I'm doing a 302/c4 trans swap into a '55 f-100 and want to know if anybody has any suggestions on the easiest way to setting frame brackets for the motor in place as far as the right position. The brackets I'm using are the 2 piece brackets, one on each frame rail... no cross member.

 

I didn't use a 302 but the approach is the same. First, make sure the truck is perfectly level. Next, position the transmission cross member on the frame and slide the engine and transmission in and bolt the transmission to the cross member. Next, slide the engine/trans back as far as it will go and still have firewall clearance. Then level the engine side to side and front to rear making sure it is low enough that you do not have to make any floor modifications and that there will be no interference with exhausts or steering box. Once all that is done set the engine mounts from the frame to the engine. Next, temporarily set the radiator into position to be sure you have the clearance necessary. Once you determine where the engine mounts will go you can tack weld them and mark the holes in the frame for mounting the transmission cross member. Check again to be sure everything is level before you weld the mounts. If you have any steering box clearance issues (not likely since the 289/302 is one of the most narrow V8 engines around) it will not hurt anything to offset the engine up to two inches to the passenger side. Just be sure that if you do this you also offset the transmission mount the same amount.

 

good info except most engines are designed to be mounted a few degrees higher in the front from level.

 

To be sure, level the carb mounting surface on the intake manifold.

 

Sorry I wasn't clear on that. When leveling from side to side and front to rear use the carburetor mounting surface to determine that.

 

If you not running a carb. as in a late model with injection. You can use the fuel log. I used a dial angle indicator on my SHO. I just set it up to match my pinion angle. It worked.
Bike

 

Just for the sake of first timers: the tranny and the pinion want to be at matching angles just not such that they line up in a straight line. The driveshaft must be at a small angle to both the tranny and the pinion (forming a very shallow "Z" from the side). Same is true if you offset the engine to one side for steering or header clearance the centerline of the engine and transmission must still remain parallel to the centerline of the frame, NOT angled towards the center.
Should you align everything in a straight line or have the tranny output shaft/driveshaft angle more than a couple degrees different from the pinion/driveshaft angle either viewed from the top or the side, you will be plagued with driveshaft vibration and premature universal joint failure, that often gets blamed on out of balance or bent driveshafts.

 

I know their are measurement tools to help with the angling of the motor and trans (making sure it lines up with the rear end and such). Does anybody know what these are called? And what's more where can I get one.

 

Intercomp makes one: Angle finder gauge.
They are available from racing suppliers and on ebay. ~60.00

 

Here's one from Sears, cheap but functional. 39830 Magnetic Angle Finder, $4.99

 

I'd jump on that.

 

Take a look at the digital angle finder from speedpartz_dot_ com. That is what I use.

http://www.speedpartz.com/smarttool.htm

 

That's what I have. Mine is a removable module that goes in a 4' level as well.

 

Try Home Depot; the one they sell looked just like one I saw some TV mechanic using to check driveshaft angles on some project.

 

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all this is right on the money.... you didn't say if you had done any rear suspension work or not or what the original engine was, but I'm assuming that it wasn't a 302 ??? If it wasn't or if the transmission is different, there is going to have to be some driveshaft work done also. Something to consider and it might affect where the engine finally rests. Another thing to consider now is the pinion angle and phasing the engine/trans and the rear end. Ax touched on this... the angle of the engine and the rearend must be 'complimentary' they have to equal 180 degrees. Before you weld in the engine mounts... check the rearend angle and work your engine angle to be correct...

When I did mine I did the rear end suspension first, then set up the engine/trans like Vern said... as close to the firewall as practical... as low in the frame as possible... offset as little as needed and leave plenty of room for the radiator.... with or without a mech fan. block it in place...hold it in place with tie wire, coat hangers, engine hoist hook...whatever... THEN check the angles and get them right... after that, fab up your engine mounts and install/build your transmission crossmembers/mounts.

later
John