engine
Engine Mount - Rear
for 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 327ci V8 · RWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.8 h
Tools
10
Steps
13
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear engine mount (transmission mount) on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette equipped with the 327ci V8 engine.
Warnings
⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
⚠The transmission and engine weight will shift during this procedure. Ensure the transmission jack or support is secure before removing mount fasteners.
⚠Apply penetrating oil to fasteners and allow to soak if the vehicle has significant corrosion or age-related rust.
Tools required
Floor jackEssential
Jack standsEssential
Transmission jack or floor jack with wood blockEssential
1/2" drive ratchetEssential
1/2" drive socket set (9/16", 5/8", 3/4")Essential
Combination wrench set (9/16", 5/8", 3/4")Essential
Pry bar
Wheel chocksEssential
Penetrating oil
Wire brush
Parts
- Rear engine mount (transmission mount) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level, hard surface and engage parking brake firmly
- Place wheel chocks behind front wheels
- Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement
- Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
- Inspect rear mount area from underneath to identify corrosion or access constraints
Procedure
- 1Raise and support vehicleRaise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack positioned at the rear differential housing or rear frame crossmember. Raise high enough to provide working clearance underneath. Place jack stands under the rear frame rails just forward of the rear axle. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before proceeding.
- 2Locate rear engine mountFrom underneath the vehicle, locate the rear engine mount (transmission mount). This mount is positioned between the rear of the transmission tailhousing and the transmission crossmember. The mount consists of a rubber isolator that bolts to the transmission tailhousing extension and is secured to the transmission crossmember. Verify the exact bolt count and configuration against the factory service manual before disassembly.
- 3Support transmissionPosition a transmission jack or floor jack with a wood block under the transmission oil pan. Raise the jack until it just contacts the pan with slight upward pressure, but do not lift the transmission yet. This will support the transmission weight once the mount is disconnected.
- 4Remove upper mount fastenersUsing a 9/16" socket and ratchet, remove the 2 bolts securing the upper portion of the rear mount to the transmission tailhousing extension. Support the fasteners as they are removed to prevent dropping.
- 5Remove lower mount fastenersUsing a 9/16" socket and ratchet, remove the 2 bolts securing the lower portion of the rear mount to the transmission crossmember. You may need to raise the transmission slightly with the jack to relieve tension on these bolts.
- 6Remove rear engine mountWith all fasteners removed, lower the transmission jack slightly to create clearance. Remove the rear mount assembly from between the transmission and crossmember. It may be necessary to use a pry bar to separate the mount if corrosion has caused binding.
- 7Clean mounting surfacesUse a wire brush to clean the mounting surfaces on both the transmission tailhousing and the transmission crossmember. Remove all rust, debris, and old rubber residue to ensure proper seating of the new mount.
- 8Position new rear mountPosition the new rear engine mount between the transmission tailhousing and crossmember. Use the transmission jack to raise or lower the transmission as needed to align the mount bolt holes with both the transmission and crossmember.
- 9Install upper mount fastenersInstall the upper mount bolts through the mount into the transmission tailhousing, matching the original fastener arrangement. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement, then snug them with a 9/16" socket but do not fully tighten yet.
- 10Install lower mount fastenersInstall the lower mount bolts through the crossmember into the mount, matching the original fastener arrangement. Start both bolts by hand, then snug them with a 9/16" socket but do not fully tighten yet.
- 11Adjust transmission position and torque fastenersWith all four mount bolts installed, use the transmission jack to adjust the transmission to a neutral position where no stress is placed on the mount. The transmission should be level and centered. Torque all mount bolts to the factory specification (verify against the 1966 Corvette service manual) in a cross pattern (alternate between upper and lower bolts) to ensure even load distribution.
- 12Remove transmission supportCarefully lower and remove the transmission jack or floor jack from under the transmission. Verify the mount is holding the transmission securely and that there is no unusual sagging or misalignment.
- 13Lower vehicleRaise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to unload the jack stands. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground.
Reassembly
- Reconnect negative battery cable
- Remove wheel chocks
Verification
- Start engine and observe rear mount for excessive movement or vibration
- With engine running, shift through all transmission gears and verify smooth operation without clunking from the rear mount area
- Test drive vehicle and confirm no abnormal vibration or driveline movement under acceleration and deceleration
- Re-inspect mount fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure they remain tight