motor mounts for a 401 in a CJ

I need to set a fairly healthy 401 in a CJ8 frame. I have yet to get the correct motor mount combination. I also have read about the stock mounts not being strong enough and coming apart with the larger v8's. I've been wondering about aftermarket mounts. I have looked at the MORE mounts but I am having a hard time justifying the mounts at over $200.

I have alos looked at the builders parts http://www.atozfabrication.com/store/DOM-Sleeve-with-Bushing-Tabs-and-Hardware.html

http://www.atozfabrication.com/store/image.php?type=P&id=16196

and thought about making my own. I'm just a little concerned about the actual final placement of the motor. I also need to set a T18 behind it. I can use the stock skidplate and stock mounts to locate the tranny. I need to make custom driveshafts. Once the motor is attached to the tranny, I assume I can measure the motor and get the placement close enough to work just fine. And I have a CJ with a 304 setting next to my frame I can use as a reference.

So how critical is getting the motor in the correct location? What sort of margin of error do I have?

Got to admit, Dan got me really wondering looking at the Sammy motor in his CJ.........

 

It's very critical, as with all engine conversions.

You have to be mindful of your steering set-up while thinking about motor mounts and exhaust system.

AMC V8s have the oil pump and oil filter at the pass front of the engine; this means paying attention to the front axle housing and the driveshaft for clearance issues.

Then you have the starter vs the driveshaft issue.

Next would be the front crossmember; on most flattys, the stock is removed for clearance and a smaller, rectangular or tubular unit put forward of the stock location; this allows radiator clearance. Once again, steering issues should be checked with this modification.

This only scratches the surface of what you might encounter.

It can be done; it just takes careful planning and several mock ups; as well as pulling the engine in and out several times.

 

Well, the 304 and 401 are the same externally, so you should be able to use the 304 CJ as an example. AFAIK the CJ-8 frame will be the same as the other CJ from midships forward. If I weren't going to simply use beefed-up factory mounts, I'd use the 304 CJ as a model and build the new mounts exactly the same.

 

Thanks guys. I had thought of buying the stock mounts and reinforcing.

Even better, I had thought of pulling one side of the 304 CJ mounts and attaching the 401 to the frame, then attaching the tranny and using the stock mounts. Then I could level the motor, make sure it was straight, etc and build one mount for the side that I did not have attached. Then pull the stock off the other side and make the second mount.

FWIW, the jeep will be SOA with 4" springs, full width axles, etc. so I have more "wiggle" room than if it was a stock restoration.

 

I think I would go with stock mounts robbed from a V8 CJ. I have seen them hold up OK for a 401. If you are really worried go with some aftermarket polyurethane stock style replacements like this http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PTP-1-503/ . It makes locating things much easier and will be plenty strong.
Greg