[61 vent]

Hello looking for a little information, that someone with more experience may have.
I want to install a 72 Pontiac 350 TH350 combination, that is complete and running. I am looking at fabbing up something similar to the Old Hurst mounts.

Now the question, to help with the clearance issue between the L/H exhaust manifold and steering box, I was thinking about the RARE ram air manifolds for the firebird. they look fairly thin at the center exhaust ports, and appear to hug the block well. I am going to contact them to ask for a measurement. and compare to my original 287 manifold.

I also assume maybe incorrect assumption, that I could move slightly to the right side and then attach mounts. Thanks Andy

[tom s]

why not use the 55 manifolds?Tom

[61 vent]

It is my understanding that the ports are extremely small on the 287 manifolds, and that you will really be choking the exhaust. thanks Andy

[Sirrotica]

Here's a 56 compared to a 57, I don't know if a 350 would even run half throttle with the 55-56 manifolds manifolds.....LOL

Talk about trying to breathe through a straw..........



57 is a 347 CI, so if you'd want something that would fit the chassis and still have decent size ports, I would be looking for a 57 manifold at bare minimum.

[55Wagon]

Thanks Jack I would really like to see some pictures. This is 61 vent I had to create a new account.

[Jack Gifford]

I'll see what I've got for images. May need to take some pictures.

[Bill Hanlon]

Tough to move to the side with the 55's X frame. Little room for the tranny. Would need to fab a tranny mount whether you moved to the right or not.

[61 vent]

Thanks, yes a trans mount also, but that seems to be fairly easy addition. Thanks for the insight. Andy

[61 vent]

a question, do the Hurst mounts bolt directly to the cross member, with an isolator, or does it need to be set on some sort of perch? thanks.

[Jack Gifford]

I've used the old Hurst front mount a couple of times. It is intended to use Ford flathead rubber biscuits. Hurst had a variety of small "stands" to bolt to various crossmembers. If you need pictures let me know.

[55Wagon]

Thanks guys for both of your reply. Both are correct first I was just thinking timing chain cover, and did not realize all would work. I keep forgetting about the transmission.

[Safari Larry]

Yes, Bill, we are both correct, I did not mean to imply that you were not correct. You directly answered his question. I gave another option.

To easily use the 60 engine, he would need to use the 55 Hydramatic transmission. The 55 trans will bolt up to the 60 engine. However, he would need to grind a little off the rear of the crankshaft for clearance, as described by Rich Gabrielson on my web site.

[55Wagon]

Thanks, glad I won't have any issues. In the past on all my cars I ran stock exhaust manifolds I just would gasket match them to flow better, or at least in my mind.

[Goatracer1]

I used factory 1960s-1970s cast iron manifolds to install a 1976 400 with a T400 trans in a 1957 Chieftain. I used Indian Adventures motor mounts which are no longer available. They mounted to the sides of the block and moved the mounting location forward and used a simple round rubber mount like a street rod. I kept raising the block height a little at a time until the exhaust manifold cleared.

[61 vent]

In my mind, I have a general idea, but after looking at my frame, started me thinking I possibly needed stands as the Olds used.

[ponchonlefty]

Originally Posted by 61 vent

Hello looking for a little information, that someone with more experience may have.
I want to install a 72 Pontiac 350 TH350 combination, that is complete and running. I am looking at fabbing up something similar to the Old Hurst mounts.

Now the question, to help with the clearance issue between the L/H exhaust manifold and steering box, I was thinking about the RARE ram air manifolds for the firebird. they look fairly thin at the center exhaust ports, and appear to hug the block well. I am going to contact them to ask for a measurement. and compare to my original 287 manifold.

I also assume maybe incorrect assumption, that I could move slightly to the right side and then attach mounts. Thanks Andy

im doing the same with a 57 chieftain keep us posted this will be useful .

[tom s]

55-57 chassis close to the same?I had a 55 but so long ago I don’t remember crap about it!Tom

[Sirrotica]

55-57 basically same, ladder style frame, large structural X in the center that the driveshaft goes through, 58-60 X frame, 61 began swept hip perimeter frame.

[55Wagon]

Thanks for the engine mount and perches jack! I believe I will need to go with Hurst style #2 since my engine will have aluminum timing chain cover. I am also considering a front motor plate.

[55Wagon]

Just a quick update, I am still in search of a complete engine and transmission assy. from air cleaner to pan and fan to tail shaft here in my local area. I have had a few items I looked at but not what I wanted.