New Guy with Frame Questions

Bri · #1 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009, 01:10 PM

Hello All! I am a newby. I recently purchased someone else's unfinished project and I am tearing it down and starting over. I was told it is a Shell Valley Cobra body and frame. I have a couple of questions on the frame. The custom motor mounts are not level with each other (left to right). I'm including pictures to show the difference. In the last pic, you can see that it takes 1/2 inch of shims to bring it back into level. Is this normal, or is it a problem? If it is a problem, could it, or should it be fixed with shims? The engine will be a 302. Also, I'm thinking of removing the welded-in cross-member for the tranny support and replacing it with a bolted-in one for easier tranny removal. I'm concerned that this would reduce the strength of the frame if I should get into a crash. Would it be advisable to add-in some other cross-members for strength, and if so where would a good place for them be?

767Jockey · #2 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009, 01:33 PM

I'm not familiar with either the small block Ford or a Shell Valley, if that is in fact what it is. However, I would think that the proper way to level those mounts, if they need to be leveled, would be to cut them out and re-weld them in properly. From the picture you show, it doesn't look like it would be a very difficult job to do. Shims seem like a shortcut solution. The transmission crossmember in my car was originally a welded in unit (4" round tube frame Contemporary). Someone converted it to a removable, and I am told that the later Contemporary's all came with the removable crossmember. Maybe you could give Shell Valley a call and see if their latest cars come with a removable crossmember. If the do, ask what changes they made if any to accommodate it, if they don't come with a removable crossmember now ask why they haven't done it. It could be that there is a structural reason why, it could be as simple as a cost factor. Good luck with the build, I do hope that you got a MSO with the kit when you purchased it?

Three Peaks · #3 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009, 01:54 PM

Those motor mounts don't look like they were set up for a small block engine. Before you go any further, you need to make some decisions on which way you want to go or you'll be doing everything twice (at least). Don't ask me how I know this......

If it were me, if you have decided to go with a 302 small block, I would get a block to take measurements off of, including your motor mounts. The best ones to get are the Energy Suspension units. I found them at Autozone, but you can get them just about anywhere or on the net.

The existing motor mounts look like they are set up for a big block so you may need to remove them completely and start over again with new pieces. Easiest way is to set the block in place in the frame with it blocked up to the right location and start taking measurements. Most manufacturers mount the engine 1/2" - 3/4" to the passenger side to line everything up with the rear differential pinion.

As far as the tranny mount, it doesn't look like it provides all that much frame rigidity so I doubt you would be losing much by making it a removable unit. You can always replace the missing structure later by installing another 1 or 2 crossmembers across the frame right behind the engine and right behind the tranny to create a bit more stiff frame. It all depends on what you want to do with the car.

What all did you get with the kit you bought? Engine, tranny, etc.....?????

Bob

sharpe 1 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009, 02:21 PM

Why don't you call shell valley and ask all of these questions. They will be a big help to you I am sure.

Bri · #5 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009, 02:41 PM

Hi Three Peaks,

With it I got a 302 short block, crank, new pistons, new rings, rods. 351 heads, 4 speed top-loader. complete body, seats, roll-bar, side pipes, radiator, guages, and a whole bunch of misc parts. The block and heads have recently been machined, and I have receipts showing the person I bought it from. The pistons & rings look like they match up to so it looks like he was pretty much getting ready to put it together and install.

Bri · #6 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009, 02:46 PM

Hi Sharpie,

I called and spoke to Dana at Shell Valley. He was very helpful. He said replacing the cross-member with a removable one is a good idea. Re-inforcing the frame is ok, but shouldn't be needed. I didn't ask him about the mounts though as they were not part of the origional frame. He is sending me an assemblly manual for reference.

767Jockey · #7 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Three Peaks

Those motor mounts don't look like they were set up for a small block engine. The existing motor mounts look like they are set up for a big block so you may need to remove them completely and start over again with new pieces.

My big block mounts look nothing like that, for what it's worth. Hope you get it all sorted out. If the car has never been registered, I don't think a bill of sale from the previous owner is going to be of much help, I believe you'll need a MSO for that. Check with others who have registered cars for the first time after a fresh build to be sure, start working on that MSO now rather than later if you don't have one. Good luck.