'84 Mercedes 380SL LS1 + Auto Conversion
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#23
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#24
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New Pictures
Here is an update on the project. We finally got our hands on the new front clip. And, after a few swear words and some minor frustration got the clip bolted in the car. We found out the hard way that the stock wheels will no longer be a valid option, so much for the stock sleeper look. This clip moves the steering up front, as it is Mustang 2 based, which leaves all sorts of room for the Camaro oil pan. It also allowed us to put the motor back another 2.5"-3", and down another 2". We might be able to use the factory AC brackets and pump since the new subframe is so much wider. I will post more pics of the next motor test fit in the next couple of days.
#25
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Here is an update on the project. We finally got our hands on the new front clip. And, after a few swear words and some minor frustration got the clip bolted in the car. We found out the hard way that the stock wheels will no longer be a valid option, so much for the stock sleeper look. This clip moves the steering up front, as it is Mustang 2 based, which leaves all sorts of room for the Camaro oil pan. It also allowed us to put the motor back another 2.5"-3", and down another 2". We might be able to use the factory AC brackets and pump since the new subframe is so much wider. I will post more pics of the next motor test fit in the next couple of days.
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Motor Mounts Are In
New update to the project. Yesterday we did all of our measurements and welded in our motor mounts. We are using the factory style rubber motor mount and fabricated the pedestals out of 1/4" wall 1.25" tube and 1/4" plate. Check out the pics. The pass side is done, the driver's side will be done today. I'll try to get some pics up with the motor bolted in. Next step is the trans cross member.
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Need Your Input
Anyone out there that has done a one-off LS1 swap please chime in on this build. We still have a lot of fab work to do and tons of electrical nightmares ahead of us. If you have any good info on elec. fans / radiators. Setting up/wiring the gages etc. We will probably go to aftermarket gages, so if you know of good plug and play options let us know. Thanks
-Steve Cyrus
SVS Muffler Shop
-Steve Cyrus
SVS Muffler Shop
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The Motor Is In!!!!
We just got done with the motor mounts yesterday. This morning we dropped the motor in place and bolted it down. These are the pics of the motor in and our first trans test fit. FINALLY!
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We're planning on doing the same thing essentially. We've pulled all of the MB engine harness out and just have to take the dash out to get the rest of it. We're planning on making a gage cluster that will fit in the factory location, and just re-use the MB light wiring. Does your '68 have an LS1 in it? If so what gages did you use?
#33
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It's got an LQ9, same as I was planning for the mercedes. I used the original gauges so the interior looks stock.
My build thread.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...eed-build.html
My build thread.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...eed-build.html
#34
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Curious as to why the stock wheels can't be used? If it's track width, there are options. I had to narrow my Heidts M2 crossmember 3 times (2 after initially installed) to get it to fit under the fenders.
There is a narrower brake rotor option. I machined the outer bearing race seat of a mid 90's camaro in 0.2" and was able to use that on the M2 spindle. That gained me about an 1.5" in track width. You can get 5/8" narrower control arms also.
If it's just bolt pattern, that's easy to fix also.
My frame is so narrow now that I have about 1/4" at the alternator to frame and the AC, which is still in the same position, has about 1/8". I made a new AC bracket up from scratch.
Got a picture of the overall car?
There is a narrower brake rotor option. I machined the outer bearing race seat of a mid 90's camaro in 0.2" and was able to use that on the M2 spindle. That gained me about an 1.5" in track width. You can get 5/8" narrower control arms also.
If it's just bolt pattern, that's easy to fix also.
My frame is so narrow now that I have about 1/4" at the alternator to frame and the AC, which is still in the same position, has about 1/8". I made a new AC bracket up from scratch.
Got a picture of the overall car?
#35
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Curious as to why the stock wheels can't be used? If it's track width, there are options. I had to narrow my Heidts M2 crossmember 3 times (2 after initially installed) to get it to fit under the fenders.
There is a narrower brake rotor option. I machined the outer bearing race seat of a mid 90's camaro in 0.2" and was able to use that on the M2 spindle. That gained me about an 1.5" in track width. You can get 5/8" narrower control arms also.
If it's just bolt pattern, that's easy to fix also.
My frame is so narrow now that I have about 1/4" at the alternator to frame and the AC, which is still in the same position, has about 1/8". I made a new AC bracket up from scratch.
Got a picture of the overall car?
There is a narrower brake rotor option. I machined the outer bearing race seat of a mid 90's camaro in 0.2" and was able to use that on the M2 spindle. That gained me about an 1.5" in track width. You can get 5/8" narrower control arms also.
If it's just bolt pattern, that's easy to fix also.
My frame is so narrow now that I have about 1/4" at the alternator to frame and the AC, which is still in the same position, has about 1/8". I made a new AC bracket up from scratch.
Got a picture of the overall car?
#36
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Did you guys have pic's of the LS motor with the GTO front pan trying to fit in the engine bay with the original crossmember?. I find it hard to believe a modified GTO and some shorty headers wouldn't fit that engine bay. I did a 351 Windsor into the same model many moons ago. Would have been cheaper than a custom rack and all the other pieces?????
#37
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I measured a 380sl and a GTO oil pan. The space between the crossmember and radiator support is about the size of the GTO oil pan. But the mercedes oil pan kicks out in front of the engine. In order to fit the LS motor w/ GTO pan, it looks like you would have to move the engine forward AND notch out the back of the pan.
Did you guys have pic's of the LS motor with the GTO front pan trying to fit in the engine bay with the original crossmember?. I find it hard to believe a modified GTO and some shorty headers wouldn't fit that engine bay. I did a 351 Windsor into the same model many moons ago. Would have been cheaper than a custom rack and all the other pieces?????
#38
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I though the right sump and some custom headers would have been cheaper than a custom rack change. Even a ARE dry sump set up would be less in cost. I think a lot of people would see this conversion and dismiss it as being to hard. There is alway more than one way to skin a cat, as they say.
#39
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Did you guys have pic's of the LS motor with the GTO front pan trying to fit in the engine bay with the original crossmember?. I find it hard to believe a modified GTO and some shorty headers wouldn't fit that engine bay. I did a 351 Windsor into the same model many moons ago. Would have been cheaper than a custom rack and all the other pieces?????
#40
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Would like to see the pic's. Point from our side of the world as soon as we cut or modifiy the crossmember we then need a engineers certificate for the modification. This adds to the costs big time. With the different types of dry sump kits avaliable for the LS engines the sump issues are resolved. Would like to see the steering box issues.