engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
#1
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engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
Has anyone that has small blocks thought about swaping in a LS-1/LS-6 style small block? Where I work we make LS-6 6.0L motors that make 600 hp naturally aspirated. And the blower motors make gobs of torque down low.
#2
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Platinum Member
Re: engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
I have given it a lot of thought! I started a thread a while back on this. There was lots of suggestions. I'm still considering it!
Key points- Closed cooling system
Re-program ECU
O2 sensor
exhaust, custom or lots of $$$$$$$$
width of the engine(twin application)
camshaft
that's the BIG stuff I have come up with at this point!
Keep us posted! It would be lots of work but truly unique.
Good luck!
Key points- Closed cooling system
Re-program ECU
O2 sensor
exhaust, custom or lots of $$$$$$$$
width of the engine(twin application)
camshaft
that's the BIG stuff I have come up with at this point!
Keep us posted! It would be lots of work but truly unique.
Good luck!
#3
Re: engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
Check the bellhousing bolt-pattern. I`ve heard it is different than earlier small blocks.
Also, the motor mount location is different for sure.
Also, the motor mount location is different for sure.
#4
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Re: engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
The regular old chevy bolt pattern will work on the ls1's, It does have an extra hole at top center, and missing one on the pass. side middle. I ran an th400 in my Nova for a while with no problems at all.
Frank
Frank
#5
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Re: engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
I am just waiting to see when they will come out with the new LS7 in a boat. By the way, there are several marine engine manufacturers that are alreadu using the LS based motors, but so far they have all been in tow boats. One of them uses the all aluminum 346 (5.7 litre) and one of the others is using the 6.0 litre cast iron truck block with the LQ9 heads. I would sure like to see someone come out with a process for electroplating, coating, or anodizing the inside of an aluminum head so they could be used in a fresh water cooling system without the worry of corrosion.
#7
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Re: engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
Originally Posted by myturn
paceparts.com will let you sign up for a complete LS-7 engine!
#8
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Re: engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
Originally Posted by resurrected
I have given it a lot of thought! I started a thread a while back on this. There was lots of suggestions. I'm still considering it!
Key points- Closed cooling system
Re-program ECU
O2 sensor
exhaust, custom or lots of $$$$$$$$
width of the engine(twin application)
camshaft
that's the BIG stuff I have come up with at this point!
Keep us posted! It would be lots of work but truly unique.
Good luck!
Key points- Closed cooling system
Re-program ECU
O2 sensor
exhaust, custom or lots of $$$$$$$$
width of the engine(twin application)
camshaft
that's the BIG stuff I have come up with at this point!
Keep us posted! It would be lots of work but truly unique.
Good luck!
The o2 sensor will be addressed when you do the headers or you can turn them off with the tuning software.
Headers might be easier than you think. The port spacing on an ls1 is the same as a small block ford, You could buy some ford headers and weld (or have one welded) on an ls1 flange (which you can get from Pace for $16) and your done.
I don't think the width is going to be an issue at all. I can measure my spare motor in the garage if you like. they just look wide with all the coils mounted on the valve covers.
If one of you guys want's to try it just gimme a shout, I'll be glad to give you a hand with what I can.
Here's some pix of mine if your interested. Pix of Nova
Frank
#9
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Location: Melbourne Beach, FL
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Re: engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
I agree,
You should keep the rpm's down to about 5200.
The best boat I ever ran was an old twin cockpit
wooden Century that we put an off the shelf
Corvette 340 HP 327 with direct drive. This boat
was heavy heavy. It would run about 60Mph all day
long. We used it for a ski boat. We must have run it
2000 to 2500 hours with out any problems except
for tune ups.
My next boat I would like to stay with small blocks.
I am also considering the Konrad drives. What I want
is something to run not maintain!
Any Suggestions?
Warren
You should keep the rpm's down to about 5200.
The best boat I ever ran was an old twin cockpit
wooden Century that we put an off the shelf
Corvette 340 HP 327 with direct drive. This boat
was heavy heavy. It would run about 60Mph all day
long. We used it for a ski boat. We must have run it
2000 to 2500 hours with out any problems except
for tune ups.
My next boat I would like to stay with small blocks.
I am also considering the Konrad drives. What I want
is something to run not maintain!
Any Suggestions?
Warren