Engine Cradle / Sub-frame

It should go without saying that a Cadillac V-8 doesn't just drop right into an 28 year old engine bay, so this page shows the fabrication of custom mounts and solid welding the entire sub-frame to secure the motor and all the power it will be laying down.  If you've looked over the original swap it's noticeable the first mounting setup wasn't the strongest it could be - I wanted it anchored once and for all, so I went with 4 corner mounting using poly mounts.  A quick disclaimer - I am not a welder by trade and do not claim to be a master of this skill, with that said I am quite pleased with how it all turned out - completely solid !!  One of my main concerns with welding the cradle was heat warping, so I use a technique of welding a max of one inch at a time and alternating sides of the cradle as I welded.  When it was finished it bolted right into place without any problems, so I can safely say the was very little if any warping.  The reasoning behind solid welding the cradle was for additional strength, as the stock cradle is made to split in half to remove the transmission - this inherently reduces the strength of the sub-frame and allows for a lot of flexing.  I know from the first swap that it is not possible to remove the transmission with the engine in the car, it all has to come out together by dropping the cradle out from under the car.  It's a win win situation with solid welding the cradle - additional strength and reduced flexing.  

 

       Solid welds                                    Custom brackets                             With engine & trans

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