Pre-Alpha 5.7L to Alpha1 - complete drivetrain swap - any motor fitment issues?

[DonRamon]

Hi,

Sorry to bother all of you, but I'm sitting with a huge headache right now and can't find an easy way out - except for a complete driveline replacement.

My 5.7 350 engine is toast, it's bolted to a pre-Alpha 1 drive unit in my 1982 23ft Laveycraft (which I just bought). I believe it has the small flywheel housing (1982).

I believe, if I repower with a newer engine - it wouldn't match the transom plate because of the changes to the flywheel housing from pre- to Alpha 1.

So - I consider spending the $$ and replace the whole driveline. If I buy a complete driveline inclusive of transom assemblies etc., does this mean I can't use the old motormounts and will the engine move forward further because of the new flywheel housing?

I really appreciate some good advise before I create another headache on the one I just bought...

I know it's a journey... but this?

Cheers,

 

[Don S]

Re: Pre-Alpha 5.7L to Alpha1 - complete drivetrain swap - any motor fitment issues?

I believe the motor mounts on the 2 flywheel covers are the same. Easy to check, sit the engine in and see if it will align OK. Make sure the rear mounts in the flywheel cover are in good shape.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Pre-Alpha 5.7L to Alpha1 - complete drivetrain swap - any motor fitment issues?

Ayuh,...While I'm sure you can easily stuff a New complete driveline into it,...
It shouldn't take much more than drillin' a couple more holes in the transom...
I've never heard of, muchless run accross the problem your talkin' about...

New or rebuilt 350s can be had with either a 12" or 14" flywheel, still today...
There are aftermarket Couplers available for mating the new crankshaft bolt patterns to the old pre-alpha drives...
And,...
As far as I know,...
Moving the front motor mounts ain't necessary, regardless which way you go...

Have you picked the new motor,..??
Got a link, or picture,..??
If you provide more Info, I'm sure that We can help ya sort this thing out....

I believe the motor mounts on the 2 flywheel covers are the same.

Don, along about that time the rear mount spacing went from 15", down to 9" in width...