Engine locating jig

[astroracer]

I built this jig out of scrap I had laying around. I needed to relocate the engine in my Astro frame 3" straight down. Like a dummy I sold the mock-up block and did want to unbag the 509 so this was a good alternative.
I used the solid motor mounts, bolted them in and then welded some tube and angle to maintain their position when unbolted.

Now I can cut them out and gut the cross member and have no worries about getting them back where they belong.

I tacked pieces of angle onto the frame to locate a piece of 2 x 4 tubing set on the top rails as a support.

Another piece of angle is welded to both ends of the 2 x 4 to locate it side to side

I then tacked some more angle to the 2 x 4 to locate the jig side to side.

Now, once the mounts are cut out and trimmed I can drop them straight down 3 inches and rebuild the attachments to the frame.
Mark

[DIYer]

Thanks astroracer! We've added your Engine Locating Jig to our Engine category,
as well as to your builder page: astroracer's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Engine Locating Jig by astroracer

tags: jig, engine, alignment

[PJs]

Cool Jig Mark. Did I read that right, a merlin 509 crate motor in an astro van? Oh my, no wonder the suspension!

[astroracer]

Yup, it's a Bowtie block out of a boat. 502 bored to a 509. All forged bottom end so it is stout.

The van is getting a full chassis with the custom front and rear suspensions. I've moved the engine back 18" and down 6. It is more like a mid-engine now.
Mark

[PJs]

Oh My Mark, Forged crank and marine grade too! This is quite the build to say the least and fully understand the frame and suspension stuff now. That looks like an 850 on there by the size of the bowls? May need ladder bars to hold this thing on the ground.

Thanks for sharing parts of this with us...Truly Cool!