when i started on my humpback biuld, i wanted the engine high enough for ground clearance, but lo enough to fit in with what i had in mind for the project. i started out by locating the engine side-to-side, then offsetting it to the passenger side 1/4". this was done using the headders i was planning to use, so space was at a premium. i then leveled it side to side. then , leveled the intake flange at the percieved/expected ride height. then, just for fun, tried different intakes to check carb levels front to back. i discovered there were some differences, so i compromised at a 2* downward slope. this was so when at the track, the carb base would be level on acceleration. then i just made cardboard patterns to locate everything making enough clearance as needed for the steering shaft ,starter, etc.
at the same time, i used a gutted trans case to fab the trans mount at the same time. oh, by the way, i'm still not on the road yet......