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LS swap into 71 Nova. Mount issues

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Old Nov 10, 2012 | 04:27 PM
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Default LS swap into 71 Nova. Mount issues

Just sold off the old SBC and started my swap! Putting an LQ9 with 243 heads and LS1 intake into my 71 Nova. I have a buddy of mine that has 1" setback plates from Carshop so he let me try them for fitment. They put the engine in the same location as the SBC, but the back of the passenger side head hits the heater core pipe. Anyone run into this? Looking for suggestions on different mounts
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Old Nov 10, 2012 | 04:53 PM
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you may have to get the 3 position plates.
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Old Nov 10, 2012 | 05:00 PM
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Originally Posted by 88Fbody6L
Just sold off the old SBC and started my swap! Putting an LQ9 with 243 heads and LS1 intake into my 71 Nova. I have a buddy of mine that has 1" setback plates from Carshop so he let me try them for fitment. They put the engine in the same location as the SBC, but the back of the passenger side head hits the heater core pipe. Anyone run into this? Looking for suggestions on different mounts
Get a big block heater core kit that moves the heater core outlets closer to the passenger side then it will clear and you can leave the motor where it is.
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Old Nov 11, 2012 | 08:26 AM
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^this.

Mine smashed the heater core nipples using the non-setback plate design floating around here in the FAQ. I ran no heater until getting a Vintage Air kit. Here's some info on the heater core over at Steve's.
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Old Nov 11, 2012 | 09:33 PM
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I swapped in a BBC heater core and drilled the matching holes. You read up on it on my project thread post #92 and other people threads.

Also, IMO.. yeah.. it gets very close to the Firewall with 1" Set Back. I modify my set up to be only a 1/2" Set Back. I did this by using 1" set back plates and then after seeing how close it was to the Firewall, I re-drilling the Frame Stand holes by 1/2", that gave me a bit more room for both the Firewall and Trans Tunnel Clearance.

BC
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Old Nov 12, 2012 | 05:28 PM
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Thanks for the replies, guys. I decided to order the standard mount adapters and give them a try. I dont mind having to move the trans forward an inch. It will still be close so Im hoping they still dont rub or create more issues with header clearance
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Old Nov 12, 2012 | 06:04 PM
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I used dirty dingo sliders, but i went with Vintage air. They let you put the engine where you want it.
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Old Nov 12, 2012 | 06:46 PM
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I removed my heater core as it had a leak and in the 13 years I've owned it, I can't remember any time I used the heat.
I did keep the blower motor though since I wasn't pulling a fender to remove it.

Depending on your brand headers it may/may not work.

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