I recently bought a 69 Firebird in a Box basically. The 350 was gone and the engine I got was a 454 that was built for the car. The guy had built motor mounts, Which did not work, so I scrapped them and got the big block Motor Mounts and sub frame mounts from Paddock. How the heck do I get the subframe mounts bolted in? Do I have to remove the front Suspension to get my fingers in there?

Thanks for the help

It's tricky. There are factory cut outs opposite the bolts. It can be done without taking off the control arms. I put a nut in a socket up through the cut out.

Jim

Do I need to get the front springs for the Big Block and install the as it would be the easiest time to do this when it is apart

Thanks

Springs for a Pontiac engine would be very close to the same for a 454.

Jim

Thanks for the advice, Jim. My fingers are too big and my girlfriends fingers are too short. I just didn't know if a socket will fit but I will sure try it.
The guy I got this from had welded some home made plates to the crossmember and had the engine too far back and the distributor was against the firewall.

I just got rid of them and am trying to do it right. The Mounts for a camaro biug block should put it in the right place I think.

Mike

I did two sets this year. Chevy big block in an fbody. If you buy the correct mounts its a nice fit. Hint; you can wedge the nut in the end of the socket with something like a small piece of paper.

Jim

Should I use Grade 8 Fine thread Bolts with Lockwashers on the nuts? That is what I was planning on doing.

Mike

It doesn't need to be fine thread but that definitely would be better. Skip the lock washers.

Jim

Thanks for the help Jim. I will go try that this afternoon and try and let you know tonight.

Mike

Good luck.

Jim

That worked great. Now I have to figure out how to mount the tranny. It is a Sag 4 spd, but I had to un bolt the tranny mounts to bolt it to the engine. Is there an adapter plate to go between the engine and the bell housing, or do I need to move the crossmember?

Mike

Since the Sagniaw 4 speed was standard on the Firebird, there's no reaon to do anything other than bolt it in place. You need a manual transmission crossmember - not a TH400 cross member.

Soooooo, where do I find one of those? There isn't much to pick from here.
I really appreciate the help, I am kinda flying blind

Mike

From a Camaro place ... probably Ricks. The BB Camaro w/manual trans cross member is probably the right one.

If it is the same as the Firebird, I would be slightly surprised. The Firebird engine is set toward the passenger side of the engine bay and the crossmemeber clearance holes are similarly baised.

Thanks a bunch. I really appreciate it. I will give it a try.

Mike

What do you need to get for the cross member? I will probably need it before I can go any farther.

Mike

Becareful beating on that Saginaw 4 speed behind a 454. It's not the strongest trans.Good driver though.

thats odd that the pontiac mounts set the block toward the passanger side
the big block chevy mounts do the same thing,
off set the motor 2" (i think)

It's to accommodate the brake booster and to off set the weight of the steering box and column.

Jim

Tom's cross member is fairly priced but if you want a 'cheap and greasy'
cross member let me know.

Jim

Thanks alot you guys. I don't know what the freight will be to get it here. The zip is 59872 for me. I might look here too. Maybe I will get lucky.

Thanks
Mike

Mike,
Cheap and greasy is $50 shipped.

Jim

Sold. How do I get you the $50 bucks.

Mike

Let me get you a picture so you know what you are getting. I will have to out to the igloo. Be back in a few minutes.

Jim

Here is a picture. It has some surface rust. Nothing that is serious. It also has the mounting holes opened up to one side. Someone was adjusting the tail of the trans for centering. The extra pound of grease is on the house.



Jim

It looks ok to me. Would you use it? I sent you a private message with my address and contact info in it. I have to leave for work soon

Mike

Mike,
I would not have offered it if I would not use it. My junk parts go out to the curb.

Jim

Sent you an email. Maybe your email is slow. You can do a PayPal if you want it ASAP.

Jim

Had to go to work, no rest for the wicked. I have to support my firebird habit. I will send an email.

Mike

The older chryslers were tilted to the pass side too. I believe it was to clearance the gearbox.
Dave