Hooker LS Engine Mounts 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Today I had the pleasure of installing Hooker LS swap engine mounts with Polyurethane inserts. With some head scratching and video watching I figured out how they install. The instructions that come with the parts are not good so watch the video all the way to see how they go together in this 1977 Pontiac Firebird LS Swap. Check out the play list on the Trans Am LS3 Swap if you want to see the build progress.

[@DudesWithWrenches]

This is going to be a good one

[@HotRodDave]

I can't wait for it to be done!

[@KazDolla1]

So I have an 81 firebird that I'm swapping thanks to you I was able to remove my frame mounts In under 10 min. I watched another youtuber n it took them hours and they loosen up the lower control arm. I'm happy I didn't have to do that. So I ran into the same issue with the 4 holes for my solid frame mounts. I called around and I was told. I don't have to drill the extra hole. It's made to use 3 holes. Its is manufactured in a way that they don't have to manufacture left and right ones. Both fit on either side. Hope that helps someone.

[@HotRodDave]

Awesome

[@CPthetooladdict]

congrats on 1k buddy keep up the great work

[@HotRodDave]

Thank you sir.

[@asicerik]

Yeah, I don't envy you having to do that in the car with all the bits on. I had loads of fun with it mostly apart. You are absolutely right about doing the motor mounts before the suspension. I was seriously considering taking my lower control arms to do it. Congrats on 1k!

[@HotRodDave]

Thanks and people go check out asicerik he has good videos on his 2 gen F body.

[@BigBlock402]

Good Info on the mounts.

[@HotRodDave]

Thanks for checking it out

[@senseimarvin454]

there is a MUCH easier way to bolt on motor mounts. push some fishing line DOWN through the holes before you put your new mounts in place. pull the fishing line down through the openings by the lower A-arms. THEN you put a lock washer on a motor mount bolt, wrap the fishing line around the threads and then wrap tape around the string and threads. then carefully pull the bolt UP through the bolt hole. Heres the tricky part, grip the bolt with some needle nose pliers while you remove the tape and fishing line. While still griping the bolt with the pliers press a push on locking washer (like what hold the wheels on the axles of small carts and wagons and stuff) onto the bolt. Push the locking washer down to the pliers and THEN release the grip on the bolt and re-grab it above the washer and finish pushing the washer down till it stops at the frame. You now have studs to mount the motor mounts on. since they have lock washers on the bottom side of the frame you can simply just tighten your nuts down on the motor mounts and there is NO NEED to try to work tools up into the frame. To remove the nuts you can use a dremel tool with a cutting wheel and make flathead screwdriver slots on the ends of the studs(upside down bolts) to keep them from spinning while removing the nuts. Ive done this on several V8 S-10 conversions and it will work just as easy (probably easier) on an F-body like your bird.

[@EYE_SPIDER]

Nice work brotha on the motor mounts!

[@HotRodDave]

Thanks Bryce

[@bobbyjonson2944]

Good information thank you.

[@fordtechlife]

Got you Brother 👍🚗🔧👊🙏💪🇺🇲

[@HotRodDave]

Thank you!

[@twobigfeat15]

Couldn't get through to holley. Template for different bracket. Reading the instructions it reads like both bolt to engine and I don't think that will work. I think your right. Hope you make a video of the installation. Thanks

[@robertdale419]

Just managed to remove right right hand mount. Can see why only left had been replaced. What a pain, had to commit to sliding a spanner into the crossmember under the lower wishbone and hold it with three fingertips! Why aren't the nuts captive!!! Don't know how I'll be able to get the nuts in place to fit the new mount when it arrives

[@HotRodDave]

It is a pain

[@MOBontv]

I'm in the middle of dingy 78 trans am control arm bushings, springs, ball joints etc. Thought, down the road I'm gonna pull my motor for a rebuild and of course change the mounts. Should I tack weld the nuts to the inside of the subframe as they are sitting now? With the control arm off, I can reach them. That would save me down the road, correct?

[@HotRodDave]

That might just work. I don't see it being a problem. Those nuts are a pain to get to

[@MOBontv]

@@HotRodDave thanks Dave. I'm gonna do it. Then as long as I get the same mounts, its should be as easy as running the bolts out and back in. Best of luck on your TA. They really are some of the most fun and rewarding cars of the 70's. Coolest looking too. After my front end goes back in, I still have to do the subframe bushings but I'll wait till I pull the motor. Probably better when its out you think?

[@HotRodDave]

@@MOBontv would be easier probably with the engine out but I have done it before with the engine in. Good luck on your project

[@fredtorres8088]

I have the same motor ! Where do I check for my serial number on the block ? I have it on paper just can’t find it on the block !

[@HotRodDave]

I haven't looked for it. I will see if I can find it when I get back in the shop tomorrow.

[@ramiromorales7136]

You gave us the LS engine mount part number, I'm wondering if you know the part number to the subframe mounts?

[@HotRodDave]

I don't have it handy. I will see if I can find it

[@twobigfeat15]

I think your backwards. Instructions say bolt clam shells to engine and for the 12613hkr mounts there's a template so you can drill holes for this mount to sub frame. I hope I'm wrong I have to call hooker tomorrow.. I didn't ger a template. Also my insert metal tangs are not offset. I have problems reading comprehension also.

[@HotRodDave]

I am dropping the engine in in a couple days. I will let you know. I have been waiting on brake parts since September.

[@twobigfeat15]

@@HotRodDave parts suck. I order vintage air they said 14 to 15 weeks. Rear bumper for my1977 Firebird in known. Was a good video you speak very good. I couldn’t do it. Thanks