I have to move the engine mounts on my 81. How do you access the nuts to remove the mounts?

Only takes a minute with the acetylene wrench. I'd say cut them off and install all new hardware. If I remember correctly, when I installed the new motor mount hardware in my sons 79 Malibu I had the LCA's off. That makes it soooo much easier.

:mrgreen:

ditto on having the LCA's off lot easier reaching the bolts that way.

I already have the fastners loosend. So disconnecting the lower arms, is this difficult, and will I have to get the front end aligned after reconnecting?

No its not that difficult, but i recomend getting a spring compressor since the springs are really compressed in the LCA's and a compressor will take out the risk of a spring shooting out. It is possible to do it with a floor jack, thats what i did but it was kind of a pain in the ass.

Just out of curiosity how is the front end suspension, is it in good shape, or is it beat to death?

Near as I can tell the front end is pretty solid. I guess there is a possibliity I may have to change the springs due to the larger engine.

This is strictly your decision and you can take my advice for what its worth. If I was going to lower the LCAs, I would at least install new springs, and ball joints at the very least. If I could afford it, I would rebuild the entire front suspension with aftermarket parts...I really hate doing the same thing twice especially when it comes to front end suspensions.

If I could afford it, I would rebuild the entire front suspension with aftermarket parts...
That's what I did on the Malibu. I stripped it down to the frame, threw all the old suspension and steering components in the trash, and installed all brandie new parts. I never did figure out how much it cost. :?

:mrgreen: