homemade motor mounts- V8 swap

[PetesPonies]

Does someone have an accurate drawing of the measurements to make thsi mount? The picture that is posted I have seen is horrible. You can't build it accurately from the measurements ( or lack of them ) that are shown. It only shows the spacing between bolts where it attaches to the block. It gives no overall dimenions of the steel plate, nor does it give any information on the hole locations for the frame mounts, none. If someone has the exact dimensions, I can do a proper drawing. Any help?

 

[PetesPonies]

really? so no one really knows or hasn't made this part and figured it out ?? wow

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You will probably have to bolt the plates on the engine and set it where you want it and mark the plates for holes. It is one of those things that are different between every swap.

Most guys anymore have been using Foxbody convertable/SN-95 Mustang engine mounts swapped side to side. Personally, I am going to use two of the same side, I think what is originally the drivers side mount in a Mustang. The other one is currently missing my crossmember. Check out the link in my sig for pics, it is an ongoing saga...

 

[PetesPonies]

There is no reason why the mount plates would be different for each vehicle. Thats like saying ALL motor mounts have to be custom fitted. Just not true. Since we have the correct V6 frame mounts, using the flat plate is the simplest way to go about it. If you needed frame mounts, then I can see using the Mustang mounts . . which I'm sure I have some around. Just wanted to use the plate and get accurate dimensions.

 

[Tony Raine]

get the rough size of the steel cut out, and drill the holes for the v6 mounts. then throw the motor in, get it where you want it, then mark the holes for the block. take the mounts out and drill them, then cut the rest of the bracket to the shape you want.

its a flat piece of steel, the thicker the better (to an extent of course).

fitting the fox mounts on my rig has involved test fitting the motor/trans combo about a dozen times. not easy when you are working in dirt. the hoist stays put, and i have to roll the vehicle around by hand.

i used the fox mounts because my factory 2.8 mounts were a little spongy after about 300,000 miles. its too bad, i think it would have been a lot easier.


several factors do come into play when swapping a v8, that can make the mounts different

-size of valve covers
-FEAD
-radiator
-a/c or not
-how much of the heater box you are willing to modify
-body lift (or not)
-exhaust manifolds

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

There is no reason why the mount plates would be different for each vehicle. Thats like saying ALL motor mounts have to be custom fitted. Just not true. Since we have the correct V6 frame mounts, using the flat plate is the simplest way to go about it. If you needed frame mounts, then I can see using the Mustang mounts . . which I'm sure I have some around. Just wanted to use the plate and get accurate dimensions.

They are generally different for different engine configurations.

At no point did Ford ever put a V8 in a Ranger, and if they did it would have been a drop in deal with that configuration. You got one guy with a lowrider, AC, Mustang FEAD, and you have another guy, no A/C, V belt, 3" body lift, it is going to come out different between the two... and the number of variables is huge.