Topic: 69 Mach 1 390 FE Installation Issues and Questions

[STAUBY38]

I am attempting to put my 390 back in my 69 Mach and am having some issues and I am wondering if there are any FE veterans out there that can provide reference material or explanations on what I am experiencing.  Here is what I am dealing with... 

Today we placed the motor in and the Z bar is not sitting straight.  My frame side Z bar mounting area has 3 holes in the frame.  2 have threads and the other doesn't.  This mount was not on the car when I got it.  I am trying to find out of they all had 3 holes in this area or if mine had one damaged and someone drilled another thus making the Z bar cockeyed and not lining up right with the motor side mount.  If it is moved back to the other hole it would appear better.

Also using factory motor mounts the motor seems to be sitting back a bit far thus hitting the cross member area.  I know the motor is tight but I cannot find a good picture of reference to see how it actually sits in the compartment with the cross member, front sway bar and oil filter positions.   It just seems to not be in the correct position even though the mounts are not adjustable. 

I am hoping a seasoned 390 FE veteran can chime in with some advice on what I am seeing and doing wrong as I am sure I am missing something here.  Motor is the #'s matching so nothing has been modified.  Mounts, sway bar and cross member all appear to be stock.

Much appreciated !

[krelboyne]

Just to be sure, the engine frame stands are on their correct sides?

[Bob Gaines]

Just to be sure, the engine frame stands are on their correct sides?

+1 there is a specific right and left. Same with the ones that mount to the block.

[RoyceP]

Today we placed the motor in and the Z bar is not sitting straight.  My frame side Z bar mounting area has 3 holes in the frame.  2 have threads and the other doesn't.  This mount was not on the car when I got it.  I am trying to find out of they all had 3 holes in this area or if mine had one damaged and someone drilled another thus making the Z bar cockeyed and not lining up right with the motor side mount.  If it is moved back to the other hole it would appear better.

There are three holes drilled but any given car only has rivnuts installed in two of the holes depending on if it is a big block or small block equipped car.


Sounds like you may have the motor mount frame stands for a small block too.

[STAUBY38]

Gents   Thanks for the info and replies.  It appears the issue is the z bar mount on the frame side.  It was in the front two holes and looks like it needs to be in the middle and rear holes closer to the fire wall   This appears to make the z bar line up straight and the motor tilt correctly.  I do have the motor mounts in correctly.  The issue now is that the rear hole in the z bar mount frame side is missing its nut insert thus you cant put an attaching bolt in it.  Must have been pulled out or damaged years ago.  Now I have to figure on getting that nut back in to attach to...   In a few pics I have seen the hole towards the firewall doesn't appear to have a nut in it?  My question is does  anyone know why?  I cant imagine that bracket is only held on with one bolt??   
This pic of another Mach shows an unthreaded rear hole also.  Only the front two appear to be threaded.  Mine has to be in the rear two to line up..

[RoyceP]

Sounds like your frame was originally on a small block car. AMK sells the threaded rivnut to fit the frame. You can buy the rivnut tools on amazon or ebay.

[RoyceP]

I cant imagine that bracket is only held on with one bolt??   
This pic of another Mach shows an unthreaded rear hole also.  Only the front two appear to be threaded.  Mine has to be in the rear two to line up..

This is the rivnut you need:


https://amkproducts.com/bulk-fasteners-products/?Product_ID=12931

[RoyceP]

It appears the issue is the z bar mount on the frame side.  It was in the front two holes and looks like it needs to be in the middle and rear holes closer to the fire wall   

This tool will install one rivnut and it is the cheapest on the market. You want the 3/8"-16 size. If you had lots of them to do you would not want this tool but for one it is perfect:


https://www.rivetnutusa.com/install-tools-rivnut-rivet-nut/c722-c845/

[STAUBY38]

Thank you sir.  It appears the nut was pulled out when taking the bolt out due to rust.  Looks like a common theme as I have now seen other pics of big blocks with the same issue.  Looks like brake fluid drips or water leaks and hits that area causing the rear bolt to rust then when cranked on via wrench to remove, it pulls out. At least that's what it seems from pics and my car anyway...    

I appreciate you efforts!!   I will  grab those items !!

Thanks !!

[STAUBY38]

Rivnut in and all is lined up correctly!  Thanks again RoyceP

[RoyceP]

It's an impossible task without the proper tools. The guy on the Ford assembly line likely used a pneumatic gun to install thousands of those per day. You would not want to spend what one of those costs! The tool you used is OK for a couple of them.

[STAUBY38]

Yes I could see what a pain that would have been but having the right tool always helps!