Motor and frame mounts that give the best hood clearance

stardog · 08-23-2009, 01:34:31 PM

Which combo of frame and motor mount will give the best hood clearance in a 1974 camaro with a small block chevy engine?

theflash · 08-23-2009, 01:48:53 PM

are you using headers?

stardog · 08-23-2009, 01:54:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theflash

are you using headers?

Yes, I am using headers but still need hood clearance with an aftermarket intake.

tom3 · 08-23-2009, 01:58:10 PM

I believe the only thing you might look at are the Z28 mounts, maybe big block mounts too, for the early second gens, they are made somewhat lower due to the intake. Still not much room under there.

stardog · 08-23-2009, 02:10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom3

I believe the only thing you might look at are the Z28 mounts, maybe big block mounts too, for the early second gens, they are made somewhat lower due to the intake. Still not much room under there.

So use big block fram mounts and Z28 block mounts for best clearance then.

theflash · 08-23-2009, 02:23:24 PM

There is no such thing as z28 mounts. The BB frame mounts are shorter, but they are also more narrow than the sbc motor mounts so you will have about a 3/8" gap between the flanges on the sbc mount. The BB motor mount is fatter than the sbc mound, so you wont gain anything by swapping out both of them.

z28rod · 08-23-2009, 04:54:24 PM

your best bet is just buy a intake that will fit under the stock hood with a low profile air cleaner, like the edelbrock and weind stealth dual plane, or eddy performer.

Kamikaze · 08-23-2009, 05:15:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theflash

There is no such thing as z28 mounts. The BB frame mounts are shorter, but they are also more narrow than the sbc motor mounts so you will have about a 3/8" gap between the flanges on the sbc mount. The BB motor mount is fatter than the sbc mound, so you wont gain anything by swapping out both of them.

Thanks flash!
I knew that comment was incorrect as well!

The hood clearance will always be and issue and that is why you see so many modified Camaros with cowl induction or other hood scoops!

BondoSpecial · 08-23-2009, 05:24:03 PM

there are both Z and non Z28 body side mounts - I have both of them and there are dimensional differences. They look very similar but the Z28 mount positions the mounting hole about 3/8" further outboard from the non Z28 mount. I have taken pictures of the mounts next to each other to show the difference. You can't use Z28 body side mounts with the regular engine brackets, the holes don't line up. I found this out the hard way.

stardog · 08-23-2009, 05:40:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1977_TPI_Camaro

there are both Z and non Z28 body side mounts - I have both of them and there are dimensional differences. They look very similar but the Z28 mount positions the mounting hole about 3/8" further outboard from the non Z28 mount. I have taken pictures of the mounts next to each other to show the difference. You can't use Z28 body side mounts with the regular engine brackets, the holes don't line up. I found this out the hard way.

Cool, I'd like to see the difference and know which parts to get. I like the flat hood on this car. A cowl hood looks out of place on such a long front end.

80-z28 · 08-23-2009, 10:47:26 PM

Do not buy high performance frame mounts. 1977 TPI Camaro and I had this conversation a while back and were able to get it figured out. I have a Edelbrock performer air-gap with a 670 street avenger carb and a 2" air cleaner and I have about 1/4" clearance with a stock 1980 z28 hood.

theflash · 08-24-2009, 08:59:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1977_TPI_Camaro

there are both Z and non Z28 body side mounts - I have both of them and there are dimensional differences. They look very similar but the Z28 mount positions the mounting hole about 3/8" further outboard from the non Z28 mount. I have taken pictures of the mounts next to each other to show the difference. You can't use Z28 body side mounts with the regular engine brackets, the holes don't line up. I found this out the hard way.

Pictures or part #'s would be nice to see.

BondoSpecial · 08-24-2009, 09:02:04 AM

The Z 28 mounts place the through-bolt holes about 3/8" per side further inboard, horizontally speaking, than you need them to be to line up with the engine brackets. Here is a side by side comparo. The mount in my hand is the non Z mount. Notice how the through bolt hole is further outboard. Also notice the difference in the width of the metal tangs sticking off of the rubber block in the mounts - the Z mount has these tangs further apart. Furthermore note the difference in the bolt hole pattern of the Z vs. non Z mount. The cars are drilled for both mounts. Even my 76 Firebird, originally a pontiac 400, was drilled for both Z and non Z chevy mounts.

The mount in my hand (non Z mount) is the one you want to use

olympic · 08-24-2009, 09:07:42 PM

Interesting on the mounts. I have a '73 camaro with a 355 and have the stock mounts on it. I managed to stuff an edelbrock RPM Air Gap manifold under my flat stock hood. I'm running a 3" element with a drop base air cleaner. So, it can be done. I often take the car to the track and so far haven't had any problems with engine lift into the hood. My air cleaner lid is pressed straight against it.

My carb builder said that the carb might get better flow if I switched to a 2" element and ran a K&N extreme air flow top (the filter lid). I've not done that.

I'm pondering other things to make my hood clearance a challenge such as stuffing nitrous under this stock flat hood as well. I need to plan on 1/2" of space for that. I may end up having to run a 2" element with that flow through top for the street, and because I don't run a hood mat I could remove the air cleaner when racing to get max air flow.

Anyhow...I don't know what you are trying to stuff under the hood. Let us know what you are looking to try and fit in there and perhaps one of us has tried it before.

stardog · 08-27-2009, 10:45:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olympic

Interesting on the mounts. I have a '73 camaro with a 355 and have the stock mounts on it. I managed to stuff an edelbrock RPM Air Gap manifold under my flat stock hood. I'm running a 3" element with a drop base air cleaner. So, it can be done. I often take the car to the track and so far haven't had any problems with engine lift into the hood. My air cleaner lid is pressed straight against it.

My carb builder said that the carb might get better flow if I switched to a 2" element and ran a K&N extreme air flow top (the filter lid). I've not done that.

I'm pondering other things to make my hood clearance a challenge such as stuffing nitrous under this stock flat hood as well. I need to plan on 1/2" of space for that. I may end up having to run a 2" element with that flow through top for the street, and because I don't run a hood mat I could remove the air cleaner when racing to get max air flow.

Anyhow...I don't know what you are trying to stuff under the hood. Let us know what you are looking to try and fit in there and perhaps one of us has tried it before.

I have also thought of a 2nd gen trans am shaker hood. Will this fit? I have access to several nice ones in this area.