302 engine install Pinion Angle
 

Hey everyone - I started on my 302 conversion and I'm fabricating everything myself so no kit. I have the k-frame modified and installed in the miata and I'm ready to fit the motor in the engine bay. A friend of mine is telling me I need to figure out the pinion angle from the transmission to the differential. When I look at pictures of other DIY k-frames the tube steel supports looks like they are welded in at 90 deggrees to the k-frame.

Is there enough flex after the motor is installed that when I mount the transmission I can adjust the angle to the diff or do I need to figure out the angle with the motor mounts?

I haven't picked up a 7.5 rear end yet and the plan was to run the miata rear end and then eventually change to the 7.5.

Mount the engine/trans in the position you want. Then make the rear end parallel to the engine/trans. The easiest way is to put an angle finder on the crankshaft pulley, note the angle, then put the angle finder on the rear end u-joint flange. Make the rear end angle the same as the crank pulley. Usually the rear end can be mounted so that it can be shimmed or otherwise adjusted either at the front or the back mounts. The trans can be adjusted somewhat at the mount, but the best approach is to fix the engine/trans in place, then make the rear match the angle.

How are you going to deal with the Miata rear end? It depends on the PPF to hold the front of it in place.

Mike

Mike - Thanks for the reply. I haven't looked at how to support the miata rear end. I'll probably scrape the miata rear end idean and keep my eyes open for a 7.5 or 8.8 T-bird rear end (I have all winter). There are a few at the local u-pull scrape yard but would be pain to remove since they don't allow torches or cutting tools.

Erik

Get the 8.8 use Factory 5 axles ($250 delivered) 1/4" spacer at the wheel. The only down side is to relocate the bottom of the shock.
Jack