using the engine as a suspension member

Belgian1979vette

Belgian1979vette

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Just a thought : would you be able to use the engine to stiffen up the frame and if so, how do you do it ?

I would think solid motor and transmission mounts, but not entirely sure.
 
Some years ago, I knew a guy with a 460 Ford in his Mustang....mid 80's..I think....anyway, he had a aluminum plate on front of that engine that tagged into the unibody construction, and made that front end stiff as a dick....

but he was into drag racing with that car....more tricks than Dick Nixon on that thing.....

Dont recall ever seeing one on a full frame car....

:drink:
 
Although still in 1 plane, the engine could actually triangulate the chassis in the front section. However i'm not to sure about the effect his has.
 
Belgian1979vette said:
Although still in 1 plane, the engine could actually triangulate the chassis in the front section. However i'm not to sure about the effect his has.
Click to expand...

I can see using a bunch of bolts like he did through that plate, into the front of the engine, but I would be very nervous of applying road vibrations/forces to the sides of any engine....just me....I going to listen up as I"m curious what TT/other have to say on this....

:drink:
 
Ive heard solid motor mounts, rubber or poly trans mount. Solid all around could crack the trans case. Just what Ive heard though... no first had experience
 
Arthur Brown said:
some say solid mounts can break the block - old wife's tale or not ?
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This is true to an extent. While I have heard of many, many people who run solid motor mounts with no trouble, some people have had block failures. The failure is always on the side of the block where the mount overlaps the waterjacket. The other side of the block is supported by main web and cylinder.
I have had long discussions with my friend about such things and the conclusions are that motor plates are the best way to use the engine as a structural unit, but it's important to take the inherent weakness of iron into consideration. By that, you must keep in mind that iron is incredibly strong in compression but pretty lousy in tension and lateral loads. That being said, you should put the loads into the parts of the block so that your loads will all be compressive. As such, you can use the motor plates to add a lateral support but it needs to be in compression. So keep that in mind as you figure out how you're going to build your struts/plates. The best way to use the engine is a structural unit is to build diagonals that triangulate all four corners of the engine. Basically your struts need to make an 'X' across the engine and tie it into the frame. Best places on the engine to do this is in the horizontal plane off the oil pan rails, the heads, the rear transmission flange and the timing chain cover.
Inside the tight engine bay of the Corvette, it makes this type of engineering a challenge to say the least. But if done correctly, noticeable benefits can be had.
 
In F1 the engine + trans is an integral part not only of the chassis but also a member that carries the suspension. Is the F1 engine made stronger in this respect ?
 
rodeck350 said:
Belgian1979vette said:
racervette69 said:
Solid motor, solid trans.
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? :huh2: what is it you're saying ?
Click to expand...

he's using solid motor and transmission mounts.

I'm skeptical that the frame could generate enough force to crack a block.
It's one of those things i'd have to see to believe.
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There's a couple different scenarios to consider. If the trans mount is rubber/poly, there's usually enough slop to allow the engine/trans to move enough, or in high distortion mode the motor mount through-bolts might rotate just enough, as there's not a solid connection between the mount horns and the block.
I worry about all-solid mounts when there's the possibility of hitting the apex curb hard, or a pothole hard. The engine would most probably survive the twist, but the trans tailhousing would have a strong torsion force put on it, perhaps snapping it.
 
racervette69 said:
Dont think my frame would twist much, due the construction of the cage. Always heard solid transmission mount would crack the bellhousing or tail shaft. So far no cracks.
My Duck 900SS uses the engine to tie the frame together. I kinda like that.

corvette.jpg
Click to expand...

:hissyfit::bump::bounce::rofl::rofl::rofl::smash:

Sorry, but that pix in THIS thread, talking about cracking blocks when used for chassis/frame support...and that HUGE OIL SLICK next to the car.....

:3rd::3rd::banned:
 
mrvette said:
racervette69 said:
Dont think my frame would twist much, due the construction of the cage. Always heard solid transmission mount would crack the bellhousing or tail shaft. So far no cracks.
My Duck 900SS uses the engine to tie the frame together. I kinda like that.

corvette.jpg
Click to expand...

:hissyfit::bump::bounce::rofl::rofl::rofl::smash:

Sorry, but that pix in THIS thread, talking about cracking blocks when used for chassis/frame support...and that HUGE OIL SLICK next to the car.....

:3rd::3rd::banned:
Click to expand...

LOL,, the old Panhead was parked there earlier. :rofl: oil pump had crapped out causing the engine to sump..pushed it out the primary vent...:confused:
 
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