1980 4 sp tranny will not fit with new with new crate motor?

by bobbywray
(florida)

hello all... im perplexed. 1980 4 sp ..unhooked tranny..slid her down with crossmember still hooked up came right out np. new crate motor right in easy.i had put a new clutch with the old motor back in 95, did it alone 1 hr...with new motor,flywheel clutch plate bell housing impossible. took off bellhousing tried again...no way.removed clutch plate nope. i can slide the tranny up there but i'll never get bellhousing on not enough room, i measered old block,center of motor mount bolt to back of block ,both are the same length. i did not have this problem in 95.i sure did not expect this i've wasted a good 10 hrs trying. my last resort is to remove the crossmember...any one know or have any ideas what im doing wrong? im weekend hacker i know but this has got me stumped. thank you so much.

Chris Trautman @ Corvette Assembly Plant 2019

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