When does a build up require motor plates? Is there a hp level? Packaging limitations? etc... I know some folks use them and some don't. Also, what about driving a vehicle on the street w/ motor plates. Is that an issue? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,


Steve.

 

You can use solid motor mounts for as long as you want. Motor plates are mainly for clearance issues. When I installed a tubular k-member, I ordered it without engine mount brackets because I was already using a front motor plate. I have lots of room on the sides of the engine for headers etc.

I don't have a mid plate mainly because I just don't have to room to install one. Mid plates are common on a full tube chassis. I use a polyurethane tranny mount and the engine needs a engine limiter to keep it from moving forward or backward. Using solid engine mounts, you don't need the limiter.

 

Thanks for the info. I was partially under the impression that it was an unwritten rule at a certain horsepower level you went to motor plates.

 

You need someplace to mount a motorplate, that is why you see them on tube chassis cars.

Rich

 

Yep. Madman makes motor plate for the 4th gen cars w/ weld on mounts to the frame.

 

Trouble is, there is no "frame" on a stock 4th gen. I would doubt the use of such a setup, but I am no chassis expert so.........

Rich

 

You would doubt what? Brian and others make the plates and you weld them to the front subframe of the car.

 

Huh Brian developed these years ago and they are used by many folks. I just curious when you should use them. As far as doubting the use, I have none. Years of other folks using them successfully is enough for me.

 

What has been the benefit? That is what I mean.

Rich

 

The main benifit is clearance.....alot of time the motor mount bosses are used for limiters of some sort, but you have alot mor header clearance.
The chassis gets a better distributed load from the tq. and in an accident its easy for the engine to separate from the chassis. I have never seen one come out of a door car anyway. But those are some things I remember from a class I went to. Probly all BS.

How fast are you going? You probly don't need one

 

The clearance thing makes sense.

The Camaro ran a best of 10.02 @ 144 with stock motor mounts. My race car is a tube car and uses motor plates. I have a buddy with a 5.0 running mid eights at ~160 with solid mounts, no plate. His Mustang haa roll cage extensions to the shock towers but nothing else tying the motor to the "frame" other than the mounts. The Camaro does not have them. I am saying that I am not sure what a motorplate would add?? I can see that it is more rigid, just not sure that is going to make it any faster.

Rich

 

Eventually deep into the 9s. I've seen people go fast w/ and w/o them and as just wondering why some people decide to switch.

Concerning the car being more rigid, that is for sure. Anytime flex is eliminated the possibility of going faster is there.

As far as seeing a motor come out of a door car, I've seen it in really bad accidents on the street, but never at the track.

 

One thought... the motor plate allows you to mount any "accessories" rigidly to the plate, rather than on the front of the engine - alternator, vacuum pump, blower, etc. Simplifies life to some extent.

http://www.injuneer.com/images/photo.../DCP03825a.jpg

 

Like has already been posted it gives a ton more clearance for oil pan/headers and you can mount accessories to it so you don't have to worry a lot about having the right brackets. In my BBC T/A I thought about it but since I'm not running an accessories other than an alternator I didn't worry about it. I didn't know about the other stuff Mdacton posted.

 

Thats a good point too....no place to put it...throw it on the motor plate.

Its easier to get the engine out also.

I won't say you "need" it to run low 9's but it would be easier.

Chevrolets really don't have header problems like alot of other cars do....most chevy's just shoot doen each side. Some fords and chrystlers have pipes going all over the place