engine set back? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

killerpanel · 12-12-2013, 07:16 PM

Has any body messed with setting the engine back a couple inches?

chevytruck1970 · 12-12-2013, 09:05 PM

Mine is setting in the 6 cyl spot 3 1/2" back. It made a pretty big change when I done it.

68racer · 12-12-2013, 09:11 PM

I run a 502 on the l6 mounts, you have to modify the bulkhead. I can't compare it to stock as I never tried it. I am considering further setback to improve the handling as I have the launch good. I have some big block mounts and may use them swapped sides so they push the engine back not forward. I am also looking at motor plates for a more radical setback. Both of these will mean firewall changes.

Super73 · 12-13-2013, 02:40 AM

Currently mine is as far back and as high up as possible with out cutting the firewall.

Marv D · 12-13-2013, 10:53 AM

Same here, The little small block is tucked into the tunnel about as far as it can get . The tall rocker covers were a PITA to get off, Distributor won't come out without taking a carb off,,, Just saying there is some 'issues' to deal with when you set it back

http://www.small-block-chevy.com/ima.../66airpan1.JPG

killerpanel · 12-13-2013, 05:15 PM

I have been toying around with the idea of smoothing the firewall and sectioning it back a couple inches anyways.

68racer · 12-13-2013, 05:43 PM

I intend to copy this firewall mod from "the 67 dragtruck". My big block is so tight against the firewall that I had to move the throttle mechanism inside the cab as the head fouled it on that side.

GMR-PERFORMANCE · 12-13-2013, 07:02 PM

Mine is back and the valve cover is to the point a plug wire will not fit in the gap. Making changes to the MSD is a mother F'r My truck was a 283 to start with un sure where the mounts cam from though . I posted up pics in my build section you can see how far back it is and the gap from engine to rad.

Marv D · 12-13-2013, 11:49 PM

Just remember,, modified firewall means you are required to run a full CAGE, if your required to run a cage, your required to have a window net. and if your... That NHRA rule book has some very slippery slopes!

And that doesn't matter if your run 8's or 18's. Altering the firewall (with steel) may not be noticed by tech, but if it is........

Just saying.

killerpanel · 12-14-2013, 09:19 AM

It's getting a cage anyways. I plan on this thing getting into mid 9's..or that's the plan anyways. I don't think I'll have an issue with tech on the firewall. The issue with them will be the bed floor. I want to keep the wood, but use a shield over it when I race. lots of ?? on that! The tech guy for our local track couldn't answer that. He said as long as he didn't see the wood, he wouldn't care...

slowtruck · 12-14-2013, 12:09 PM

Why would the wood be a problem? I ask because I'm doing the samething and didn't think it would be a problem.

Marv D · 12-14-2013, 12:33 PM

As long as the wood is securly fastened,, I've never seen anything restricting it either.

killerpanel · 12-14-2013, 01:18 PM

since this is a panel truck, the wood is in the passenger compartment. firewall/foor required.

slowtruck · 12-14-2013, 04:37 PM

I see, you had me worried for a sec.

68racer · 12-14-2013, 07:51 PM

I had to cut out the passenger side today as I am changing the valve springs and was struggling to get on the number 8 exhaust. I have a cage so no problem there but thanks for the reminder for others. I am also considering moving the brake pedal to the clutch pedal position so I can move the throttle pedal to the brake pedal position. This would give me more room to move the engine back and access it. Lots of plans!

killerpanel · 12-15-2013, 01:25 PM

i was just tinking of moving the entire firewall back 4-5 inches, and moving the seat back to accomadate it.

68racer · 12-15-2013, 01:35 PM

That's ok in a van but difficullt in a truck.

tinydb84 · 06-09-2014, 02:44 AM

Im going to bump an old thread. Does anyone have pics of recessed firewalls/setback engines?

I just did a 4 inch Z and since I have to chop up my trans tunnel anyway I was thinking of recessing my firewall and pushing the engine back. Its an LS so I dont have to worry about the distributor.

I dont plan on drag racing so I dont need a cage. Does moving it back make a noticeable difference? Or how far back would I have to move it to make it noticeable?

68racer · 06-09-2014, 07:10 AM

I found this one

http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/1...vrolet-C-10%29

I've cut mine back, but no pics yet.

moggey01 · 08-15-2014, 12:19 AM

The firewall is trimmed. Wire channel is removed sets the firewall back maybe 1 1/2 inches. Fabricator wanted it cleaner and said it would be easier to install. The engine was raised about 4 inches from Nathans original location and it slid back some to match the firewall location. You can go more but wanted to look somewhat stock.

chevytruck1970 · 08-16-2014, 02:02 PM

Looks good I like it.

tinydb84 · 08-16-2014, 07:14 PM

68racer: I seen that one. Can you post pics when you are done?

