GM Generation III & IV V8 Universal MMX Series Engine Mounts
for
Jeeps & Other Vehicles
Our MMX series of mounts offer the most strength, adjustability, and modularity available for Gen III & Gen IV Vortec LS engines in Jeeps.
Two kits are available for either narrow or wide frame style Jeeps, as follows:
Gen III+ Mounts for Narrow Frame Jeeps
Kit MMX-NG3, engine mounts, GM Gen III V8 into narrow frame Jeeps
- All CJ models (however, these mounts are recommended for 1976-1986 CJ's)
- FC Series
- Commando Models
- Utility Trucks & Wagons
- other vehicles with parallel frame rails and an inside to inside frame width of 25" - 27-1/2"
Kit contents:
- Frame platform sets, sliding pairs
- Frame anchor brackets
- Upper urethane bushings
- Lower urethane bushings
- Engine block plates
- Fastening hardware
- Instructions
Gen III+ Mounts for Wide Frame Jeeps
Kit MMX-WG3, engine mounts, GM Gen III V8 into wide frame Jeeps
- YJ Wrangler (however, these mounts are recommended)
- FSJ Trucks, Wagoneers and Cherokees (however, for 1980-1986 models, these mounts are recommended)
- other vehicles with parallel frame rails and an inside to inside frame width range of 27-1/2" to 31"
Kit contents:
- Frame platform sets, sliding pairs
- Frame anchor brackets
- Upper urethane bushings
- Lower urethane bushings
- Engine block plates
- Fastening hardware
- Instructions
Features
Ease of Installation
These mounts are weld-in style and detailed instructions will guide to an ideal installation.
Strength
The Novak mounts feature thick 3/16” laser cut and CNC bent steel construction. Engineered using advanced CAD modeling and real world testing, these mounts have shown to handle even the wildest V8.
Vibration Isolation
Each mount kit comes with our high-grade urethane isolators that are specified for that ideal balance of isolation and firmness with the power of modern engines. Substantial 5/8” through bolts capture the assembly. Replacement bushing sets are available below should replacement ever be needed.
Compactness
Geometry of the mounts is compact to provide clearance for all stock components including the steering shaft with its pillow block and the recommended exhaust headers below.
Adjustability
The design on these mounts allows outstanding placement freedom in most any vehicle that meets the width requirements and has parallel frame channels. They have a large adjustment range for placement in the vertical, left-right offset, and longitudinal directions.
Engine Mount Finish
All parts except the frame brackets are zinc coated for resistance against corrosion. As the frame brackets are welded to the frame, any finish on the frame side brackets as well as the frame would be burned. The welded channels will need to be finished but you may enamel, powder coat, or otherwise finish the bracketry and adjacent frame area to your own style.
Related Products
Installation Requirements
Old Mount Removal
Unbolting or cutting is required to remove the factory frame mounts for factory Jeep engines. This process will vary from model to model. you will want to completely remove and smooth the surface of your frame rails for a nice fitment of the new engine mount channels to your frame.
Engines & Engine Mounting
Engine placement in these Jeeps should consider the following points:
- Left-right offset location is similar to factory at ~1-1/4" to the driver's side
- Avoid installing the engine too low (axle clearance and other issues)
- Avoid installing the engine too high (transmission tunnel interference, etc.)
- Set your engine to 4-7 degrees of tilt rearwards, like the factory engine & powertrain
- It is usually best that Chevy and Gen III+ V8 engines install approximately 3" further forward, using the back of the engine block face as the datum
- When mocking up your engine installation location, pay special attention to radiator and fan clearance.
- Firewall modifications are not expected.
Since Jeeps featuring the T18 transmission are "high-hood", clearance for classic Small Block and high Vortec (truck style) intakes and accessories is not a problem.
Novak Gen III+ engine mounts for 1976-1986 Jeep CJ models will remove any guesswork from the engine installation location as they are predetermined for the best location and engine clearance margins.
Driveshafts
Driveshaft length changes may be required. Chevy engines can install up to 3" further forward than AMC engines (using the back face of the block as the datum point) for exhaust clearance, firewall access, etc.
Some installers, concerned about the expense of new or modified driveshafts, attempt to let the existing driveshafts dictate engine, transmission and transfer case location, often to the detriment of the project. Our recommendation is to prioritize the correct position of drivetrain components over saving a few dollars which is usually regretted in the long run with compromised positioning.
Jeeps that require extensive travel or specialty-built driveshafts have this option available through several fabricators across the nation. These are normally specified after placement of the new transmission and measured at vehicle ride height. As the rear driveline gets shorter, it is often advantageous to us a Double Cardan or “CV style” rear shaft with the correct geometry at the axle to minimize vibrations and possible binding.
Axles
Use of factory axles is completely acceptable with this conversion. Axle upgrades are not necessary, but they may be chosen for reasons external to this transmission upgrade.
Also See
- GM Engine Swaps Into the CJ2A Universal, 1944-1949
- GM Engine Swaps Into the CJ3A Universal, 1949-1953
- GM Engine Swaps Into the CJ3B Universal, 1953-1968
- GM Engine Swaps Into the M38 Universal, 1950-1952
- GM Engine Swaps Into the M38A1 Universal, 1952-1957
- GM Engine Swaps Into the Utility Trucks & Wagons, 1947-1964
- GM Engine Swaps Into the DJ Dispatcher, 1955-1984
- GM Engine Swaps Into the CJ5 Universal, 1955-1971
- GM Engine Swaps Into the FC150 & FC170 Forward Control Truck, 1957-1964
- GM Engine Swaps Into the C101 & C104 Jeepster Commando, 1966-1973
- GM Engine Swaps Into the CJ5 & CJ6 Universal, 1972-1975
- GM Engine Swaps Into the CJ5 & CJ7 Universal, 1976-1979
- GM Engine Swaps Into the CJ5 & CJ7 & CJ8 Universal, 1980-1986
- GM Engine Swaps Into the FSJ Trucks, Wagoneers & Cherokees (1962-1991)
- GM Engine Swaps Into the M715 / M72x Kaiser Militaries (1966-1971)
- GM Engine Swaps Into the YJ Wranglers (1987-1995)
- GM Generation III+ V8, 1997-2010+ (LSx, Vortec, etc.)
Bolt-In Mounts vs. Universal Mounts
We at Novak receive many compliments on our engine mounts. Many customers find that it is liberating to install their engine where they determine is the best place.
In some situations, Novak offers bolt-in (predetermined location) engine mounts for some Jeeps. However, if our bolt-in mounts are not available for your model or you want the liberty to determine your engine location, these mounts or Novak's #MMX series mounts should be considered.
