Motor Fit Very Tight

[jmccrack]

Hey Guys
Just installing my 383 small block Stroker and boy is it tight. I can get it in but the main pulley on the CVS serpentine is hitting the steering rack. Also the tensioner is touching the front cross member on the left side as you stand in front of the truck. I have AC and a short water pump. I can move the motor back about 1/2" and that should clear everything. But I ever want to work on anything it will be tough. The other option is to change out the Serpentine system with some other brand. Any suggestions? Any pics of a truck with a SBC and a Serpentine system would be greatly appreciated.

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[bnelson]

Hey Guys
Just installing my 383 small block Stroker and boy is it tight. I can get it in but the main pulley on the CVS serpentine is hitting the steering rack. Also the tensioner is touching the front cross member on the left side as you stand in front of the truck. I have AC and a short water pump. I can move the motor back about 1/2" and that should clear everything. But I ever want to work on anything it will be tough. The other option is to change out the Serpentine system with some other brand. Any suggestions? Any pics of a truck with a SBC and a Serpentine system would be greatly appreciated.

144546

I had that same set up with 4L60E trans at first. I used spacers to move the engine back a bit but was about 3/16 from steering and about 1/8 at rear of trans. I swapped the 383 out later for 427 SBC with TKO. The TKO gave me more room behind trans so I built new plates for the motor mounts that moved it back to about 1/2" behind steering. Same exact serpentine you have looks like. You can see the motor mount configuration a little better in the second picture. I think the mounts have changed. Mine was one of the first. But you get the idea. You can build a plate and drill wherever you need to move.

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[jmccrack]

Thanks a lot for the pics it helps a lot. I got it in today and it looks about the same. What about your tensioner are you able to operate it without getting in the way of that cross bar that is there? Also I wonder if you could send me a pic of how the trans tail sits on the support. Is this a completed truck? If so how do you find it to fit into?

[bnelson]

Thanks a lot for the pics it helps a lot. I got it in today and it looks about the same. What about your tensioner are you able to operate it without getting in the way of that cross bar that is there? Also I wonder if you could send me a pic of how the trans tail sits on the support. Is this a completed truck? If so how do you find it to fit into?

No problems with the tensioner. It is completed. You can see tons of build pictures on the Forum (Bruces Chopped 35). I fit perfect but am only 5'7". I sold it to a guy few weeks back that is 6'4". It was a crack up watching him get in it but he loves it and drives it all over Houston.

Are you running auto trans or manual? I don't really have any pics of the rear of trans on mount. I had to play around there to get it at the right height in the tunnel. But its just a matter of using different size spacers to get it where you need it. I think the ones sent from FFR for me were just right in the long run. Again, I changed out the auto for a TKO 5 speed after all the work I did to get the auto to fit. It would have dropped right in without and mods to the trans tunnel.

[jmccrack]

thanks for the info

[bnelson]

thanks for the info

Hey I was zooming in on your picture. Looks like your mounts go direct to block with no plates? I'm thinking that mine with plates (about 3/16" thick each side) actually lift the engine a hair and give the tensioner a bit more clearance?

[jmccrack]

Hey Guys
Got the motor and tranny in. Fits like a charm FFR has the dimensions on the chassis right on. I thought I would post some pics that I could not find easly on the forum.