428 FE in a Superformance

[OK Racing]

I have just ordered my new Superformance and I am planning on installing a 428 CJ in it. I have the 428 already built (I couldn't wait) and am ordering an install kit from Snakebite to help with the install. I have a few of questions:

1. Do you mount the transmission (Tremec TKO) to the engine and install it as a single unit OR is it best to install the trani first and then the engine?

2. Has anybody done this on their own and what should I watch out for??

3. My engine has a crome FPP oil pan with a windage tray, I am wondering if I should change this to am Aviad or Canton pan. I only plan on going straight fast...

Any advice greatly accepted....

Thanks in advance...

[thundercat]

I have a Superformance with a 428. Did my own engine build and install. Engine and trans go in together.I'm very perticular and didn't like the fit of some items. I called Comp Motorsport who does installs for Dynamic in Ohio and they charge $500 extra for FE install as it is not as straight forward as the new crate motors. Steve McD

[Dirtrich]

Superformance has an install video available. You should be able to get it from one of the larger dealers. It uses the 460 but still shows the basic procedure.

[craigayl]

The Trans. goes in installed on the engine. Get the install video from Dynamic. I'ts a 460 install, but should be very relivent

[khall]

thundercat,
What did you finally settle on for alternator brackets and/or clutch throwout brackets?

[Jack21]

Have neither SPF or 428, but do have some thoughts on just this having done install in 351W/T-5 with same issues.

On one hand, it's easier to squeeze the motor in without the trans, then install the trans from the bottom. And on any other normal sized car this might be the best approach. But on a Cobra, there's hardly any room to work. So if you want to install the trans onto the engine with all the alignment nonsense you have to go through, put the package together on the shop floor. Then install as an assembly.

The way we did it. There must be enough room under the chassis for the engine hoist to roll. Car frame must be supported solid, not on the front suspension. You may need to extend the reach of the upper hoist arm. It's close, and the hoist may hit the nose of the car. Put a blanket, pad, or mattress against car nose.

You absolutely must have an engine tilter for the next manuver. Point the crank handle toward the back of the car, or you won't be able to turn the crank at full tilt. Install trans dry, or with tailshaft plugged with a tailshaft plug, and taped. If not, you'll have a garage floor full of trans fluid. And have a few buddies to help. Don't try this on your own, particularly with an FE.

Lift assembly with hoist until pan clears nose. Slowly manuver engine rearwards. Start tilting trans end down. Put a creeper on the floor to support trans off floor, and help it move under car.

At this point, engine and trans are hanging by front two bolts, and trans is resting on creeper. Engine moves down while trans moves back. Oil pan, and then water pump come close to car nose. Remove, and install later if it won't clear.

As motor mounts get near frame mounts, slide screwdrivers through bolt holes to help alignment as engine moves down.

Jack trans up so engine levels out. Might want to install trans mount loosly to keep engine level.

Before resting engine weight on frame, use the screwdrivers to move engine to position bolt holes. Get at least one bolt in per side. Take screwdrivers out and get the other bolts in. Drop engine, disconnect hoist, and snug up. Put headers and sidepipes on hand tight. Sidepipes level with car? If not, need to shim motor, or trans.

Can you get to trans fill plugs? Can you get to trans shifter bolts? Can you install starter? etc. etc. Once everything is in, and lines up, snug it down.

Got a close look at SPF motor to frame mounts at DVSF. Looks a little thin!? Reinforce with 3/16" or 1/4" plate before installing engine??? Same for trans???

Would install Canton road race oil pan, and crank windage tray on any engine going into a Cobra. FE no exception. These things just corner too well to risk loss of oil pressure.

[dkjos]

OK,

How are things in Regina? I haven't been there in years, but our family visited many times when I was growing up. Our farm is only 2 miles south of the Canadian border (southeast of Estevan), we lived there during the summer and it was always fun to visit the Queen City.

[Mr.Fixit]

Definately hang the tranny off the back of the motor before install. You can also adjust your clutch setup before it's in the car too. If you install a tremec than you'll need to trim the mounting boss for a torque arm off the rear off the output end so it doesn't lay on the crossmenber. Bolt the headers up to the heads and put all the bolts in as a trial fit. It sucks to find out you have to drill a header bolt hole out aftyer everything is in the car. Hang the motor mounts off the block and you can just set it on the frame. Borrow or buy an engine tilter sling. The last two FE's I put into SPF's neede a spacer between the header and sidepipe on the pass side to fit properly. I also recommend prepping the engine compartment prior to install. Remove the plastic sheeting from the stainless panels, cut bend and flare the fuel line if you want to run it up the rear of the motor to a regulator or something. Remove the oil filter adapter from the fame before setting the motor in as well. Put the pulleys on the motor after install. get the headers and sidepipes bolted up before boltint the motor mounts to the frame, leaving the motor supported by the hoist during this. Bolt the oil filter adapter to the block before setting motor in. Remove shifter from tremec prior to as well.

[OK Racing]

Thanks for all you great ideas. I will still consider more ideas as I hate....doing things twice.

Things in Regina are flat and hot...and...hopefully, a lot more fun when I get my Cobra...

[Lumberman]

Couple of other ideas as I put same engine in SPF last winter. Guys above covered the hard part.
A shim was required under one motor mount, passenger side I think, for engine to set square in engine compartment. Shims came with engine mounting parts assortment from SPF. We removed and flushed oil cooler and oil lines to be sure that there was no debris in cooler or lines. (I wish we had done this on the first install, long sad story) We experienced same problem as Mr. Fixit with side pipes clearance on passenger side. We did not use spacer and solved problem by opening up hole with die grinder and a little touch up paint. Otherwise shoving a 428 in there was easy less a few scraped knuckles. Good luck!