Can a C5 automatic transaxle and convertor be bolted directly to a LS1 motor in a mid-engine configuration?Has anyone attempted this conversion?

 

Yes you can do this!
use the 4.3 s10 or non ls1 4l60-e bellhousing and c-5 converter
but it is very long right at 55" axle center line to front of waterpump
we have sold kits for buggys

 

Is it possible to fabricate a shorter bellhousing or to locate the converter at the rear of the transaxle?

 

you can offset & turn the trans around 180 then run a a drive shaft setup and also run the engine backwards that will shorten it up to about 30"
But how much do you want to spend
A 4t80-e with an Ls1 side mounted would be better setup or even a 5.3 out of the new Monte Carlo SS

 

I've got a Lotus Europa in the garage that I was thinking of dropping a LS2 motor into kind of thinking about $5000 in tranny and converter.Any more that that I can go with a Porsche tranny for less.

 

I think the 4t80-e or the new 4t65e HD with the LS2 would fit as you have about 20" from the foward head to axle centerline

 

My engine and transaxle are mounted north/south,with the motor in front of the transaxle,about 26" from crank pulley to halfshaft centerlne.