cutting firewall

[barrysmgb]

hi i see some are cutting out large section of  firewall by steering column. have a rubber bumper car can't i get motor in by just notching frt x member and installing new rear trans mount thanks barry

[rficalora]

Yes.  Look at Graham Creswick's car; that's how he did his -- no cross member modification needed.

[mgb260]

Rob, Graham's how it was built thread say's he notched the crossmember 1 1/2". He did'nt say about the firewall but, no mods are needed for the 215 in the rubber bumper MGB. I think probably less for the Ford than in older ones. I cut mine back to the steering  humps to heater shelf on my 73. Barry, I put more info on the Toyota brakes in the 5 lug hub thread.

[rficalora]

I've talked with Graham and looked at his car.  No firewall mosd.  Set mine up the same way initially (also using a 302).  Moved mine back modding the firewall to make room for Vintage Air's front runner serpentine belt system.  But if you have a RB car you don't have to mod the firewall to fit a 302.

[ex-tyke]

......you don't have to mod the firewall to fit a 302.

To set the record straight, there is no cut-and-weld firewall sheet metal rework required (unless there is a particular need to install the engine further rearward), however, there is likely some subtle hammer work required in the tunnel to accomodate  for the bellhousing lugs/bosses.

A typical installation also requires the afforementioned 1-1/2" front xmbr mod.(photo below)

Typically, there is also frame cut-and-weld rework needed to accomodate the remote oil filter adapter



.