VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 31 engine mounting conversion

Hi From Australia,
I have just purchased a 1931 AE Independence Tourer. As this model has solid engine mounting, can they be modified to insulated type mountings.
I have driven my friends 32 BA Roadster and its a bit smoother.
Cheers,
Alan

Hi Alan, welcome to VCCA chevy chatter.
The rear engine mountings on the bell housing can be changed to 1932 mounts , ( if they are in stock) . The front is a little more difficult as the 1931 front crankcase plate has only one mounting stud , where the 1932 has two front studs. So that would mean a custom front mount needs to be made and fitted, as the 1932 front mount cannot be used without modifying the front engine plate.

The 1932 model also has an mounting at the rear of the gearbox, and an addition chassis crossmember as well, so overall the 1932 has a greater support (diamond pattern), on the 4 rubber mounting.

I have seen comments here that say that rubber mountings do not reduce the engine vibration in a 1931 very much, as the 1932 also has a counter balanced crankshaft.

Thanks Jack,
Next question. Does the 32 harmonic balancer fit the 31 crank?
It's all a learning curve at the moment.

The 1931 and 1932 harmonic balancers are listed as different part numbers , there is difference, 30-31 are listed as the same, and then 1932-1936 are the same, but described as having the weight part as a bigger diameter than the pulley.

Tell us more about your 1931 tourer, is it restored , or under restoration.
cheers Jack

The flexible engine mounts are not the major reason for the '32 to have less vibration. It is the counter balanced crankshaft coupled to an harmonic balancer that produces less crankshaft movement and therefore vibration. Any attempt to put flexible mounts on a '31 engine will only exacerbate the vibrations. The reason is that the engine is free from the frame (which helps to dampen vibration) so moves more than when solidly bolted down. Ask me how I know. Well I'll tell you. Flexible mounts didn't work and caused more problems than it solved.

Thanks for the info - I hear what you are all saying - leave it alone!
The car is is 27 year old restoration. Brilliantly done by the late Kev Ridings in Brisbane. Sold to a guy in Ipswich 10yrs ago and I found out about from Jason, Kev's son who has a beautiful '32 Roadster. It is still in great condition, with only a few cosmetic repairs to paint work and some minor mechanical repairs. Nothing that will break the bank.

Hi Alan
It's good to meet another '31 owner, there is not many of us about.
Brian