Need advice for 81 crossmember/tranny

[Pir8football]

Hi, I own a 74 vert and an 81. We have installed a new Dart 400 small block in the 81 along with a new 400 turbo hughs tranny. It had a worn 350 turbo in it but I decided to go with a new 400 since the motor is pushing around 500 hp (without the shot of nos). I was advised that I could just move the crossmember back to fit the new tranny in. Well, we got the motor & tranny in and realized that you can't move the crossmember back....at all. Thats where the seats are. This tranny is about 7 1/2 inches longer than the 350 was. I really do not want to pull this baby out again ship this 400 back and wait on a 350. I also do not want to make any expensive custom chassis mods. I guess my question is, is there any one else who has delt with this or is there a kit that someone produces to extend the crossmember to allow the 400 to fit? I have been asking around looking for some help on this. I have also been advised that the older C3 crossmembers have a bracket on the x-member to mount the TH350. For the TH400, you just remove the bracket. Will an older (say a 77 or so) crossmember bolt up in my 81 without major mods? Any advice would be great, THANKS!

Mitch

 

[I_R_DA_ONE]

Mitch.
Pancho says that Bowtie overdrives is the place to find the info that you need...
Mike R

 

[like2drive]

I've heard of welding a 1/4 inch plate to the crossmember to accomodate the longer transmission; and then drilling two holes for the mount. Also, I just removed a 81 crossmember when converting from a 350th to a muncie....six bolts. Couldnt you just mount a crossmember like this anywher you need it to fit exactly under the trans. mount ? ....these crossmembers probably weigh less than 10 lbs . You could leave in the one in you have now.... good luck, jim