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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: russosborne on March 11, 2019, 04:06:50 AM

Title: Does anyone happen to know what thickness the engine frame bracket metal is?
Post by: russosborne on March 11, 2019, 04:06:50 AM

Don't have one to look at.
Thanks,
Russ

Title: Re: Does anyone happen to know what thickness the engine frame bracket metal is?
Post by: The Whistler on March 11, 2019, 05:22:21 AM

I think it is about 0.090 thick close to 1/8 in thick. It is plenty strong!

Title: Re: Does anyone happen to know what thickness the engine frame bracket metal is?
Post by: russosborne on March 11, 2019, 05:29:31 AM

Thanks.
I am going to be making frame mounts for a 351W swap and 1/8th was recommended. Was hoping I could go smaller, but probably best to stick with that.
Russ

Title: Re: Does anyone happen to know what thickness the engine frame bracket metal is?
Post by: Reeves1 on March 11, 2019, 06:32:47 AM

1/8th inch is light.

.125 min (1/4") with gussets - this will stand time test & prevent any forward / backward movement.

Title: Re: Does anyone happen to know what thickness the engine frame bracket metal is?
Post by: russosborne on March 11, 2019, 06:51:33 AM

Ah,
1/8th is 0.125.
1/4 is 0.250.
???
Russ

Title: Re: Does anyone happen to know what thickness the engine frame bracket metal is?
Post by: The Whistler on March 11, 2019, 09:22:04 AM

I will pose this argument! It is not just the thickness that is where the strength comes from it is also the shape! I have put over 600 Hp. on the ground through stock Pinto frame and engine mounts! With no problems on frame mounts and modifications on engine mounts. They hold up fine. This is with a 4 banger mind you. As for material thickness 0.125 is fine a decent design you will never have problems! If you can't design a proper mount use 0.250 thick material. Also think  about this how thick is the material it is bolted or welded to? Which is one more reason why you were told 0.125 is fine.

Title: Re: Does anyone happen to know what thickness the engine frame bracket metal is?
Post by: Wittsend on March 11, 2019, 11:03:05 AM

There are two pieces that might be called, "engine frame bracket metal." They are relatively .125.

Title: Re: Does anyone happen to know what thickness the engine frame bracket metal is?
Post by: Reeves1 on March 11, 2019, 03:14:40 PM

Quote from: russosborne on March 11, 2019, 06:51:33 AM

Ah,
1/8th is 0.125.
1/4 is 0.250.
???
Russ

Opps ! LOL

Was thinking of the metal required for welding to the floor pan, needed to weld the cage to, to meet NHRA spec.

Sorry !

Wittsend is right : design is very important.

Title: Re: Does anyone happen to know what thickness the engine frame bracket metal is?
Post by: Wittsend on March 11, 2019, 08:41:27 PM

Quote from: Reeves1 on March 11, 2019, 03:14:40 PM

...
Wittsend is right : design is very important.

Actually that was "The Whistler." I just provided the dimensions.

Title: Re: Does anyone happen to know what thickness the engine frame bracket metal is?
Post by: russosborne on March 12, 2019, 12:46:07 AM

Thanks, all.

Oh, here is what I was asking about.

Russ

Title: Re: Does anyone happen to know what thickness the engine frame bracket metal is?
Post by: Reeves1 on March 12, 2019, 07:31:33 AM

Quote from: Wittsend on March 11, 2019, 08:41:27 PM

Actually that was "The Whistler." I just provided the dimensions.

Wrong twice in one day  :-[

Don't tell the wife !

Title: Re: Does anyone happen to know what thickness the engine frame bracket metal is?
Post by: Wittsend on March 12, 2019, 10:43:04 AM

Quote from: russosborne on March 12, 2019, 12:46:07 AM

Thanks, all.

Oh, here is what I was asking about.

Russ

Yes, that  bracket measured out to .125 (nominal).  As mentioned the shape has a lot to do with the strength. Try elevating a book with a sheet of paper and you get nowhere. Cut the paper in 1" strips, tape the ends together to make circles and it is well supported. It is all about the shape.

  You might want to look at how the 302 V-8 was put in the Mustang II as I assume a 351 in a later Pinto would be similar.  BTW, the bracket above (post #6, pic #2) is a '74-up bracket welded into a '73 for a 2.3T conversion. So, don't use that as a guide for placement.