LS1 pwrd NOVA

iTrader: (2)

Who has set their engine as far forward as possible and found headers that work without hitting the steering box? How much forward is your engine also?

Or who has their engine set more forward than stock placement. This means not using 1" set back plates but maybe 1/2" setback plates or maybe 0 setback plates?

I was going to use stock manis but I'm thinking of using headers either full length or mid length now but I'd like the engine forward more for better or more firewall clearance and ill use a ctsv pan to make it work.

Please post up guys if ya can.

-TheBandit-

iTrader: (1)

I have Doug's headers with 1/2“ set back. They barely clear the steering box. Dynatechs like what tsnow and futureuser used seem to offer the most steering box clearance due to their unique primary routing and will fit with zero setback.

MisterD

Doubt cts-v pan will work if engine is no set back at least 1/2". double check to be sure. Also your frame stands will affect header clearance. I am currently trying Doug's plates set forward like bandit

LS1 pwrd NOVA

iTrader: (2)

1/2" will be better than 1" setback for firewall clearance etc....
The ctsv pan has a 1" difference from the fbody pan in the sump area to where it would hit the center link. That 1" can make a difference for engine placement but only if headers work. It'll only hang a little below the crossmember unless I slam it then I'm screwed again but ill make a brace welded to the Xmember to protect the oil pan.

superdave84

I don't have a Camaro, but I have the Dynatech 67-69 Camaro headers on my 5.3 in my 65 Impala, and there's plenty of clearance for my steering all around. They hang lower than I would like though, and I will eventually need to swap them out for something else so I can go lower

Doug G

Looking at where my motor sits and the clearance at the oil pan/headers/steering box (manual)....You could do a 1/2" setback...but is it worth the trouble to move the tranny forward and maybe lengthen drive shaft ???

1" set-back and Dynatech 1 7/8" headers.

88Fbody6L

iTrader: (5)

I'm at the point of headers with mine too. I have dingo sliders and I'm setback about 1/2". The trans crossmember has enough room to slot the mount holes to move it that far. My driveshaft was too long anyway due to a rear axle swap. My guess is if you are stock length on the driveshaft, you have enough for 1/2" movement

LS1 pwrd NOVA

iTrader: (2)

My driveshaft is too long anyhow so it needs to be cut down. Is 1/2" all you could do forward or maybe more?

88Fbody6L

iTrader: (5)

By slotting the trans mount holes in the crossmember you can get 1/2-3/4". If you need more you could redrill the crossmember holes on the subframe

MisterD

What frame stands are you running? From what I have researched, ats/transdapt/moroso plates all lower the engine in the bay slightly compared to dougs/pertronix/carshop/hooker plates. This is a variable to consider if you are running cts-v pan. I am trying to "get away" with an F-body pan and pertronix/dougs plates but my t-56 is hitting the trans tunnel slightly up front. This could be because I am running the tall/narrow frame stands and have the engine at 1" set back right now. I am going to move it forward 1/2" and see if that clears the trans tunnel issue OR I may take a drive to classic industries and pick up the short/narrow z-28 stand . I will post pics this week.

88Fbody6L

iTrader: (5)

I have short/wide stands with dingo sliders. I am using the Holley swap pan and this combo put the pan really close to the crossmember so I had to massage it to make room

LS1 pwrd NOVA

iTrader: (2)

1st gen camaros have a different Xmember setup that you can't just slide back to make work with a th350 Xmember.


I think I have the tall skinny ones. I have D dingo aluminum plate with 3 different spots for the engine mount. You don't have much to play with on that fbody pan unless you notch the pan.

What year you talking about? A1st gen also?

88Fbody6L

iTrader: (5)

Mine is a 3rd gen Nova. 71. And on mine you can slide the crossmember forward and redrill the frame. You can't move it much, but between that and slotting the mount holes you can get at least 1 1/4"

LS1 pwrd NOVA

iTrader: (2)

I can't get that much with mine. Is your Xmember straight across or curved towards the back?

88Fbody6L

iTrader: (5)

Mine is pretty much a straight shot across. Two bolts on each side

nuckifuts

iTrader: (7)

I will find out tommorrow.

I have Dynatech 1 7/8ths headers. I am using the 3 hole dingo plates with the motor all the way forward.

fingers crossed

LS1 pwrd NOVA

iTrader: (2)

My camaro floor pans have a notch for the straight Xmember so it doesn't give me any play to move it forward or backwards. This notch in the floor pans is for the crossmember exhaust clearance. Double humped crossmember.

What oil pan are you using with your swap? This will make a difference on engine placement and center link interference.

Well I thought I had a deal on a used set of dynatechs for our cars but it may have fell through because of the price.

nuckifuts

iTrader: (7)

Right now i have the truck pan on there. Not 100% sure on which one i wil be using. Probably the Mast.

nuckifuts

iTrader: (7)

NO

The rear tube hits the steering column flange where the rag-joint is. I did not try to put the gear box back in to see if it cleared.

I had to remove the brake booster and master cylinder, unbolt the steering box to lower it and it was still a pain in the *** to install. Damn rear steer car.

I am VERY concerned over ground clearance. I do not think i will have 4 inches of ground clearance. They are lower than my Hooker Supercomps that i had with my SBC and they hit everything.

It looks like i will have to move the motor back and recheck. I was hoping to avoid that fearing i would have to cut the tunnel to clear the T56.

LS1 pwrd NOVA

iTrader: (2)

How far was your pass side head from the fire wall? Did you use the plate all the way forward? Maybe that's the reason. Maybe 0 setback plated could work. Did you take any pics?