Which valley cover and coolant crossover pipes for carb'd LS1?
07-27-2012, 03:23 PM
#1
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Which valley cover and coolant crossover pipes for carb'd LS1? Carbing a 2004 GTO crate motor (new, never installed) using an Edelbrock Performer RPM manifold. I won't be running knock sensors so I need to plug the holes somehow or run an aftermarket valley cover. Which one do most run?
1. Get a LS2 and cut the back part?
2. Edelbrock's one made for carb'd LS1/LS6
3. Other?
Which coolant cross-over pipes are most running? Will the LS1 one that links all 4 ports fit under the manifold? If not, are most just running the LS6 set up at the front ports?
Thanks,
Brian
EDIT - Ended up with the Edelbrock LS1/LS6 valley cover and the older-style 4-port coolant pipe. See pics below.
1. Get a LS2 and cut the back part?
2. Edelbrock's one made for carb'd LS1/LS6
3. Other?
Which coolant cross-over pipes are most running? Will the LS1 one that links all 4 ports fit under the manifold? If not, are most just running the LS6 set up at the front ports?
Thanks,
Brian
EDIT - Ended up with the Edelbrock LS1/LS6 valley cover and the older-style 4-port coolant pipe. See pics below.
Last edited by Cobra4B; 08-07-2012 at 10:24 AM.
07-27-2012, 04:35 PM
#2
The LS2 one with the PCV vent is suppose to be the better way to vent the crankcase. That is what I have. Not sure why you would have to cut the back part. I just have the front head vents.
07-27-2012, 10:01 PM
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Do you have a LS1/6 block? The cam position sensor is at the top rear. I think the LS2 valley covers this up. LS2s gave the cam sensor on the front of the engine.
This is a track motor so venting from the valve covers will work fine.
This is a track motor so venting from the valve covers will work fine.
07-27-2012, 10:18 PM
#4
Yes, I have an LS2. There is a write up on here on how to convert an LS1 to an LS6 valley cover. A pretty common upgrade.
Just make sure you use a catch can. The valve cover vents tend to put oil into the intake. That is why GM moved them.
Just make sure you use a catch can. The valve cover vents tend to put oil into the intake. That is why GM moved them.
07-28-2012, 09:08 AM
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Yeah the LS2 cover won't work with the LS1/6 due to the cam position sensor. The LS1 to LS6 "conversion" is only needed if you have an earlier LS1. You have to trim a small amount out of the valley area and of course change the coolant pipes if you're running the injection manifold.
The 2004 GTO LS1 I have already has a LS6 PCV system on it. And yes we run catch cans. We vent the valve covers to a breather can and cap all the other stuff.
The 2004 GTO LS1 I have already has a LS6 PCV system on it. And yes we run catch cans. We vent the valve covers to a breather can and cap all the other stuff.
08-07-2012, 10:05 AM
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Some light massaging and I was able to get the old-style LS1 coolant pipe to fit. Figured I'd post up for anyone searching this same stuff. FWIW the Edelbrock valley cover is needlessly thick in the center. If I had use a basic 1/8" piece of plate aluminum I wouldn't have had to massage anything to get it to fit.
Not wanting to force the manifold on I kept massaging the coolant pipe until the manifold sat perfectly flush on the heads w/o any gaskets in place. After I got that right I installed it.
Not wanting to force the manifold on I kept massaging the coolant pipe until the manifold sat perfectly flush on the heads w/o any gaskets in place. After I got that right I installed it.