Moggey: I like the look of yours. Looks stock!

moggey01 · 08-16-2014, 07:42 PM

Thanks tiny thats kind of the look we are going for . There will be a ton af changes but kind of subtle as far as the body goes.

68racer · 08-18-2014, 06:44 PM

The pics, not finished yet but close.

killerpanel · 11-24-2014, 09:08 AM

I have completely cut my firewall out. After I get the frame back together, and the engine ready to install, I will make a new firewall.
[IMG]url=http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=41039&title=firewall&cat=2071]

[/url][/IMG]

12-12-2013, 07:16 PM	#1
killerpanel Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Schenectady NY Posts: 79	engine set back? Has any body messed with setting the engine back a couple inches?

12-12-2013, 09:05 PM	#2
chevytruck1970 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Stilwell, OK Posts: 83	Re: engine set back? Mine is setting in the 6 cyl spot 3 1/2" back. It made a pretty big change when I done it. __________________ Justin weight 3480 with driver 1.35 60ft 6.13@111mph 1/8 mile 9.80@131mph 1/4 mile 434 small block all motor

12-12-2013, 09:11 PM	#3
68racer Yeah baby! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 436	Re: engine set back? I run a 502 on the l6 mounts, you have to modify the bulkhead. I can't compare it to stock as I never tried it. I am considering further setback to improve the handling as I have the launch good. I have some big block mounts and may use them swapped sides so they push the engine back not forward. I am also looking at motor plates for a more radical setback. Both of these will mean firewall changes. __________________ 11.37 @116

12-13-2013, 02:40 AM	#4
Super73 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bay Area, Ca Posts: 2,841	Re: engine set back? Currently mine is as far back and as high up as possible with out cutting the firewall. __________________ ------Motor---------------Bottle 60'---1.53---------------1.41 1/8---6.58 @ 105.92----5.87 @ 118.41 1/4---10.38 @ 126.97----9.24 @ 142.49

12-13-2013, 10:53 AM	#5
Marv D Registered Truck Offender Join Date: May 2008 Location: hells training ground (aka Ariz) Posts: 3,118	Re: engine set back? Same here, The little small block is tucked into the tunnel about as far as it can get . The tall rocker covers were a PITA to get off, Distributor won't come out without taking a carb off,,, Just saying there is some 'issues' to deal with when you set it back http://www.small-block-chevy.com/ima.../66airpan1.JPG __________________ Still playin with trucks, even at my age! When you're dead, it's only a problem for the people around you, because you don't know you're dead. .....It's kinda the same when your STUPID. I just did my taxes and reviewed my SS statement. Thanks to the current administration it looks like I will only have to work till noon on the day of my funeral. Last edited by Marv D; 12-13-2013 at 10:59 AM.

12-13-2013, 05:15 PM	#6
killerpanel Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Schenectady NY Posts: 79	Re: engine set back? I have been toying around with the idea of smoothing the firewall and sectioning it back a couple inches anyways.

12-13-2013, 05:43 PM	#7
68racer Yeah baby! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 436	Re: engine set back? I intend to copy this firewall mod from "the 67 dragtruck". My big block is so tight against the firewall that I had to move the throttle mechanism inside the cab as the head fouled it on that side. __________________ 11.37 @116

12-13-2013, 07:02 PM	#8
GMR-PERFORMANCE Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Keller TX Posts: 836	Re: engine set back? Mine is back and the valve cover is to the point a plug wire will not fit in the gap. Making changes to the MSD is a mother F'r My truck was a 283 to start with un sure where the mounts cam from though . I posted up pics in my build section you can see how far back it is and the gap from engine to rad. __________________ 62 long box with a little SBC http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=510631 http://good-times.webshots.com/album/561798652HdwqzG

12-13-2013, 11:49 PM	#9
Marv D Registered Truck Offender Join Date: May 2008 Location: hells training ground (aka Ariz) Posts: 3,118	Re: engine set back? Just remember,, modified firewall means you are required to run a full CAGE, if your required to run a cage, your required to have a window net. and if your... That NHRA rule book has some very slippery slopes! And that doesn't matter if your run 8's or 18's. Altering the firewall (with steel) may not be noticed by tech, but if it is........ Just saying. __________________ Still playin with trucks, even at my age! When you're dead, it's only a problem for the people around you, because you don't know you're dead. .....It's kinda the same when your STUPID. I just did my taxes and reviewed my SS statement. Thanks to the current administration it looks like I will only have to work till noon on the day of my funeral.

12-14-2013, 09:19 AM	#10
killerpanel Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Schenectady NY Posts: 79	Re: engine set back? It's getting a cage anyways. I plan on this thing getting into mid 9's..or that's the plan anyways. I don't think I'll have an issue with tech on the firewall. The issue with them will be the bed floor. I want to keep the wood, but use a shield over it when I race. lots of ?? on that! The tech guy for our local track couldn't answer that. He said as long as he didn't see the wood, he wouldn't care...

