namz7791 Posted June 14, 2004 Share Posted June 14, 2004 I got my 355 Chevy into my 77 280Z 2+2 this weekend After several different iterations I have the engine with in an 1/8" of level side to side and just can't seem to get it any closer. I layed a carpenters level across the fenders and made sure it was level and then measured down to the top of the valve covers and there is an 1/8" difference between the two. When I lay a level across the top of the carb the level bubble while not centered is between the lines so very close. Do I need to sweat this 1/8"? Seems like on uneven roads etc the engine will lean a whole lot more than it is now. JTR didn't cover this. Also, being new at this wow what a lot of work!!! Especially hammering the floor of the 2+2 to get the tranny mount flush; on my 2+2 2 bolts hit a high formed ridge and the other 2 a low spot with my T5. I guess it just takes patience and a big hammer. Any input on the level thing would be greatly appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheelman Posted June 14, 2004 Share Posted June 14, 2004 Are you sure you have the spacers and setback plates on the correct sides? The plate with 6 holes and the 2 1/2" spacer go on the drivers side and the others on the passenger side. This seems to be a fairly common mistake. Did you make your own plates/spacers or buy them from JTR? If you made them one might be off a small amount causing the tilt. Worst case is the tilt will cause the oil dip-stick to either read high or low and possibly un-cover jets in the carb depending on which direction it leans. Before accepting the tilt I would try tracking down where it's coming from. Such a small deviation probably won't make much difference but if it were me it would bug me until I found out where it was coming from and fixed it. Wheelman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
namz7791 Posted June 14, 2004 Author Share Posted June 14, 2004 I purchased and used the JTR kit and got everything in the right spot. I am leaning toward it being my slotted holes or the "hammered" floor. When I slotted my holes I took the bottom of the Z mount holes as the bottom of my slot. Using a cutoff wheel could easily make a 1/16 high on one side and a 1/16 low on the other causing the total tilt of 1/8". I tried tightening the motor mounts holding the engine level but everytime I released the engine hoist the engine would reseat itself with the bolts at the bottom of the slots. Have considered putting a small shim between the motor mount and the JTR plate? Any other suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strotter Posted June 14, 2004 Share Posted June 14, 2004 I think you may be stuck with it... 1/8 is well within the range of a car that's taken a shot and been straightened. Remember, you've got an almost-thirty-year-old car, it's lived a full life before you got ahold of it. If you're really concerned, you can have a body shop put it on their Magic Measuring Table. I've been told it'd only take an afternoon, not even be very expensive. Heck, *I'm* not within 1/8" of specification any more... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pop N Wood Posted June 14, 2004 Share Posted June 14, 2004 I can't believe you did anything more than just eye-ball it. Sounds dang near perfect to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeJTR Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 If it's off 1/8", then add a 1/8" thick spacer or washer between the set-back plates and the aluminum spacers to raise the low side of the engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bailout Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 1/8"?!?!.... crank on the gas a few times it'll straighten itself out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Juday Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 1/8"?!?!.... crank on the gas a few times it'll straighten itself out Yes. This is the best answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 I can't believe you did anything more than just eye-ball it. Sounds dang near perfect to me. Me too. If you end up with coil-overs, your problem can be easily fixed that way too I would not sweat 1/8 inch at all....you can't even see it with the naked eye. Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Shasteen Posted June 29, 2004 Share Posted June 29, 2004 1 1/2" is good enough for government work ...definately dont sweat an 1/8". Kevin, (Yea,Still an Inliner) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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