Frame Reinforcement for 350+ HP V8?

[Kyle Hunt]

Hey guys,

I searched around the internet for awhile and was unable to get a clear answere. Is it necessary to weld reinforcement plates anywhere on the frame to hand a V8 with 350+ horsepower conversion and not tear the frame up?

Thanks!

 

[thecrazygreek]

I have seen many v8 conversions without any additional reinforcement. However you want to make sure the motor mounts are stout and correct. Also you will most likely get some additional strength from the rear crossmember holding the xfer case...

 

[cruiserpilot]

What trans/t case combo are you using? I ran a 351W with a Marks tcase adapter into a 4 spd. It
was a 400 hp engine for sure. I ran 38.5" TSL SX's, after several years I stripped it down, the frame
was fine.

 

[Kyle Hunt]

Hey guys,

I searched around the internet for awhile and was unable to get a clear answere. Is it necessary to weld reinforcement plates anywhere on the frame to hand a V8 with 350+ horsepower conversion and not tear the frame up?

Gotcha, thanks!

What trans/t case combo are you using? I ran a 351W with a Marks tcase adapter into a 4 spd. It
was a 400 hp engine for sure. I ran 38.5" TSL SX's, after several years I stripped it down, the frame
was fine.

I haven't fully decided on the trans/t case yet. Just got to the rolling chassis stage and I'm trying to figure out what kind of frame modifications I need to make. Ill probably be running an LM7 with upgraded cams and heads, and pushing 35's so not as extreme as yours.

 

[bikersmurf]

Scab plates on the frame... then motor mounts. No other reinforcement needed for the SBC.

I'd also recommend gussets on the rear spring mounts (front end).

 

[Kyle Hunt]

Scab plates on the frame... then motor mounts. No other reinforcement needed for the SBC.

I'd also recommend gussets on the rear spring mounts (front end).

Excuse my ignorance, is scab plates another word for reinforcing where I'll put the mount with 3/16th steel plates? Also, you suggest reinforcing my rear spring mounts or replacing them?

Thanks!

 

[Rock40]

While you're in there and going through all the trouble, you might as well source a 4x4Labs front frame reinforcement kit along with the power steering plates. I'd also weld in a set of Ruff Stuff Specialties rear frame boxing plates. Cheap insurance and you won't have to do it twice. At the end, your frame will be fully boxed from end to end.

 

[pb4ugo]

Excuse my ignorance, is scab plates another word for reinforcing where I'll put the mount with 3/16th steel plates? Also, you suggest reinforcing my rear spring mounts or replacing them?

Thanks!

If you look at the frt spring perches of the rear springs you will notice they are not under the frame. They are cantilevered to the out side of it. This is a weak spot. The perch mounts want to tear off the side of the frame. So folks add a gusset from the frame to the outside edge of the perch for more support.. I believe someone sells a kit for it or you can make something. I you search this site you find what others have done. Fyi, This problem is not horsepower related.

Scab plates are what you described. Engine placement is very important to help cooling and help make things fall in to place. Searching this site is your friend.

 

[bikersmurf]

X2

I've got many pics & links in my build thread

 

[Kyle Hunt]

While you're in there and going through all the trouble, you might as well source a 4x4Labs front frame reinforcement kit along with the power steering plates. I'd also weld in a set of Ruff Stuff Specialties rear frame boxing plates. Cheap insurance and you won't have to do it twice. At the end, your frame will be fully boxed from end to end.

If you look at the frt spring perches of the rear springs you will notice they are not under the frame. They are cantilevered to the out side of it. This is a weak spot. The perch mounts want to tear off the side of the frame. So folks add a gusset from the frame to the outside edge of the perch for more support.. I believe someone sells a kit for it or you can make something. I you search this site you find what others have done. Fyi, This problem is not horsepower related.

Scab plates are what you described. Engine placement is very important to help cooling and help make things fall in to place. Searching this site is your friend.

X2

I've got many pics & links in my build thread

Awesome, thanks for the great info guys. I'll be checking out that build thread smurf.