Roberts 89GT Engine build.

[scd88ga]

Just sent you a PM, but YES if it used the holes closest to the timing cover then I do need the mount, his extended out longer and used the holes closest to the middle of the engine, but the sound of the fit is the same, but you might just have the holes confused.

The rear lower Z24 mount was is the same as the one seen here on Robert's engine, but the engine bracket attached to the motor mount may be shaped slightly different where it overlaps the jack shaft on the back side. I may be confused on the holes, it was dark and dirty, and I was pulling bolts by feel! lol BTW, I also have all the hardware from the jack shaft and coolant/washer tank that I will send with just in case you need it. I'll grad the mount and all the hardware for it as well later today!

[3X00-Modified]

Where is this recipe you speak of Jon?

Its pinned to the wall of my garage, I'd have to kill you if you saw it.

[3X00-Modified]

Thanks, I'm sure Robert appreciates it.

If I work on it tonight I'll be doing all the clearance checking for the timing chain since I need to double check the block, as well as the depth of the timing cover... This could turn into an aluminum chip mess... LOL

[scd88ga]

My Quad 4 HO uses the same style jack shaft, but with an even thicker cast bracket with different bolt mounting points. There is actually a third style of jack shaft the uses a thin stamped steel bracket. That style started on the 1990 models and I'm not sure when that style stopped but it's weak too, (I think uncle had one that broke)...

Here's mine...

[3X00-Modified]

Yeah that's about how I would have to install it... Leave it on the motor and then slide it into the trans upon assy... That means I need to drain his fluid, I'll use a clean pan so I can re-use it.

[Alpinestar10]

If the engine is a 3400 the 94 style jack shaft will work on the block if it has the older cavi mounts, Alot of cavi guys with 3500's go with the beretta jack shaft cause its easier to mod the aluminum bracket for a good fitment unlike the 94 one and the beretta one helps with torque steer. But the 94 should work on roberts car alot of cavi guys are running it..

Yeah you wont be able to install a 94 style jack shaft with the engine and trans together it wont clear the rear mount i tried for a couple days the flange is so damn beefy for it to clear.

[3X00-Modified]

I'm confused by that...

Which Jack shaft did Bret Picture? And which one is currently bolted to Roberts car? I'm assuming Robert has the older one and the one Bret got is the 94 one.

Now the question I have is what do you mean by Cavi guys have to mod the aluminum bracket to fit? The one in Roberts car looked unmodified to me, the plate was against the block and the motor mount sat on top of it, one bolt going through the two on the top bolt only.

Bottom line is the one Bret has looks way more robust than the one that was there, especially seeing how the one there has cracked and he has also broken it in the past. If the one Bret has will bolt to the same location as the one in Roberts car then I would like to use it and just tweak the motor mount to fit if it even needs that. From what I saw this AM, the only thing I may have to do is oblong a hole to allow the mount to rock just a bit, but I'm not even positive on that one.

And as far as installation I meant installing the trans with the shaft on it already, as I removed his, and that wont be possible either since the bracket on the 94 jack shaft (If I'm calling it correct) has to sit below the motor mount (stack wise) and if you have the car in and weight on that mount you'll never be able to slide it behind that mount bracket. I'd have to either have the shaft on the engine already, or support the motor by the hoist and install the trans, then install that rear motor mount.

[Robert 89gt]

I sent alex money on sunday for his jack shaft.
I mean if you think i should really buy another one i guess i will?
I could pick-up a coolant tank this weekend?
Don't worry about re-using the trans fluid i have more no worries=)
And yes bretts is the one from a 1994 Cavalier Z24.
Alexs or the one i purchased already is from a beretta.

[Barry]

Do I need to make a definitive jack shaft thread like I did for shift cables?

This rumor about the aluminum housing shaft is a crock of crap. It is ONLY good for people with limited fab skills doing a 3500 swap. The steel bracket one like Robert has is much stronger and bolts up properly to any 3x00. Quad shafts have a sweet cast bracket but are different patterns and do not fit. My aluminum one broke so I used a cavalier one modded for 3500 for over 20,000 miles there fine

[Barry]

Jon you will need a trams seal for any of the non aluminum housed shafts. I got mine through gm. Order them for a 1993 beretta 3.1 5-speed for proper fitment

[scd88ga]

Do I need to make a definitive jack shaft thread like I did for shift cables?

This rumor about the aluminum housing shaft is a crock of crap. It is ONLY good for people with limited fab skills doing a 3500 swap. The steel bracket one like Robert has is much stronger and bolts up properly to any 3x00. Quad shafts have a sweet cast bracket but are different patterns and do not fit. My aluminum one broke so I used a cavalier one modded for 3500 for over 20,000 miles there fine

THANK YOU!

[Robert 89gt]

I just don't see the point in getting new seals and then fluid.
If i already have a beretta jack shaft on it's way?
Maybe it's just me?lol

[3X00-Modified]

Yes that's fine Robert, I was simply thinking the bracket going from the jack shaft to the engine was the weak point since you cracked it, That is just a thin bent aluminum plate... The one Bret posted up was a solid cast part. But I'll just put the one in that Alex is sending.

[Robert 89gt]

When i asked alex about the one he is sending.
He said it's metal so it should be good for awhile.
I just don't want you to have more work then you already do.

[heavywoody]

Fabbing up a reinforced bracket to attach the jackshaft to the back of the block shouldn't be too difficult.

I know Cliff had one made up (actually 2, I have the other one). Looks just like the factory piece, only in steel instead of aluminum, and I think a bit thicker.