Motor Mount Adapter Summary

[MalibuRacing]

Motor Mount Adapter:
I used Trans-Dapt 4592 LS adapter plates:


It includes all the necessary bolts and hardware. It also included the late model style motor mounts, which I didn't use. I believe the proper part number for the adapter plates only (about $20 cheaper) is 4572 if you plan to use the stock Malibu frame mounts and SBC clamshells as I did.

I used the stock style '79 Malibu frame mounts as seen above

The stock SBC "clam shells" that bolts to the adapter plate as seen above

I used the transmission crossmember location as the reference point for engine location. I then tack welded the frame mounts in place and bolted them into place. Drilling bolt holes may be required.

 

[Killermalibu]

Phil, the LS style engines don't bolt in the stock location?

 

[MalibuRacing]

You can use the stock location, but I moved mine back about 1/2" from what I remember.

 

[Killermalibu]

Oh, ok, cool. Thanks Phil! I got a line on an LS1, so hopefully everything will go through and I can get this swap going.

 

[malibu_newfie]

Question. When you moved your motor mounts back was that for more clearnence for belt and pulleys. Also did you have to move your transmission back as well.

 

[MalibuRacing]

From what I remember, I located the engine (and motor mount locations) by referencing the transmission mount location. In other words, I installed the motor/transmission together. I then installed the transmission crossmember (Iceman crossmember). This was how I determined the location of the engines mounts, based on where the transmission mount located the engine position.