Installing Motor Mounts

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Engine Fitting and Installing Motor Mounts

(and other engine bay items)

Replacement urethane bushings for the Jose kit are custom manufactured and available for sale in complete sets for $40 plus shipping.  To order, contact me via this web site. 

Urethane Motor Mount Bushing Set

After removing the 4 cylinder motor and transmission the first thing you will want to do is pressure wash the engine bay.  There is a bit of work to do, and it'll go easier if it's somewhat clean..

Remove the old motor mounts:

Start by grinding the welds down on the stock mount wedges.  Don't go too deep or you'll have to weld up the cut and grind it flush after the mounts are removed.

Use a chisel to finish breaking the weld joint and lightly grind the surface smooth.



Fit the motor:

Install the engine (Transmission roughly in place) and bolt the headers on with gaskets. Shift the engine/transmission front to back to achieve 1/16th" clearance to the right side steering arm to the header tube. Rotate the steering wheel to make sure it clears properly. Lifting the front wheels off the floor will allow easy access and free movement of the wheels.  Make sure the motor is sitting centered left to right.


Dent the Frame Rail:

The passenger side frame rail needs a slight ding to help clear the front header tube. 

Note the angle of the header tube and mark the frame rail where the tube would touch or come close to touching. Remove the engine from the engine bay.

Use a torch (if available) to heat the spot before neatly denting the lower edge of the rail. It shouldn't take more than 1/4" or so in a spot about the width of a nickel. I gave mine a little tapper on both the front and back to give it a more factory look.

Break Line Tee:

The stock brake line Tee fitting and brake line that passes near the header tube should be relocated to avoid heat from the header. If you are updating to a dual master this shouldn't be a concern because you'd have to reroute the lines anyway.

Locate the Motor Mounts:
The motor mounts are at the proper height, and nest the motor in a V to support and stabilize the motor.

Follow procedure to fit the motor in the engine bay to identify mount locations. Carefully mark the location on both sides.  This will be the final location of the motor, so make sure everything is correctly spaced!   

You can lightly tack weld the mounts in place with the motor installed if you don't mind a little burned rubber on the bushings.  Since they are black it won't show, but it will make an unpleasant aroma.

Remove the motor and tack the mounts if you hadn't done so in the previous step.  Check the fit of the motor again...   Sorry, but want to get it right before final welding.  Remove the engine, again!

Final weld the mounts in place.  Add a small piece of tubing if necessary to support the motor mount.  

Old mounts removed, holes drilled for new mounts

New mounts Installed

New mount welded in place.
Weld in a small piece of tubing if the mounts hang
 off the back of the cross member.
 

Dent the Frame rail

Reinstall the engine and attach headers as before to check the fit.