Back in the olden days, guys would add a chain from the left frame rail to a head bolt to limit the engine from rocking too much on its rubber motor mounts. My dad's '69 Chevy came from the factory with a steel cable.
CHE makes a K frame brace that has torque limiters (turnbuckles) that go up to the bellhousing bolts on either side. They have urethane bushings but are otherwise a solid connection.
I made my own torque strap because I like to fabricate my own solutions and it was cheaper. Also, unlike the turnbuckles; it doesn't come into play until needed. This means the torque strap is unnoticeable at normal idle. I’m not sure if the solid connection adds NVH or not.
This mod works for those that have an aftermarket K frame brace. I'd be afraid to tie into the spindly factory brace (early convertible only, later coupes too).
I fabricated a bracket out of 1/8" steel. I used the same bolt the CHE torque limiter uses. I then ran 3/16" stainless steel cable down and around my aftermarket K frame brace. I found it easier to trial fit it on the car but adjust the cable length and tighten the clamps out of the car. I got all the parts from Home Depot. They were less than $20 and that included way more flat steel than I needed.
The shifter feels a little better because the drive line is moving less. I have a Steeda Tri-Ax. I assume the improvement with a stock shifter would be more noticeable.
It's also fun to rev the engine and watch the car shift like the old solid motor mount days. Obviously, this would kind of defeat the purpose of those with shaker hood scoops.
Mark
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