit. As already mentioned you want to have your steering, exhaust, and radiator placement planned out now or chances are good at having fitment problems later.

 

Here you go, John has put it together for you!
http://jniolon.classicpickup.com/dri...nephasing.html

 

Thanks to all who responded to my desperate call for quick information. The engine is in and offset probably 3/4" toward passenger side. That's the best we could do. Sure is nice to look at the truck without an engine puller in front of it in addition to misc. jacks and wood spacers under it. Going to enjoy the victory for a day or so. Stand by for the next batch of questions when I start back up..........THanks