70 Challenger Tilted 440 Engine

[schlett7nu1]

I have a 70 Challenger 440 4bbl. Car is mostly unrestored. Only changes made are to ensure safe and reliable operation. I've also noticed that the engine has a tilt resulting in the right side being lower than the left side. It's very noticeable. It hasn't caused any functional issues. It just looks wrong. The rubber mounts show evidence of having been changed at some point. The tilt is very noticeable with the air cleaner installed. Is this uncommon?  Are the mounts permanently deformed due to use and in need of replacement. Can the motor be rotated slightly with the mounts loosened provided the long bolts can still be installed?  I'll put it back on the lift in several weeks to investigate. Good winter project. Any help is appreciated.

[HP_Cuda]

Bet you a dozen donuts (no I don't really need them) that you had a mount fail and someone replaced only one side.

It would be good to get a new set of replacements and pop them in there. Not a super challenging install but time consuming.

[Chryco Psycho]

There is play in the mounting holes , if you loosen both & lift the engine with a jack you may be able to correct it .

[schlett7nu1]

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't remember that the K-member hole was slotted allowing some adjustment. I'll replace the mounts and ensure the mount pins are centered in the K-member slot.

[7E-Bodies]

@Chryco Psycho I've noticed the slop in those mounting holes as well. It's incredible. My 440 is currently out of the car, but finished and so is the K frame. I was horrified by the 5/8" hole compared to the 4-1/4" long mounting bolt (3/8" I think). This is really a mystery to me and doesn't seem right. Can you educate us on this?

[Chryco Psycho]

Not much to add , I assume it was for ease of installation on the assy line , extra room in the mount to cover variances in the K frame welding or  block machining , I know from experience the engine can be tilted a bit because of the tolerance .

[schlett7nu1]

Well,
I owe you a box of doughnuts. You were right. Driver's side engine mount was replaced. Passenger's side engine mount is original. That mount was permanently deformed (compressed) by 0.44" over a new mount. That was the main cause of the engine tilt. Both mounts replaced.

[torredcuda]

lo

@Chryco Psycho I've noticed the slop in those mounting holes as well. It's incredible. My 440 is currently out of the car, but finished and so is the K frame. I was horrified by the 5/8" hole compared to the 4-1/4" long mounting bolt (3/8" I think). This is really a mystery to me and doesn't seem right. Can you educate us on this?

Slotted to accommodate for built up production tolerances I assume - unibody, k-frame, block and transmission castings etc.

[Jsand73440]

I know its been a while since this thread ran, but i was wondering if it would be wise to use a bushing to take up the slop around the bolts to the mounting bracket holes? My holes seem to be 1/2 and the bolt size is 7/16.

[7E-Bodies]

@Jsand73440 thats an exact concern I have with my 70 440. It just doesn't seem right although previous replies to my questions on it say it's the norm. Mine is a number match original car so I guess I just accept it although disagreeing with it. I can't see how it wouldn't clunk back and forth on torque. Hoping more chime in on this