Ever dreamed of fitting a different engine into your car, but worried about how it might actually mount up? The way an engine is mounted affects everything from performance and safety to everyday drivability. Knowing how to customize engine mounts can open up possibilities for unique builds and upgrades.
In this article, you’ll find straightforward steps, essential tips, and key considerations for tackling a custom engine mounting project with confidence.
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How to Custom Engine Mounting: A Complete Guide
Looking to install a new engine into a project car, swap engines between different makes, or simply need a more durable engine mounting solution? Custom engine mounts could be your answer. This guide explains what custom engine mounts are, why and when you might need them, and how you can design and install them confidently — even if it’s your first time.
What Are Custom Engine Mounts?
Custom engine mounts are purpose-built brackets and pads designed to securely hold your engine in your vehicle’s frame or chassis. While factory mounts are standardized for specific engine-chassis combinations, custom mounts allow you to:
- Swap a different engine model (or even brand) into your car.
- Improve strength for performance and racing demands.
- Adjust engine positioning for balance or clearance.
- Replace unavailable, rare, or discontinued mounts.
Essentially, you’re solving problems the original manufacturer never anticipated, giving you new possibilities for your build.
Why Choose Custom Engine Mounts?
There are several compelling reasons to go custom with your engine mounting:
- Engine Swaps: Installing an engine not originally designed for your car.
- Performance Upgrades: Reducing flex, movement, or to handle more power.
- Restorations: When OEM mounts are unavailable or too expensive.
- Creative Builds: Kit cars, hot rods, or unique projects demanding unique solutions.
Custom mounts not only make unusual projects possible, they often improve durability and even the driving feel.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Custom Engine Mounts
Building custom engine mounts is part engineering, part fabrication, and part careful measuring. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:
1. Plan and Prepare
Before fabricating anything, start with solid planning:
- Determine Engine Placement: Decide the exact position of the engine. This affects driveshaft alignment, hood clearance, and weight distribution.
- Gather Tools and Materials: Typical needs include:
- Measuring tape, straight edge, levels
- Cardboard/paper for templates
- Angle grinder, welder, drill
- Steel plate and tubing (commonly 3/16” thick for strength)
- Quality hardware (grade 8 bolts, lock washers)
- Review Existing Solutions: Check if off-the-shelf “swap mounts” or universal kits are available to save time.
2. Take Key Measurements
Accurate measurements make or break your project:
- Measure Frame Rails: Note locations, widths, and clearances.
- Check Engine Dimensions: Include mount bosses, oil pans, and accessories.
- Assess Alignment: Ensure engine output shaft lines up with transmission and driveshaft.
3. Create a Template
- Use cardboard, chipboard, or thin plywood to mock up mount shapes.
- Test fit in the engine bay for adjustments.
- Mark and trim until the template fits perfectly.
4. Fabricate the Mounts
- Trace your template onto steel plate/tubing.
- Cut out main brackets, gussets (for strength), and other needed pieces.
- Drill holes for engine mount bolts and chassis attachment points.
5. Test-Fit Everything
- Bolt the fabricated brackets to the engine and set it in place.
- Check all clearances: exhaust, steering, hood, and accessories.
- Confirm drivetrain alignment (critical for smooth operation and minimizing vibrations).
6. Weld and Final Assembly
- Tack-weld parts together, re-test fit, and make any tweaks.
- Finish welds for strength.
- Paint/finish the mounts to prevent rust.
- Install engine, securing everything with high-grade hardware and isolation bushings/pads.
Important Aspects and Tips for Success
Common Challenges
- Alignment Issues: Even slight misalignment can cause excessive vibration or drivetrain wear.
- Insufficient Strength: Use heavy enough materials; skimping on thickness can cause mounts to fail.
- Clearance Surprises: Check all moving parts — the engine can rock under torque so leave “wiggle room.”
- Noise & Vibration: Stiffer mounts can transmit more NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) to the cabin.
Best Practices From the Pros
- Always use rubber/urethane bushings between mount and frame to dampen vibration.
- Test with full weight: Install the radiator, accessories, and even fill fluids to see if the engine settles lower under weight.
