Engine does not sit level with T5 installed

Discussion in 'Transmissions' started by MotorgasmMav, Dec 4, 2018.

  1. MotorgasmMav

    MotorgasmMav Member

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    Just installed my T5 in the mav. I trimmed the trans tunnel support to clear the shift rail on the T5, when I get it in place about 1/4'' gap from trans tunnel support to the shift rail the engine is not sitting level it is tilted back quite a bit. Just wondering if some body else ran into this problem or do I need to cut and raise the trans tunnel so I can get the engine to sit level? Thanks
     
  2. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    Ford V8's are not supposed to be level. They always have a tilt towards the back.

    If you can take a picture or two - they might help us see if it looks normal.

    Also, do you have a way to check out your u-joint transmission and pinion angles? If so, the transmission number will give you what the engine is tilted.

    If you have a smart phone - Tremec has a killer free app that does a good job of checking the angles.
     
    Last edited: Dec 4, 2018
  3. MotorgasmMav

    MotorgasmMav Member

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    I’ll have to check angles. When c4 was in it sat level that’s why I was curious.
     

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  4. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    The picture helps - That does look like a lot of angle.
    I do not exactly remember what mine was when measured but I think it was around 2 degrees down. I did clearance some room on the tunnel for the T5 but it was not major surgery. Also, all my frame and motor mounts are factory (if that makes a difference)

    How far does your shifter come up into the car? Here are a couple pics of my shifter hole and the engine completed.

    t5 hole.jpg

    hager5.JPG
     
  5. MotorgasmMav

    MotorgasmMav Member

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    Not sure how far the shifter comes up.. I’ll have to check tonight, I also have stock frame and engine mounts.. are your 4 bolts that hold the shifter down flush with the floor? Or are they sticking through a bit hard to tell in picture. Just downloaded that TREMEC app and will have to check.. also orederd the T5 trans mount from 71 Gold.
     
  6. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    I'm using Frank's mount kit. Money well spent.

    It has been awhile but I remember the back bolts being level or even slightly raised through the back of the hole I cut. The front was slightly lower due to the slope of the hump. When I mocked up Frank's mount for welding I pressed the transmission tight to the tunnel. When it was tack welded I let the transmission down to make sure it relaxed a bit to create a gap so it wasn't touching the tunnel. Once it was welded up, all the bolts tightened down and the rubber mount compressed a hair from the weight of the driveline, it worked perfectly. No vibration's at all and the pinion angles came out spot on with my 9" rear and Lakewoods.
     
  7. MotorgasmMav

    MotorgasmMav Member

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    Ok thanks a lot for the help! Will have to try that.
     
  8. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    Here is a nice read on drivelines - getting the angles right. In the article they say the engine should be at least 1 degree but not more than 3 degrees tilted back.
    https://www.hotrodhotline.com/md/html/drive_shaft_harmonics.php

    That Tremec app works very well. It will give you red and green number readings for what is right and what is wrong. You take 3 readings, one transmission, one driveshaft, one pinion. You want to get all three readings in the green.
     
  9. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    Don't know about your '73 but in my '70 I had to split open the top of the trans tunnel and add metal to make room for the T5's shift rod tube. '70 tunnels are smaller than later years.
     

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