ls1 engine swap
02-10-2009 | 03:34 PM
#181
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Oakville, ON Canada
Now that it's finally warming up here in TO I can get back into the garage. I finished up my rear suspension and replace my torque tube, and dropped the engine in and bolted up the mounts. Now I'm taking measurements and working on the oil pan and other clearance issues (as well as a few other surprises ;-).
Check out my gallery on Porsche Hybrids for pics - http://www.porschehybrids.com/gallery/86_L33_Turbo
02-10-2009 | 03:40 PM
#182
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Oakville, ON Canada
I thought a SBC and the LSx engines were completely different. I know they kept the same V angle but other than that, I thought it was a complete redesign.
Ross, what do you mean different depth? I mean, if you bought a RH bell housing, would it work for all of the engines AND fit on our torque tube?
There are so many options, its getting confusing now. I've worked on cars my whole life, but was never really into the GM stuff (Ford guy) so my learning curve for all this stuff has been steep.
(PS Ross, I left you a message on PH..I didn't know you were on here as well)
Ross, what do you mean different depth? I mean, if you bought a RH bell housing, would it work for all of the engines AND fit on our torque tube?
There are so many options, its getting confusing now. I've worked on cars my whole life, but was never really into the GM stuff (Ford guy) so my learning curve for all this stuff has been steep.
(PS Ross, I left you a message on PH..I didn't know you were on here as well)
The depth I am referring to is between the two flanges of the bellhousing - torque tube side (normally where the transmission mounts on GM cars other than the 'vette) and the flange that meets the block. This depth is different depending on which bellhousing you use. Therefore, this affects how the Porsche torque tube drive shaft sits in the pilot bearing. The Porsche pilot bearing sits in an adapter that fits into the crankshaft. You have to make sure everything is the right "length", otherwise nothing will line up properly. It's not a terribly difficult problem to sort out, you just need to know what you're working with and get the right parts. Luckily, parts are abundant!!!Ross.
02-10-2009 | 04:09 PM
#183
Captain Obvious
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 6,420
Likes: 2
From: Ontario, Canada
Just did the first test fit of the motor in the engine bay on Sunday! Whoohoo!!!
Now that it's finally warming up here in TO I can get back into the garage. I finished up my rear suspension and replace my torque tube, and dropped the engine in and bolted up the mounts. Now I'm taking measurements and working on the oil pan and other clearance issues (as well as a few other surprises ;-).
Check out my gallery on Porsche Hybrids for pics - http://www.porschehybrids.com/gallery/86_L33_Turbo
Now that it's finally warming up here in TO I can get back into the garage. I finished up my rear suspension and replace my torque tube, and dropped the engine in and bolted up the mounts. Now I'm taking measurements and working on the oil pan and other clearance issues (as well as a few other surprises ;-).
Check out my gallery on Porsche Hybrids for pics - http://www.porschehybrids.com/gallery/86_L33_Turbo
Hey, what type of upper strut mounts are those?
Are you building an oil pan then?
02-10-2009 | 04:36 PM
#184
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Oakville, ON Canada
02-11-2009 | 12:53 AM
#185
8th Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
I used a 1986 944 Turbo car with the Turbo brakes, LSD, 5th gear swap, Bilstien Coil Overs in the rear wich is a must or you will snap half shafts from touque transmitted to them when the suspension bottoms out in the rear from the acceleration.
Last edited by noboost944; 02-17-2009 at 12:43 AM.
02-11-2009 | 01:13 AM
#186
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Oakville, ON Canada
02-11-2009 | 01:22 AM
#187
Administrator
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 2,258
From: Up Nort
IIRC he installed the KAT-A4735 Track Attack LS7:
http://www.katechengines.com/street_...e_packages.php
They also build the motors for the ALMS GT1 Corvette's.
02-15-2009 | 01:30 AM
#189
Banned
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 0
I've been tossing around the idea of doing a conversion. I'm an LTx guy, but for a project like this, I'd go with an LS-based motor even though there is no such thing as a nice sounding exhaust on a LSx engine. A big part of me doesn't want to give up the Porsche motor though. If I could drop in the motor from a 928, I'd be all over it!
I'll stick with what I have for the time being. My mindset right now is that if I wanted to drive a vehicle with a GM engine, I'd drive my Formula (or go buy another GM car).
I'll stick with what I have for the time being. My mindset right now is that if I wanted to drive a vehicle with a GM engine, I'd drive my Formula (or go buy another GM car).
02-15-2009 | 02:43 PM
#190
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
With Ford bringing back the old Mustang Mach look, Chrylser and the Challenger and now GM's Camaro, it's time we all write to Porsche to bring back the 944 with a front engine compartment...
02-15-2009 | 04:18 PM
#191
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Oakville, ON Canada
928 motors are VERY wide - requires a lot of cutting and custom fabrication on the frame/chassis. It can be done, but other that keeping true to the Porsche name, my view is that the LSx is the way to go. Cheaper, easier to find parts, better power potential, kits already exist, and they fit beautifully in the engine bay.
02-15-2009 | 09:53 PM
#194
Rainman
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 45,606
Likes: 674
From: Nashville, TN
02-16-2009 | 01:36 AM
#195
Banned
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 0
ive measured before and you'd only have to cut about 1" - 2" on each side
and only in small areas where the engine would touch...
it's doable but takes some imagination