V8 swap guys- fab my xmember and mounts or buy?

[alex e]

Just trying to shave some $ off the Downey kit if possible. Is the mount and xmember pretty easy to fab up with adequate skills? What are the issues if you have done this before so I don't waste my time if it ain't worth it. 350 TBI going in......


Thanks in ADVANCE!

Alex

 

[Degnol]

I think the hands-down favorite on motor mounts are Harvey Fierstein's

No, really like Bob Firestine, or something like that. The rear x member, you can do.

Ed

 

[dgangle]

Only you can tell us based upon your available tools, material, experience and time. Anything can be made.

 

[alex e]

Looks like they are hard to get. Gonna get going on learning to weld, I believe.

 

[dgangle]

If you don't know how to weld, this may be the excuse you need to learn.

This stuff shows up all the time used so you may want to investigate that direction as it could save you money. Also, if you are looking to do this on the cheap, I hardly think the BF mounts qualify! 'BEST' most often does not equal 'CHEAPEST'.

A welder is an indespensable tool for repair and making one's own parts. Remember too that you could have a grand easy in a small mig, bottle, reg and cart. That will buy the whole Downey/AA set up new with some cabbage left over.

If you don't own a welder or even know how to weld for that matter, I guess it comes to how much do you want spend to save?

 

[Downey]

OR, you could even talk to Downey about used parts, partial parts (you weld, unplated), or a club discount!!!!! We're all ears.

 

[orangefj45]

fc187 amongst others makes some great cradle style mounts as well. i like them better than some of the sandwich mounts. but they do require some fab skills, a bender and a welder. the part i like best is that the mounts are fully interlocked/captured so even if the bushings should fail, the engine can not move very much at all.

fwiw, jim @ downey is a great guy to work with. so if you're limited on tools/skills then i'd say send him a pm or email and i'm sure he'll work something out with you!

 

[Radd Cruisers]

I have seen pictures of fc187 work, damn talented man...

 

[Pinion]

Alex,
If that is what you are looking for, pony up and support the people who have already done the leg work. It will be far less expensive for you to figure it out on your own and help support someone who has been in this arena longer than you. That is why this is a community.

Rob

 

[iaintscared1969]

I would go with Jim. Save the fab time and get the conversion kit. I have never gone wrong with Downey and you can't beat the customer support that Jim gives on his product. That is however my own experience. Also I found a quarter panel. It is a little late now.

 

[alex e]

Did you really?
Sheeeeeeeeeiiiiiiit!

It's my birthday.

 

[dgangle]

Here's a guy selling the front/rear mounts for $110 new.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/sale-parts/224543-new-v8-engine-mount-kit-tie-rod-ends.html

 

[orangefj45]

I have seen pictures of fc187 work, damn talented man...

rob, your pm box is full........................

 

[alex e]

I'm going Downey.....wish I had the space and time to tackle it DIY but growing my business is cramping my style these days. Gotta get this going and outta the garage!