LS1 Conversion

[slngsht]

Well, after alot of debate, I finally decided to go with a LS1.

 

 

 

My car came with a 215, with a mild cam, offy intake.

 

 

 

It had decent acceleration, but nothing that would knock your socks off. Seat of the pants feel was may be as fast as my vette, perhaps a little slower.

 

 

 

I was in the process of gathering parts to upgrade to a 4.6 Rover, but after much back and forth thinking and cost comparisons, I decided to go with LS1.

 

 

 

I think this will add 100 lbs to the weight of the car. The engine has 350 hp/ 350 ft.lbs from the factory. with the free flowing intake and exhaust, my guess is I'll have another 20 on top of that. If I ever need more, there are zillions of vendors for the LS1.

 

 

 

So, I bought a LS1 and 6 speed tranny, and off we went.

 

 

 

At this point, I'm thinking there is NO WAY this hunk of metal will fit in that car. The shiny spots near the end of the tranny are places where casting tabs were ground off:

 

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/slngsht/2006-01-08_190354_CIMG0203_Medium.JPG

 

 

 

 

 

Surprisingly, the engine fit without a problem (tranny a different story). The engine will be lower - engine mounts are still being fabricated.

 

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/slngsht/2006-01-08_190539_CIMG0212_Medium.JPG

 

 

 

This picture shows the cross member under the transmission. It had to be cut. Apparently most of the later cars don't even have this cross member. It will be reshaped and welded back in place.

 

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/slngsht/2006-01-08_190710_CIMG0218_Medium.JPG

 

 

 

The side members had to also be modified to fit the tranny. they were carved, and re-enforced in place.

 

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/slngsht/2006-01-08_191131_CIMG0217_Medium.JPG

 

 

 

 

[solder_guy]

Wow! Congratulations to you and Dennis for the shoehorn efforts!

 

 

 

Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA

 

 

[slngsht]

This puppy is getting closer to firing up...

 

 

 

The dip stick needs to be bent - the only part that won't clear the hood

 

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/slngsht/ls1front.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/slngsht/ls1side.jpg

 

 

 

Fuel filter, pump and regulator:

 

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/slngsht/ls1fuel.jpg

 

 

 

PCU and battery. Battery will probably be mounted like that. I'll probably build a heat shield for this area to seperate it from the rest of the engine compartment.

 

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/slngsht/ls1shelf.jpg

 

 

[solder_guy]

The dip stick needs to be bent - the only part that won't clear the hood ... PCU and battery.

 

 

 

Looks good! Is this in Dennis' garage or home?

 

 

 

I always wanted a car in which I could check the dipstick without removing the hood! smileys/smiley2.gif[/img]</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> PCU? What's that stand for?</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> My BATTERY!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> That Deer Park water should keep things cool! <img border=

[slngsht]

PCM = Powertrain Control Module

 

(I meant to say PCM, not PCU)

 

 

 

Heater is gone. I'll call Dennis. If he hasn't tossed it, I'll ask him to save it for you.slngsht38747.2920717593