- Keep Mounts Symmetrical: Uneven mounting can twist the drivetrain.
- Use mock-up hardware: During fitting, use temporary (lighter duty) bolts. Replace with Grade 8 only once final.
Design Tips
- Triangulate Mounts: Adding gussets or triangular supports quickly increases strength.
- Modular Designs: If your project may see future engine swaps, design with adaptability in mind.
- Weld Smart: Use proper welding techniques; don’t rely on tiny tacks or shortcuts.
Cost-Saving Ideas
- Repurpose Factory Mounts: Adapt or combine factory brackets where possible.
- Universal Mount Kits: Sometimes buying a “universal” kit is cheaper than sourcing comparative steel.
- Buy Steel Locally: Shipping heavy steel can be expensive. Check local steel suppliers.
- Shared Shipping: If ordering custom mounts or steel, combine orders with friends or club members to split costs.
Custom Engine Mounts: Sourcing, Shipping, and Budgeting
Sourcing materials and mounts can be straightforward with a bit of research. Consider universality and shipping fees:
Parts to Consider Buying:
- Steel plate, angle iron, tubing from local metal suppliers.
- Universal motor mount kits (modular designs).
- Polyurethane bushings for longevity and vibration isolation.
- High-grade hardware (sourced in bulk for best value).
Shipping Tips:
- Shipping bulky, heavy steel is often cost-prohibitive — always check local yards or suppliers first.
- Custom mount manufacturers can ship mounts, but ask about combined shipping for larger projects or teams.
- Lightweight bushings/hardware usually don’t add much to shipping cost, so consider buying online where selection is greater.
How Much Will It Cost?
- DIY custom mounts (when you have the tools) can be as low as $50-100 for materials.
- Professionally-fabricated or pre-made custom mount kits typically cost $100-400+.
- Add costs for premium bushings or if you need special-grade steel.
Benefits of Custom Engine Mounting
Opting for custom engine mounts isn’t just about necessity — it can yield real driveability and build quality improvements:
- Ultimate Flexibility: Enables wild motor swaps or balancing for racing.
- Increased Durability: Stronger-than-factory options, tuned for performance.
- Optimized Engine Position: Improves weight balance, handling, or even hood fit.
- Maintenance Access: Some custom setups allow easier future engine removal/install.
- Restoration Freedom: Keeps vintage or discontinued vehicles on the road.
Wrapping Up: Custom Mounts Made Simple
Custom engine mounting opens up a world of creative potential and practical upgrades for your build. While building your own mounts requires planning, accuracy, and some hands-on fabrication skills, it’s achievable and rewarding. Whether using universal kits or bending steel yourself, the right mounts ensure your engine is secure, safe, and ready for whatever road (or track) lies ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if I need custom engine mounts?
Custom engine mounts are necessary when swapping in an engine that isn’t a direct fit for your car, or if you’re rebuilding a vehicle where original mounts are unavailable or inadequate. Performance, clearance, or unique design needs also signal the need for custom work.
Can I make engine mounts without advanced tools and skills?
Basic fabrication (measuring, cutting, welding) can be done in a well-equipped home garage. However, for complex or high-power builds, professional help is recommended. Universal kits and pre-fabricated parts can reduce the need for specialized tools.
What materials are best for making engine mounts?
Mild steel is commonly used for its strength and workability. For high-performance applications, thicker steel, or even chromoly or stainless steel, may be necessary. Always balance weight, strength, and vibration control.
Will custom engine mounts increase vibration and noise inside my car?
They can, especially if using stiffer materials or solid mounts. To balance performance and comfort, pair steel mounts with rubber or polyurethane bushings designed to isolate vibration without sacrificing strength.
How much do custom engine mounts cost, including shipping?
DIY custom mounts typically range from $50 to $150 for raw materials. Pre-built or professionally made sets can cost $200–$400 or more. Shipping large, heavy pieces (steel or fully assembled mounts) can be costly, so source locally when possible. Lightweight bushings and hardware keep shipping costs low.
By following careful planning, smart design, and tried-and-true techniques, you can tackle custom engine mounting and bring your dream project to life — safely, confidently, and often on a surprisingly affordable budget.