[WICKERWAV]

Hi all, I have a 1957 Chevy Truck with C4 Suspension. I used the Flat Out Engineering kit. I am trying to mount the engine (7.4 - 454) and I am running into height issues because of the rack and pinion placement.
If I go behind the rack, I am pretty deep in the firewall. If I go forward, I have to raise the engine 3 inches or so to clear the rack and pinion which creates a height difference between the transmission and the rear end. I'm assuming I am not the only one to run into this issue. Looking to see how others resolved this.
Any suggestions?

 

[kso]

It's the standard problem using Corvette suspension, designed for rearward engine placement, in a passenger or truck. Considering how tight an old truck cab is for foot room I'd raise the engine instead of moving it back, and deal with a higher transmission tunnel rather than a boxed-in firewall with your feet having to go sideways to clear. Certainly you've got lots of room under the hood. Mustang II kits also commonly put the engine over the rack, but Mustangs do that stock also...while the C4 has the damper/front pulley behind.

The Challenger in the pic has the motor over the rack, even with around 5" setback, but the rack mounts low due to using Camaro spindles, and that there was still extra engine height was taken advantage of by having a deeper wet-sump oil pan.

With that, Flat Out has a chat line and phone number, and maybe someone else will chime in.

 

[WICKERWAV]

It's the standard problem using Corvette suspension, designed for rearward engine placement, in a passenger or truck. Considering how tight an old truck cab is for foot room I'd raise the engine instead of moving it back, and deal with a higher transmission tunnel rather than a boxed-in firewall with your feet having to go sideways to clear. Certainly you've got lots of room under the hood. Mustang II kits also commonly put the engine over the rack, but Mustangs do that stock also...while the C4 has the damper/front pulley behind.

The Challenger in the pic has the motor over the rack, even with around 5" setback, but the rack mounts low due to using Camaro spindles, and that there was still extra engine height was taken advantage of by having a deeper wet-sump oil pan.

With that, Flat Out has a chat line and phone number, and maybe someone else will chime in.

Thanks! I am considering going higher.

 

[wave1957]

Have you talked to Flat Out? They were very helpful when I bought a kit from them, even before I bought.

 

[WICKERWAV]

Have you talked to Flat Out? They were very helpful when I bought a kit from them, even before I bought.

I havent called them yet. I will give that a try