Modifying Butch's SBF to 54-58 Ford Engine Mounts

[Brushwolf]

I am trying to install a 1970 351c with 400M exhaust manifolds in a 1957 chassis. First I installed Butch's SBF mounts to see how it worked. Engine sits far too high. Probably 4 inches between pan and crossmember.

Then I tried a pair of the 63-64 Galaxie repro mounts. That made it sit too low and further forward than I liked. Manifolds sat on the frame mounts and stock oil pan sat on the crossmember. Firewall clearance was also more than I prefer (cuz radiator to water pump front clearance).

Another hobbiest install used 3/4" spacers between the Galaxie mount and the motor but with 351c smaller exhaust manifolds. This still might work with my 400 manifolds (larger), but I am skeptical of the rubber quality in those repro import mounts and they would rest only on the center section of the vertically inclined narrower 57 frame mounts which I suspect would aggravate that propensity to degradation cuz both sides overhang the frame mount.

So, if all else fails I will try shimming the Galaxie mounts, perhaps with a plate running longitudinally between the car frame mounts and the Galaxie mounts to spread the load better and spacers between the motor mounts and motor to raise it a bit more.

But first I would like to try and modify Butch's mounts. I think they are much sturdier than the Galaxie mounts. I removed the rubber cushion on the Butch's mounts and now the engine sits pretty darn good heightwise...

Still plenty of exhaust manifold clearance to mounts, steering box, oil pan clearance more than enough. Firewall clearance actually increases the lower the engine goes. I would be content with the way the engine sits now by just welding the 2 halves of the Butch's mounts together.

However, IDT I want solid mounts either.

Suggestions on how I can modify the Butch's mounts to allow some sort of cushioning without changing the location of the engine as it sits currently, but with at least some cushioning in place as opposed to it sitting solid like it is now?

I really don't want to cut or modify the car's frame mount itself, just in case I ever decide to put a 312 back in it.