Installing a 351 into a Backdraft

harley · #1 (**permalink**) 08-30-2003, 02:56 PM

I need a little insight - I am installing a 351w into a Backdraft and finding it to be a much tighter fit than expected.

Does anyone know which hole to use for the motor mounts - seems like the 2nd from the front are best but the headers just will not fit - what am i doing wrong -

before you send your answers i was only asking for advice on installing this engine - thanks

jim

Sean Comerford · #2 (**permalink**) 08-30-2003, 03:32 PM

I just finished installing a 351W in my Backdraft. You use the rear hole. I learned that the hard way. It is very tight getting the engine in. The headers are the most difficult part of the build. I'm having to fabricate the bolt a little bit, C-Clips, grinding, drilling and it helps to cut a little off the end of each pipe before sliding them into the sidepipes. You will probably have to trim a little to make sure the hole around the pipes is far enough away to keep the heat from damaging the paint. John at Anthem Motors has fabbed up a clutch cylinder bracket that helps with the slave cylinder mounting. If anybody has any more tips for us, chime in.

AC Cobra · #3 (**permalink**) 08-30-2003, 04:39 PM

I'm in the process of installing a 351W with a T5 Tremec in a Venom, which is very similar to the Backdraft. I am using a T5 Lower hydraulic clutch conversion kit from JMC in San Diego (619-230-8866). The kit includes mounting bracket, slave cylinder, and braided steel pressure line. The JMC kits seems to work well.

Sean Comerford · #4 (**permalink**) 08-30-2003, 04:48 PM

Hey, thanks for the tip AC. I'm going to check them out.

harley · #5 (**permalink**) 08-30-2003, 04:58 PM

Thanks Sean

The rear hole! - i just got the headers to fit with it in the front hole - i don't think there is enough room in the rear -

There must be a trick - you mount the engine - what did you have to do to get the headers on? thanks
jim

harley · #6 (**permalink**) 08-30-2003, 05:02 PM

Sorry - I forgot - what is the grinding off each pipe - i only have the two headers and the side pipes - the headers don't come apart - sorry for being dense but this should not be this hard

jim

Sean Comerford · #7 (**permalink**) 09-01-2003, 11:27 PM

jim, my headers needed the bolt holes opened up wider and the welds protuded up to the holes and required some material be ground off. didn't you run into the same problem?

brainbugnj · #8 (**permalink**) 09-22-2003, 05:04 PM

So what was the consensus on where to mount the engine? front or back holes? any feedback?

TCR_BRIAN · #9 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 10:26 AM

Hello everyone,
I believe that on a Backdraft car with the flange style headers/sidepipes you will have to use the rear most hole, (Closest to the firewall).....You will have to do some trimming to get them to fit through the body etc... etc.... If anyone is interested I can supply the Slave Cylinder kits for T5 $250 plus shipping and Tremec $275 plus shipping.......They work great and look perfect......
Regards,
Brian
www.teamcracing.com

joe g · #10 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 03:20 PM

TCR Brain built my Venom 351w. Everything fits perfect.
From my experience with Brain he doe's a great job. I plan on having him do some engine work on mine this winter.He is someone you can trust.
Joe

My plate UNVME-2