So.....this is my first attempt at an engine swap. It has been a slow, expensive, frustrating, and ultimately rewarding comedy of errors. Here is the setup of my current problem:

1996 3.4 DOHC
1984 engine cradle
stock 84 transmission mounts
88 front engine mount

The end result is an engine that sits crooked in the engine bay. The cylinder head is extremely close to the passenger side strut tower. Have I made another hardware error or did I just do something wrong? Should this setup yield an engine that sits properly in the engine bay?

not positive but when i did my 3.4 dohc in a 84 with a 88 cradle i had a few dtfferent holes for the tranny mounts 1 set made every thing sit funny but not sure if it is the same on the 84 cradle

[This message has been edited by engine man (edited 09-12-2011).]

I hate to bump it but....BUMP. Has anyone used the 84-87 cradle for a DOHC swap?

no but i used an 84 for a 4.9 swap.... i dont know how your setup is all cockeyed but you should probably use custom engine mounts. i bought mine from west coast fiero but i dont know of a mount that is widly made for the dohc. i would drop the cradle pull that mount off and with the engine secure to a hoist, level it out and fab a new mount up. what transmission ar eyou using btw? because if its the stock 84 4 spd youl lgrenade it so id swap that out for an 85-86 4spd or a getrag 5 spd.

I think I should rephrase something. I am using the 88 front engine BRACKET, not the mount. I currently have the 84 rubber mount in place but I am going to replace the rubber mounts with poly if I can get the engine straightened out. I'm wondering though, since I'm using the 84 cradle if the cradle is provisioned for a v6 mount. That might be the problem. I heard that I might need to drill an extra set of holes to put a v6 front engine mount on an 84 cradle? Does this ring a bell for anyone?

Oh and in response to Niterrorz, I am using a getrag 5 speed. No more auto for me.

[This message has been edited by Sharde26 (edited 09-22-2011).]

The 88 V6 front engine mount bracket is about 2" different than the 85-87 V6 front mount bracket.

quote Originally posted by Sharde26: I hate to bump it but....BUMP. Has anyone used the 84-87 cradle for a DOHC swap?

I am. I have the motor and tranny mounted, but need to finish the last mount. I am hoping (fingers crossed) to trial fit it this weekend.

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1986 SE 350 V8