[DML] Re: Chev engine installation

[Darryl Tinnerstet <darryl@xxxx>]

Duke (and anyone else considering this swap):
You may be able to find an adapter, but making your own isa not that
difficult, and a lot less expensive. If you use the flywheel face as a
reference point, the DeLorean bellhousing would be about 20mm (13/16"+/-)
away from the Chev block (regardless of whether you are dealing with a 5
speed or automatic). The trick is to take a DeLorean bellhousing and a
Chevy one, locate the center line, and scribe both bolt patterns onto a
piece of 20mm aluminum plate. Match the DeLorean torque converter up to the
Chev flex plate (flywheel) and redrill it to match the converter. You may
have to slightly ream out the circumference of the DeLorean bellhousing to
clear the Chevy flex plate starter gear (which I had to do for my Chev
flywheel). If anything, mating the DMC auto should be easier since you
don't have to deal with the clutch. Use an aftermarket "high torque" Chevy
starter since they don't have the normal Chev starter snout to deal with.
For engine mounts, fabricate a tubular drop mount like almost all street
rods use. I made plates that bolt inside of my rear frame section with
existing holes, and welded the tubular mount to them. It has additional
supports that run forward to the DMC motor mount pads on the frame
crossmember. I've had no problems whatsoever with the added weight and/or
300 HP. Another hint - cross your coolant pipes at the rear of the frame
backbone - otherwise the coolant will flow through the radiator the wrong
direction with the Chevy. My car never overheats. Good luck with the
wiring. One of the top "experts" told me I would never get the tach to
work, but mine works perfectly. Study the wiring diagram and its not that
difficult. Let me know if you need more info.

Just don"t expect your A/T to last too long, considering they are marginal
with 130 HP.....


Darryl Tinnerstet
Specialty Automotive
4 LaBelle Lane
McCleary, WA 98557
PH: 360-495-4640
FAX: 360-495-4680