Hi, I'm currently trying to put a ls1/t56 combo into my 75 Camaro. I'm in the middle of my build and just got my engine and trans (both from separate cars) mated together. My next step is of course to put them in, but it's looking like I'm going to have to cut the trans tunnel xmember for the shifter to fit. If anyone has done this to their car and has any advice on doing it, I'd gladly accept help. I know cutting that crossmember decreases rigidity and structure, so I'd like to have as much knowledge as I can before I start cutting stuff up. I'll be posting my progress on this thread as I go along, and I'll get pictures up if needed.

 

Hey bud i live in Baytown I put a ls1 t56 in my 72 camaro. I had to modify my crossmember but only the mount tab. If you are ever this way stop by my car stays on the lift so you can look at my setup 713-962-9659
Patrick

 

I think he's refering to the sheet metal crossmember that's part of the floor panel, not the transmission crossmember. Yes, unless you position your engine in a very forward position you will have to trim into the crossmember to provide the needed trans clearance. This is an expected part of the swap if you've placed your engine in a decent position performance wise (neutral or back). It's not an issue if you make a filler plate to rebox the section after you fit your trans and weld it in place.

 

Yeah Todd that's the one. What are the differences in engine placement? I have the dirty dingo adjustable engine mounts, they allow me to move my engine forward and back between about 3", giving it about 1.5" of adjustment to each side. The only thing is that I don't really have the means necessary to get my driveshaft shortened, so it would probably be easier to just cut the tunnel. Will cutting the tunnel place the engine/trans in a good or at least decent spot performance wise?

 

Oh and m5, I'd love to head up there and check out your ride. I've been wondering if anyone has done the swap around here . Only thing holding me back is the problem of not having a vehicle!

 

My engine was placed by bolting it to the original TH350, which was connected to the stock crossmember. Once it was properly aligned in the engine bay, we tack-welded the lower mounts to the frame. Then we unbolted the engine and trans, removed them, and finished welding. Later, when I switched the the T56, I had to cut a notch about 2 inches deep into the floor pan cross brace, so the shifter would clear. We boxed and welded the notch. There was also a little BFH massaging done to the tunnel as well.

An unintended benefit of this particular engine placement is that it clears a Corvette batwing oil pan without any frame mods. I also went with the LS7/Corvette style of accessory drive. Again, no frame cutting. The car is lowered about 2" in front and I only occasionally tap one of the headers on the ground.

 

Man, I had to cut the crossmember completely because of the length of my driveshaft. I still have to find a good way to weld some support on without getting in the way of the trans after everything is fitted. I'm hoping everything goes together at least halfway smoothly!

 

Does anyone know which driveshaft girdles I need for a 75 camaro? I've bought 2 pairs so far and they're both too small. The driveshaft is from a 4th gen camaro. Also, I might have to get my driveshaft lengthened a few inches, 3 or 4 at most. I know it's not recommended to have it lengthened, but if I remember correctly it's about 41" from ujoint to ujoint. About 44 1/2" from ujoint to rear trans case counting the 1" for suspension travel. Any thoughts about that?

 

Still haven't found any driveshaft straps :/ but I did a lot of other things to the car in the mean time so i'll get some pictures up here in a bit.

 

http://i1361.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2988bdd2.jpg

 

http://i1361.photobucket.com/albums/...psba470fc7.jpg

 

http://i1361.photobucket.com/albums/...psf5f6bd72.jpg

 

How do I get the pictures to show up instead of being a url?