Re: How much clearance in ebody with LA, around stock components
[Re: roadrunninMark]
#2828335
10/03/20 03:43 PM
10/03/20 03:43 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,661 Eagle, Idaho
Neil
The Doctor is in.
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The Doctor is in.
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,661
Eagle, Idaho
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I think the first obstacle in your way is going to be the steering center link. I don't have a measurement, but from memory those are just below the oil pan. Might be easier to just rework the transmission tunnel?
I think some hemi cars came with k-frame spacers??? Maybe that will help get you another 1/4: or so?
Last edited by Neil; 10/03/20 03:50 PM.
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Re: How much clearance in ebody with LA, around stock components
[Re: roadrunninMark]
#2828587
10/04/20 12:33 PM
10/04/20 12:33 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,908 Nebraska
4406bbl
top fuel
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top fuel
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Posts: 1,908
Nebraska
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I really don't want to cut up the car, so I was trying to see if it is feasible to get things lower. I don't want "the worms" LOL
Neil, I am thinking that center link is the lowest piece as well, wondering how close it is to the pan. Won't spacers interfere with suspension geometry, steering, etc.?
I have a 42RH just rebuilt and upgraded ready to go in case I don't go with the 8 speed idea. I'd rather use that than a GM transmission.
Thanks for the input for the shaker question.
I have seen hemicuda race cars with 1" spacers and the shaker hood bent up down the center to get it all under the hood. I would not do it on a car you want to drive a lot, steering shaft angle, and upper control arm travel issues. I guess with a ujoint on the steering shaft, adjustable upper arms, adjustable struts, the bump stops moved, and a good alignment shop you could do it. 1" If I wanted an 8-speed I would cut the floor out and just do it, cut it in one piece and save it for a resto and enjoy your car. Keep in mind once you experience an 8-speed and a great driving car you will never go back to stock.
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Re: How much clearance in ebody with LA, around stock components
[Re: 4406bbl]
#2828594
10/04/20 12:57 PM
10/04/20 12:57 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,661 Eagle, Idaho
Neil
The Doctor is in.
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The Doctor is in.
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,661
Eagle, Idaho
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The k-frame spacers don't look to be that thick from online pictures (1/4"?). You can only go so far with those before the t-bar socket alignment and other stuff gets wonky. How about a gear vendors unit behind a 727? https://www.gearvendors.com/aghr3s.html
Last edited by Neil; 10/04/20 12:59 PM.
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Re: How much clearance in ebody with LA, around stock components
[Re: Neil]
#2828602
10/04/20 01:46 PM
10/04/20 01:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,908 Nebraska
4406bbl
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,908
Nebraska
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The k-frame spacers don't look to be that thick from online pictures (1/4"?). You can only go so far with those before the t-bar socket alignment and other stuff gets wonky. How about a gear vendors unit behind a 727? https://www.gearvendors.com/aghr3s.html A buddy bought an original hemicuda that was a racecar since day one, that is what it had, and a bent down the center shaker, so it all fit. Not all were that thick, just saying it could be done... 450 miles or so on that car.
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Re: How much clearance in ebody with LA, around stock components
[Re: roadrunninMark]
#2828691
10/04/20 07:52 PM
10/04/20 07:52 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,008 Salem
Grizzly
Moparts Proctologist
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Moparts Proctologist
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,008
Salem
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I have a 42RH just rebuilt and upgraded ready to go in case I don't go with the 8 speed idea. I'd rather use that than a GM transmission.
Indeed. And, for future reference "gm" is not capitalized. Capitalization is reserved for something of importance. Go ahead and open up a can: 1" lower engine will improve your handling putting the lump at a lower center of gravity.
Mo' Farts
Moderated by "tbagger".
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Re: How much clearance in ebody with LA, around stock components
[Re: moparx]
#2828925
10/05/20 01:05 PM
10/05/20 01:05 PM
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,237 Looking for a way out of Middl...
IMGTX
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,237
Looking for a way out of Middl...
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is the E and B body similar in the transmission tunnel area, or is one bigger than the other ? E bodies are pretty much built off the B body chassis. Many of the B body suspension parts dating back into the mid to early 60's interchange with the E bodies. The frame rails floor pans inner fenders are the same on the 71/72 b bodies and all e bodies. As are the radiator supports. Just an FYI
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Re: How much clearance in ebody with LA, around stock components
[Re: roadrunninMark]
#2828937
10/05/20 01:20 PM
10/05/20 01:20 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,394 Pikes Peak Country
TC@HP2
master
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master
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Pikes Peak Country
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IMO, moving the engine 1" up down, forward or back, is going to require cutting and welding. The question is actually is there less cutting and welding by moving the engine than opening up the trans tunnel. I'd say it depends on your expertise. Of course with a '71 Cuda, value impact of those mods and the ability to reverse them could also be a factor. Plus you have a shaker, so you not get another layer of complexity to making it work correctly.
FWIW, I did lift my small block .5" up in my E body's engine bay using spacers in between the engine mounts and isolators. Theory being by lifting the engine, I can now drop the car down lower. Engine weighs 500#, the rest of the car weighs 3000# Which has a greater impact on COG weight? IMO, by moving you engine forward an inch, you negate any handling gain you would have by dropping it an inch.
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Re: How much clearance in ebody with LA, around stock components
[Re: satjoe]
#2830373
10/08/20 01:38 PM
10/08/20 01:38 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 19,485 north of coder
moparx
"Butt Crack Bob"
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"Butt Crack Bob"
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 19,485
north of coder
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it sounds like it's not much work then, to stuff an A518 in the tunnel. i'm being sort of a [thread] "jack", so if a B-body's tunnel is sort of close, a 518 will work there as well. [thinking of my charger] you are correct. an A500 is based off of a 904. however, the overdrive units are the same for both, with exception [i "think"] of the diesel A618 unit. [PLEASE correct me if i'm wrong on the overdrive units, guys ! ]
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Re: How much clearance in ebody with LA, around stock components
[Re: moparx]
#2830431
10/08/20 03:19 PM
10/08/20 03:19 PM
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,237 Looking for a way out of Middl...
IMGTX
I Live Here
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I Live Here
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Looking for a way out of Middl...
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Yes it is easy to put an A518 or A500 into a B or Ebody with minimal trimming to the trans ribs and a special transmission mount. I posted a bunch of pics in this thread. https://board.moparts.org/ubbthread...4/re-four-speed-overdrive-automatic.htmlThe OP was looking at putting an 8 speed into his car and was looking for option that didn't require cutting the tunnel. To that end a question for roadrunninMark. Have you looked at the distance from the in/output shaft centeterline of the 8 speed to the bottom? The A518's are a bit thick on the bottom end. Will you have ground clearance after you drop everything an inch?
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