My dad wants to somehow get chains put onto the engine mounts. He says that if they break, it's usually right where the rubber part is, so you want to somehow get chains around that where if it were to break, then engine would still stay in place. While this makes sense, I would think if it were necessary, the manufacturer of the engine mounts would include them with the kit. My engine will only be pushing 330 hp, so it's not like I have a huge amount of torque tearing at them. Do you guys think they are necessary?

 

What engine and mounts are you using? Most modern 302/SBF and 350 SBC factory rubber mounts are made with an integral safety feature to prevent any bad stuff. Look close at yours, you'll see it prevents the engine from really going anywhere, although it may allow the engine to lift off the mount a ways under power.

 

In the mid 60s Ch*vy had an issue with their small block motor mounts breaking. They were recalled and their solution was to install a short cable about 6" in length. One end attached to the bottom portion of the motor mount and the other end attached to the block.

 

In race car/truck applications, some people use a chain, or maybe chains to limit the motor twist.

But since you say its maybe 330 HP you are far from needing limiting chains.

Motor mounts are pretty tough, so don't worry.

I have pushed my poor Saleen to make roughly 900 crank HP, and its motor mounts take that despite many hard launches.

 

Ross, I actually don't know what the brand of motor mounts these are, but they were recommended by a shop that does custom work. The are brand new, so it's not like I don't know what they've been through. But they will be for the 302 that I am putting in there.

Sounds to me like everyone agree's that it's unnecessary.

 

That use to be another cheap fix on a farm for a busted engine mount. Run a bolt through a chain wrapped on the frame and bolt it to the old engine mount. No more flexing and no service bill.

 

I used chains on my motor mounts with a 383 mopar in my 56 ford truck. I also used them on my 440 6pac race car. Mopars have alot of torque. I broke a few sets of mounts before I came up with the idea.
Bill

 

I am running a 5.0l from a 91 Crown Vic. it has the safty mounts as mentioned. The 302 that came in my truck was from a 72 F100 and where the style that where just two pieces of metal with a rubber centre glued to the metal pieces. These did work for many years but would pull apart. Just use the newer style and you will be fine.

 

While way over kill solid 5.0 engine mounts are available.
I imagine there is a fair amount of vibration with them...........