Topic: Are locking motor mounts needed?
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Installing the ZZ4 into the '82 and having alignment issue. He thinks it's the mounts and was wondering if non-locking mounts woukd help, but I think they need to be locking. The ones I got are from Ecklers.
Any thoughts?
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82 
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The mounts are the same, whether they are the safety/locking type or not. Possibly you got some mounts that were made wrong, but the type of mount should make no difference. 
What is the alignment problem?
What is the alignment problem?
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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I have not been down to the shop but he says the pass. side header hits the frame and the trans is not lining up. I asked Mike at Corvette Specalties and this is what he said:
Chevrolet used the same locking motor mount from 1970 through 1982. For a time GM was recalling cars and literally chaining the engines down in case the mount would break. The locking mounts seem to have taken care of that problem. There is a non locking set of mounts that was used on 63-69 Corvettes, that we carry here in the store. They are similar in appearance, but I suspect that they would be very likely to break loose with the ZZ4 that you are planning to use. For safety reasons, I would stay with the locking mounts. There are aftermarket companies that make a solid motor mount, that you might consider using. Please let us know if there is anything else that we can do to help.
What about the urathane mounts?
Thanks,
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Regardless of the composition of the mounts, they should be dimensionally the same. Perhaps if he swaps the mounts side-side, it would help? Really sounds like you got some that aren't "just right". 
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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Thanks Joel, I'll talk to him today. Why can't there be a simple fix, never fails 
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82
Here is what my mechanic says:
the problem we are having i believe may be due to the hooker headers that
we are using.we are using hooker long tube headers that turn down into a
side exit exhaust that runs along the framejust below the rocker panel.
with the headers installed these are the problems that are arising
1) the flanges on the headers seem to be somewhat "tweaked" where they
wont sit flush to the head without bringing it in flush with the bolts
2)it seems that if the engine was sitting too high as when the the headers
are bolted up the tubes going into the collector are grounding against the
bottom of the frame as if either the engine is too high(which doesnt seem
to make sense) or the tubes on the headers were welded in the wrong
position bring the collector higher in relation to the flange on the
head....if that makes any sense to you guys.
3)even with the headers bolted and in position my biggest concern is when
the engine is torqued the exhaust will rock against the body and cause
vibration and eventually crack the tubes or constantly loosen the flange
bolts.im almost certain that this would be an issue.
4)another reason i believe the problem is in the header quality is both
sides are inconsistent to each other and land in completely different
positions where they come down to the frame rails underneath.
another question that i have is it seems as if the drivetrain sits
somewhat twisted in the engine bay,maybe a few degrees towards the
passenger side.i dont know enough about the 82 vette to know if that is
normal or not but i think i can make up for some of it by modifying the
trans mount but regardless it seems as if the headers are going to be a
constant battle.any input would be greatly appreciated...
we are using.we are using hooker long tube headers that turn down into a
side exit exhaust that runs along the framejust below the rocker panel.
with the headers installed these are the problems that are arising
1) the flanges on the headers seem to be somewhat "tweaked" where they
wont sit flush to the head without bringing it in flush with the bolts
2)it seems that if the engine was sitting too high as when the the headers
are bolted up the tubes going into the collector are grounding against the
bottom of the frame as if either the engine is too high(which doesnt seem
to make sense) or the tubes on the headers were welded in the wrong
position bring the collector higher in relation to the flange on the
head....if that makes any sense to you guys.
3)even with the headers bolted and in position my biggest concern is when
the engine is torqued the exhaust will rock against the body and cause
vibration and eventually crack the tubes or constantly loosen the flange
bolts.im almost certain that this would be an issue.
4)another reason i believe the problem is in the header quality is both
sides are inconsistent to each other and land in completely different
positions where they come down to the frame rails underneath.
another question that i have is it seems as if the drivetrain sits
somewhat twisted in the engine bay,maybe a few degrees towards the
passenger side.i dont know enough about the 82 vette to know if that is
normal or not but i think i can make up for some of it by modifying the
trans mount but regardless it seems as if the headers are going to be a
constant battle.any input would be greatly appreciated...
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Dave, the engines ARE off-set just a little to the passenger side, but the trans is also, so it will all still be straight. If these are new headers you are installing, I'd think the issue IS with them, and not the mounts. Most side-mount headers do fit really tight against the lower edge of the frames, and remember, the pass. side head also sits farther back than the driver side, so that will put the collector flange a wee bit farther back. I would think the header manufacturer would compensate for this difference, tho.
I would contact the header makers, and see if they have any input, or solution to the problem,as far as the fitment of the headers. I can't see the mounts being any part of the problem, but...if you are using new engine mounts, it might be best to also replace the trans mount.
It really sounds like even if he does get the thing all bolted up, the collectors are gonna hit on the frame when ya nail it, as the engine torques to the left, picking it up on the driver side.
I know there's other Sharkies here with sidemounts...someone has to have more info on how their set-up worked out.
I would contact the header makers, and see if they have any input, or solution to the problem,as far as the fitment of the headers. I can't see the mounts being any part of the problem, but...if you are using new engine mounts, it might be best to also replace the trans mount.
It really sounds like even if he does get the thing all bolted up, the collectors are gonna hit on the frame when ya nail it, as the engine torques to the left, picking it up on the driver side.
I know there's other Sharkies here with sidemounts...someone has to have more info on how their set-up worked out.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Gold MemberScotch Plains, NJ - USA
Joined: 1/11/2006
Posts: 241
Vette(s): 1981 Corvette Coupe, Stock, Black on Black,
4 Spd
My two cents - I recently replaced the engine mounts in the 81 and found out there is a difference between each retailer's mount. I ended up buying locking type from Paragon. They looked and fit like the originals. Also, you might find the bolts in different lengths. JPD1stVette 2008-01-17 18:20:15
Lifetime MemberGreensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
Sounds like a case of doing several things at once making it tough to pinpoint.
My bet is with the headers. Most likely Hooker won't be of much help. Your supplier might be nice enough to let you compare yours with another set. If your lucky maybe even trade them.
I had this problem with a set of Hedman and ended up cutting the modifing the tubes via a torch. Hopefully your experience won't come to that. If if does don't be shy, people weld every day so just go after it.
Good Luck Dave!!!
Tux...Tuxblacray 2008-01-17 18:45:27
My bet is with the headers. Most likely Hooker won't be of much help. Your supplier might be nice enough to let you compare yours with another set. If your lucky maybe even trade them.
I had this problem with a set of Hedman and ended up cutting the modifing the tubes via a torch. Hopefully your experience won't come to that. If if does don't be shy, people weld every day so just go after it.
Good Luck Dave!!!
Tux...
in Forum: C3 Engines
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