Engine orffset question....
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Metro Detroit-MI
Engine orffset question....
I narrowed my CV IFS for my 1951 F1 2.75". I set the block in today and it seems to look and fit correct in the frame rails offset to the passenger side by about 1 inch. I figure this will give me enough "play room" to get the header and steering shaft on the driver side. What is everyone doing for engine offset?
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From: Central Oregon
Yours is quite a bit different than my set up, but I will add my 2 cents worth. I am running a 289 with stock exhaust manifolds, C4, Toyota PS, and stock front axle. I centered mine in the frame, but if I had to do it over again, I would have moved it about 1" to the passenger side. That would have made the steering box to exhaust manifold clearance much easier.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
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From: Harpswell Maine
Yours is quite a bit different than my set up, but I will add my 2 cents worth. I am running a 289 with stock exhaust manifolds, C4, Toyota PS, and stock front axle. I centered mine in the frame, but if I had to do it over again, I would have moved it about 1" to the passenger side. That would have made the steering box to exhaust manifold clearance much easier.
I did the same with a sbc but should have offset by 1" toward the passengers side.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: in a barn
Offsetting the engine to the side is fine as long as the trans is offset as well, that is keep the imaginary line from the front of the crank shaft through the trans tail shaft parallel with the frame rails. Doesn't matter where the pinion is as long as it is also parallel to the rails which it naturally should be, the driveshaft can be at an angle as long as the driveline angles are parallel.
Many 1960s big bolck factory cars had the engine offset from the factory to help with fitment issues around the steering box.
Many 1960s big bolck factory cars had the engine offset from the factory to help with fitment issues around the steering box.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Metro Detroit-MI
Thanks guys. As stated above, it looks great offset by 1". I will be using a 8.8" which is offset as well. I do know, as long as the the front pinion angle and the rear pinion angle match each other in degrees it will not bind.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I offset my 302 two inches to the passenger side in my 49 F-1 since I used a Chrysler T-bar suspension. Worked fine. 
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Oxford, Indiana
One last consideration here - it is often actually beneficial to have the powertrain offset to the right side from a handling perspective. This helps balance the weight of the driver and the steering/braking/instrumentation equipment that is always hung on the left side of the vehicle. Figuring out exactly how much would require a bunch of math and complex calculations, but every little bit helps.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Metro Detroit-MI
Thanks. I dont plan on autocrossing it. I am more concerned about getting everything to fit with minimal mods to the truck itself. It looks like based on the headers (long tube BBK) and the top frame mounts, I will be a little closer to center than I originally thought. I will be maybe .5" offset to the right or less to avoid hitting the headers on the frame rail when the engine revs.
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