So as the title says, I have a question about the placement of a 2000 GTP 3800sc motor bolted to an 88 engine cradle. The conversion mounts I am using appear to be the ones sold in the mall (I think there PR mounts) judging from the pics that were posted in the FS thread...

So here is the low-down; The motor sits about as low as it could go into the cradle w/o making contact w/ anything anywhere. This is a good thing as far as I am concerned...

However, the left/right position of the motor once bolted to the cradle (using the stock bolt locations on both the mounts and cradle) seems way too far to the drivers side (by about a good solid 2"...

From my research, it seems I can use axles/cv joints in one of two configurations:
1 - Use stock manual DR axle on DR side & modified PS axle
2 - Use stock manual DR on DR and use stock DR on PS

So using either axle options above, it seems the motor is way to far to the drivers side using all the stock mout locations. If I move the motor over to the PS some for proper spacement of the DR axle; I have a near perfectly centered motor. Meaning the axle length for both DS & PS are aprox. the same length (+/- 1/4"). This works out PERFECT as now I can use two stock Fiero manual axles for both the DS & PS

So the main question, will the motor (when mounted in this new postion) and cradle bolt up to the chassis w/o hitting anything? From all my measuement, the 3800sc crank pully (the face of it) is located in the aprox. location of my stock 2.8 pully...

I really should have asked this question a few weeks ago as I have already repositioned the two trans mounts. I am working on the lower motor mount this afternoon and would like to know if there is going to be any problems before I cut-off the stock motor mount plate on the cradle...

BTW, I am removing the stock motor mount plate on the cradle to make room for my 3" exhaust run in the stock location and did not want it to hang down below the cradle too much...

Any input would be appreciated If something is not going to work, or I am doing something wrong; Let me know, BUT also tell me why please...

[This message has been edited by ALJR (edited 03-19-2011).]

I dont understand why these mounts would be off by as much as 2 inches. Something does not seem right to me.

Maybe someone else will have an answer.

Steve

quote Originally posted by JumpStart: I dont understand why these mounts would be off by as much as 2 inches. Something does not seem right to me. Maybe someone else will have an answer. Steve

I just remeasured it; I was mistaken when I said 2". But it is definatly off by an 1" or so... I guess that would within acceptable limits for the VC travel and I guess I could have left it. But would have ment I could not use a Stock PS axle; I would have had to make one...

[This message has been edited by ALJR (edited 03-19-2011).]

The mounts move from side to side. Unbolt the bottom of the mounts and try adjusting their position. I hope this helps.

quote Originally posted by dhobbs84sc: The mounts move from side to side. Unbolt the bottom of the mounts and try adjusting their position. I hope this helps.

I am past this... Just need to know if my placement of the motor on the cradle will be an issue; Im guessing not. As it is as far to the PS as the stock 2.8 was...

[This message has been edited by ALJR (edited 03-19-2011).]

If you have the trani mounts in stock location you will notice the engine mount will need to be re drilled for sure on the 88 cradle, in PR thread he outlines this for the 88 ??
if its the train side you are talking about being over to far something is not right ! as the trani mounts go into origional 88 holes no drilling requried
do you have some pics i may be able to help you out , when i mounted mine to my 88 it kind of looked like it was out of place a bit but so far so good

quote Originally posted by ALJR: From my research, it seems I can use axles/cv joints in one of two configurations: 1 - Use stock manual DR axle on DR side & modified PS axle 2 - Use stock manual DR on DR and use stock DR on PS

I could be mistaken but I thought the DR axle was an automatic outer shaft with an inner 4t65ehd inner tulip? And the PS axle was a manual outer axle with a 4t65ehd inner tulip as well?

I was just wondering because i just bought DR auto stock axle for my swap.

quote Originally posted by hercimer01: I could be mistaken but I thought the DR axle was an automatic outer shaft with an inner 4t65ehd inner tulip? And the PS axle was a manual outer axle with a 4t65ehd inner tulip as well? I was just wondering because i just bought DR auto stock axle for my swap.

Well, I have a complete stock Fiero manual axle in my DS. I used a Stock Fiero maual axle on the PS, but had to swap out the inner tulip to match the 4t65hd output (this might be what your thinking). Both my axles now sit nearly perfectly centered; meaning the distance to the wheel hub is the same DS to PS...

quote Originally posted by ALJR: since I am using a stock Fiero manual axle on the DS,

Isnt the DS supposed to be an auto outer with a 4t65ehd inner tulip?

Perhaps this is why your alignment ins giving you trouble.

[This message has been edited by hercimer01 (edited 03-19-2011).]

quote Originally posted by hercimer01: Isnt the DS supposed to be an auto outer with a 4t65ehd inner tulip? Perhaps this is why your alignment ins giving you trouble.

Negative, its the PS side... But I will search and post back...
The auto and manual axles are VERY close (in length) to each other. However, the manual axle shafts are thicker (stronger) and more desirable for 3800 swaps...

EDIT:
Just did a search, the DS on the 4T65HD uses either a stock Fiero auto or manual DS axle. Not too sure why some use the auto over the manual, but both STOCK Fiero DS axles seem to be plug-n-play, no mods nessasary. The PS side needs the inner tri-pot from the 4T65HD mated to a stock DS axle and outer cv... So basically you just remove the DS inner tri-pot from the stock Fiero axle and install the 4T65HD unit in its place...

What I know for sure...
My setup is a stock Fiero DS axle on the DS side of my 4T65HD; stock Fiero DS axle w/ inner tri-pot removed and 4T65HD unit installed for the PS. I get full articulation and no binding what so ever...

[This message has been edited by ALJR (edited 03-19-2011).]