Jump to content

LS1 Swap


fierofanatic

Recommended Posts

Posted

Has anyone ever put a LS1 into first gen w-bodies? Seeing it isn't as big as a northstar or anything, I figure it'll work with the http://www.v8archie.com fiero kit, which he is also coming out with the ls1 kit too..... Well, is it possible?

Posted

If the Caddy 4.9 fits fine, so the LS1 should fit also. The big difference is that the LS1 doesn't have the BOP/FWD bellhousing pattern. But you can easily get an adapter plate.

Posted

I did see a big block Buick engine in a red Z34 on espn2 doing drag runs a couple years ago. It still had a stock dash, but the stupid announcers said it was a 96 lumina :? . But at least it was rear wheel drive.

Posted

I also don't have the money to do it, just seeing if anyone else has done it or if its possible. Maybe in the future if its a guaranteed swap.

Posted
If the Caddy 4.9 fits fine, so the LS1 should fit also. The big difference is that the LS1 doesn't have the BOP/FWD bellhousing pattern. But you can easily get an adapter plate.

 

It absolutely won't fit.

LS1 bellhousing pattern is just the beginning of the problems.

Caddy 4.9 is an FWD engine, that's why it fits. There's a huge difference. If you look at an FWD engine, you will see all the accessories are tucked back as far as possible... the valve cover is shaped so the alternator can sit on top of it, the intake manifold is shaped so the PS pump can sit on top of it, water pump is off to the side so it can be pushed back more, timing cover is designed so pulleys can be recessed into it, etc. Caddy 4.9L is very flat on the front. LS1 has a whole ton of huge pulleys in front, and most accessories are also in front. The entire timing cover/accessory area on a RWD engine sticks out a good 6-8" more than an equivelent FWD engine. The bellhousing adapter from V8archie adds another inch.

 

This doesn't matter so much in a Fiero since the rear wheels don't steer which gives more width between strut towers, although Fiero guys do need to cut out some parts of the body/frame for the accessories to fit. I would NOT recommend that on a FWD car if you value your life.

 

Anyway, there is a 5.3L(?) LS1 based engine coming out in the 05 Grand Prix GXP. That engine will be designed as FWD from the start, so it should be possible to fit that into our W-bodies.

Posted

Here's a small block in a A-Body. Isn't the W's engine compartment similar in size? Now, to find a FWD transmission that will hold up...

 

2649685-lg.jpg

Posted

Our FWD kind of is the thing that hurts us w/ engine swaps....making it rwd would do wonders....

Posted

What's the bonneville GXP use as a tranny? It's fwd and V8.

Posted

if you're planning on making a RWD then ... hell no! well i say that cause the body of the car wouldn't hold up to such torque ... with that said enjoy.

Posted

the frame is only weak in a few places though... Thats minor i would think

Posted
What's the bonneville GXP use as a tranny? It's fwd and V8.

 

4T80E

Posted
if you're planning on making a RWD then ... hell no! well i say that cause the body of the car wouldn't hold up to such torque ... with that said enjoy.

I heard from a little birdie there will be a RWD V8 GTP at GPG 2005.

Posted

theres a RWD GTP going together in GA right now... too bad it wont be done for GPG :( that thing would be cool to see!! :P

Posted

use a getrag 282 5 speed out of a beretta or j body. Or even stronger, a 284 from a lq1 car. Guys with fieros put over 400 hp thru those 282s.

I say go for the swap. It might involve a little cutting and welding and relocation of accessories, but hey, someone has to be the first. If nobody was willing to try new things, where would we be?

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...