[Mean Green]

I have a 74 GTO that I'm going to be upgrading next month. I'm going to install a Smith Racecraft rack and pinion, motor/mid plates and building new headers.

The engine is offset an inch or so towards the passenger side, so I'm going to center it with the plates.

Should I set the engine back a couple of inches while I'm at it? Anyone have some real life experience doing it? Did it make a noticeable difference?

It's a small tire car that's raced on marginally prepped asphalt 95% of the time.

[chiefbigb]

Langer's car has evolved allot over the years. He might be a good source of information.

[Mean Green]

I was thinking about buying his subframe, so I have a pic of it. I can see where he had the midplate mounted and check that measurement against my subframe.

Thanks!

[Mean Green]

As of now I plan on setting the engine back 2-2.5 inches.

[Kevspontiacs@aol.com]

Out of curiosity if you move the engine over will that make a difference to the pinion?

[bpenrod]

https://www.onallcylinders.com/2016/...s-drag-racing/

[PontiacMatt72]

Good read.

When I bought my 65 Lemans back-half race car, the previous owner/builder had already set the engine placement in the chassis with front and mid-mount plates. It’s pretty obvious to me that it is set back in the chassis. I left it where it was but don’t really know how far back it is from the original (factory) location.

I’ll check and see how far back it is from the spindle centerline when I get a chance.

[Mean Green]

Originally Posted by 535 tall deck

Out of curiosity if you move the engine over will that make a difference to the pinion?

It shouldn't. It's only an inch or so at the front of the engine.

Plus, it's a ladder bar car, everything is easily adjusted.

[Mean Green]

I ended up leaving the engine in the stock location. With the midplate installed, I was going to have to cut away more of the firewall than I was willing to.