12-14-2013, 12:09 PM	#11
slowtruck Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cabot AR. Posts: 126	Re: engine set back? Why would the wood be a problem? I ask because I'm doing the samething and didn't think it would be a problem.

12-14-2013, 12:33 PM	#12
Marv D Registered Truck Offender Join Date: May 2008 Location: hells training ground (aka Ariz) Posts: 3,118	Re: engine set back? As long as the wood is securly fastened,, I've never seen anything restricting it either. __________________ Still playin with trucks, even at my age! When you're dead, it's only a problem for the people around you, because you don't know you're dead. .....It's kinda the same when your STUPID. I just did my taxes and reviewed my SS statement. Thanks to the current administration it looks like I will only have to work till noon on the day of my funeral.

12-14-2013, 01:18 PM	#13
killerpanel Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Schenectady NY Posts: 79	Re: engine set back? since this is a panel truck, the wood is in the passenger compartment. firewall/foor required.

12-14-2013, 04:37 PM	#14
slowtruck Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cabot AR. Posts: 126	Re: engine set back? I see, you had me worried for a sec.

12-14-2013, 07:51 PM	#15
68racer Yeah baby! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 436	Re: engine set back? I had to cut out the passenger side today as I am changing the valve springs and was struggling to get on the number 8 exhaust. I have a cage so no problem there but thanks for the reminder for others. I am also considering moving the brake pedal to the clutch pedal position so I can move the throttle pedal to the brake pedal position. This would give me more room to move the engine back and access it. Lots of plans! __________________ 11.37 @116



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12-15-2013, 01:25 PM	#16
killerpanel Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Schenectady NY Posts: 79	Re: engine set back? i was just tinking of moving the entire firewall back 4-5 inches, and moving the seat back to accomadate it.

12-15-2013, 01:35 PM	#17
68racer Yeah baby! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 436	Re: engine set back? That's ok in a van but difficullt in a truck. __________________ 11.37 @116

06-09-2014, 02:44 AM	#18
tinydb84 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Jose Ca Posts: 2,871	Re: engine set back? Im going to bump an old thread. Does anyone have pics of recessed firewalls/setback engines? I just did a 4 inch Z and since I have to chop up my trans tunnel anyway I was thinking of recessing my firewall and pushing the engine back. Its an LS so I dont have to worry about the distributor. I dont plan on drag racing so I dont need a cage. Does moving it back make a noticeable difference? Or how far back would I have to move it to make it noticeable? __________________ David Used parts build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=638991 My brother's Nova: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=727985 Rear suspension rework: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=750557 Instagram: myfabguy

06-09-2014, 07:10 AM	#19
68racer Yeah baby! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 436	Re: engine set back? I found this one http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/1...vrolet-C-10%29 I've cut mine back, but no pics yet. __________________ 11.37 @116

08-15-2014, 12:19 AM	#20
moggey01 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 315	Re: engine set back? The firewall is trimmed. Wire channel is removed sets the firewall back maybe 1 1/2 inches. Fabricator wanted it cleaner and said it would be easier to install. The engine was raised about 4 inches from Nathans original location and it slid back some to match the firewall location. You can go more but wanted to look somewhat stock. Attached Images

08-16-2014, 02:02 PM	#21
chevytruck1970 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Stilwell, OK Posts: 83	Re: engine set back? Looks good I like it. __________________ Justin weight 3480 with driver 1.35 60ft 6.13@111mph 1/8 mile 9.80@131mph 1/4 mile 434 small block all motor

08-16-2014, 07:14 PM	#22
tinydb84 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Jose Ca Posts: 2,871	Re: engine set back? 68racer: I seen that one. Can you post pics when you are done? Moggey: I like the look of yours. Looks stock! __________________ David Used parts build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=638991 My brother's Nova: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=727985 Rear suspension rework: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=750557 Instagram: myfabguy

08-16-2014, 07:42 PM	#23
moggey01 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 315	Re: engine set back? Thanks tiny thats kind of the look we are going for . There will be a ton af changes but kind of subtle as far as the body goes.

08-18-2014, 06:44 PM	#24
68racer Yeah baby! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 436	Re: engine set back? The pics, not finished yet but close. __________________ 11.37 @116

11-24-2014, 09:08 AM	#25
killerpanel Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Schenectady NY Posts: 79	Re: engine set back? I have completely cut my firewall out. After I get the frame back together, and the engine ready to install, I will make a new firewall. [IMG]url=http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=41039&title=firewall&cat=2071][/url][/IMG] Last edited by killerpanel; 11-24-2014 at 09:23 AM.

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