5.3L/LS1 into 1986 Buick Regal (GN look alike)
11-02-2011, 07:28 PM
#1
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5.3L/LS1 into 1986 Buick Regal (GN look alike) I picked up a 1986 Buick Regal earlier this year to turn into a Grand National clone, but with my own small changes. I started out wanting to supercharge a 327 I had laying around, but when it was all said and done, it was well out of the range of anything resembling a budget build. I did some research and decided I wanted to build an LS1/4L60E instead. I do want to turbo it, but that will probably have to wait a few years. To save costs, I picked up a cast iron 5.3L out of a 1999 Silverado that I will bore out to a 5.7 and have spec'd close to an LS1. I'm doing this because finding a real LS1 in Alaska is near impossible, and either buying or shipping one up would cost much more then just using a 5.3 to start with.
I have a few questions regarding engine mounts and header clearance. I won't be running A/C, and I'll also be removing the factory A/C box in favor of a heater only box from a Monte Carlo (supposed to be a direct swap, and yes I know I need all the under dash parts as well). I am unsure if this will gain me any additional clearance with the coils over an A/C box, but I figure it can't hurt, plus it will clean up the engine bay a bit. I will be running power steering but I don't know if I can use the truck accessories or if I will need f body stuff. Can I use the truck bracket with f body alternator and ps pump?
What combination of engine mounts, headers, power steering/alt bracket, and oil pan can I use to make everything clear?
I have a few questions regarding engine mounts and header clearance. I won't be running A/C, and I'll also be removing the factory A/C box in favor of a heater only box from a Monte Carlo (supposed to be a direct swap, and yes I know I need all the under dash parts as well). I am unsure if this will gain me any additional clearance with the coils over an A/C box, but I figure it can't hurt, plus it will clean up the engine bay a bit. I will be running power steering but I don't know if I can use the truck accessories or if I will need f body stuff. Can I use the truck bracket with f body alternator and ps pump?
What combination of engine mounts, headers, power steering/alt bracket, and oil pan can I use to make everything clear?
Last edited by Nick_R_23; 11-03-2011 at 06:57 AM.
11-03-2011, 01:35 AM
#2
Going to the non a/c box should gain some clearance there. You can use the truck brackets, but I think you will need to custom make the engine mounts to do that. I am running a truck bracket in a 85 el camino and monte SS but the mounts were custom and mount the engine low in the chassis (It uses an f-body oil pan which is shorter than the truck one, and there is still only 3/8" between the front bottom of the pan and the k-member). Now that I think about it, the owner of maliburacing.com did a 4.8 swap in a 78 malibu for his son and I think he used truck brackets with the alt, but I can`t remember what mounts he used.
11-03-2011, 07:19 AM
#4
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Going to the non a/c box should gain some clearance there. You can use the truck brackets, but I think you will need to custom make the engine mounts to do that. I am running a truck bracket in a 85 el camino and monte SS but the mounts were custom and mount the engine low in the chassis (It uses an f-body oil pan which is shorter than the truck one, and there is still only 3/8" between the front bottom of the pan and the k-member). Now that I think about it, the owner of maliburacing.com did a 4.8 swap in a 78 malibu for his son and I think he used truck brackets with the alt, but I can`t remember what mounts he used.
It does look like the F-body PS Pump would fit much better in relation to the steering box though, reading through the_merv's Monte thread. Seeing that heater box definitely makes me feel better about swapping everything out, it does seem to make quite a bit more room.
11-03-2011, 10:54 AM
#6
Those Headers were a direct fit..tight in some spots, but they dont touch. I have the 1 7/8" Primary/3" Collectors.
These are the LS into a G-body Headers..no clearancing needed..many people attempt to use F-body Headers and beat the **** out of them, why not get the ones that fit right.
I'm using the standard LS-SBC Conversion Plates and the Mounts on the Cradle are in the factory locations.
These are the LS into a G-body Headers..no clearancing needed..many people attempt to use F-body Headers and beat the **** out of them, why not get the ones that fit right.
I'm using the standard LS-SBC Conversion Plates and the Mounts on the Cradle are in the factory locations.
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12-22-2011, 12:45 AM
#18
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Well, with 2 other engine swaps fighting for my time, figured I'd get a little done with this one. I plan on using this motor mount kit: http://www.jegs.com/i/Hedman-Husler/502/03800/10002/-1
I think it's just a stock location one, so the BRP headers should fit nicely. I also plan on lowering the car (not slamming it- our roads here suck) and installing the stage 2 handling kit from UMI performance. What would be the ideal oil pan to use that has good ground clearance and will not hit the crossmember with stock position mounts?
I think it's just a stock location one, so the BRP headers should fit nicely. I also plan on lowering the car (not slamming it- our roads here suck) and installing the stage 2 handling kit from UMI performance. What would be the ideal oil pan to use that has good ground clearance and will not hit the crossmember with stock position mounts?
12-22-2011, 09:56 PM
#20
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Looks like I'll be ordering the GM muscle car pan and Hedmann motor and trans mount swap kit from Jegs on Friday. Also going to order in the Cummins swap kit for my Chevy truck. 3 motor swaps at once is going to be interesting.