engine placement?
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
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engine placement?
Just installed a 351M in my '54. Looking for advice on positioning engine front to rear. How far away should the rear edge of the valve covers be from the firewall? Can't go too far forward bc of radiator/stock fan clearance. (haven't put the radiator in yet). I kno I can always go with an electric fan(s). Engine will prob be offset about an inch to the passenger side, but for front to rear positioning, what have other FTE'ers done? Any tips/nuggets greatly appreciated.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: victoria
Hi .. i have done a couple of swaps ..and alway's stayed on the center line .as it came out of the old car/truck .the fire wall clearance was always enough to get my hand in ..and changed fan spacers to get the clearance in front..can you post a picture so we can see how it is now ..is this your firs ..or just overthinking ??
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,577
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From: Pekin, IL
I can squeeze my pinky finger between the driver side valve cover and the firewall. that's not much! maybe 3/8" . I would like a little more but the only way for me is to carve a little on the firewall, and I don't want to.
I wanted to run the belt driven fan, but I don't like how low it sits vs. the radiator, so I will run an electric fan.
I wanted to run the belt driven fan, but I don't like how low it sits vs. the radiator, so I will run an electric fan.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,192
Likes: 4,804
From: Burbank, WA
Everybody's build is a little bit different. There is no one-size-fits-all location, but this much is relatively universal; the farther forward you can place your engine, the easier it will be to service the valve covers, access bell housing bolts, and fit the transmission into the tunnel area. I would suggest before making any firm commitments to placement, you fully mock up your radiator and fan, exhaust, check oil pan to suspension clearances, steering column/shaft clearances, transmission shifter and clutch linkages (if applicable), and anything else you can think of that could pose a problem later. Don't assume anything, especially the use of an electric fan. They are not always the cure-all people tend to believe they are.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 581
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From: Byron Bay Australia
I totally agree with Wayne, look at ALL the items that need to fit on AND around the engine and fit the engine where you feel comfortable with it. Every installation is different and you will be the person doing the future servicing etc. John
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