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Newby with Questions

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Oldford 65:
Just bought a FED roller and wonder what I should set the pinion angle and tranny at, powerglide with long tailshaft and 9" rear.  I will be using a driveshaft.  Also with the 1/4" plate between motor and tranny will that be a problem for the starter and converter to engage? I'm putting a sbc in it.  I've built a dozen streetrods starting with a bare frame but this is a little different.  I'll get some pictures posted soon.   Thanks

rooman:
The driveline should be a straight line from the crank centerline to the rear end. Chassis builders normally use a dummy block and a line up bar that bolts to the third member to position the motor/trans in the frame. By driveshaft are you talking a regular U-jointed unit or a splined coupler style?. It is a good idea to let your converter manufacturer know that the unit will be installed with a mid plate. On most starters there is enough pinion travel to engage the ring gear but it would be a good idea to double check.

Roo

Oldford 65:
Thanks for the info.  I was planning on using a regular driveshaft with u joints....is that a bad idea? Only planning on having 350 - 400hp.  I'm 65 years old, I think that will be fast enough.  It will mostly be test and tune and some bracket racing.

fuel749:
On a chevy, the starter and ring gear relationship doesn't change with the addition of a motor plate. The converter will need spacers or need to be purpose built for use with a motor plate.

dreracecar:
A drive shaft with U-joints is not the way to go, there is more work into building a cover around it and unless you angle the relationship of the yokes at both ends you will pound the u-joints which can lead to failure.
 Couplers are relitivly inexpensive and dont require too much maintenence.

 Is the reason for the u-joints, because you already have a stock the 3rd member with the yoke on it? Stock Ford housings with blow the pinion carrier out of it unless its nodular iron 

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