Second Gen ls1 install
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 251
Likes: 2
From: Portland OR
Maybe not cut, exactly I have a Viper t-56 in my '71, currently behind an old-gen small block (LS1 swap is my winter project). I did not have to cut the tunnel extensively, but I did cut out two 1" holes to clear the "corners" near the front of the transmission, and I also had to do dent out the tunnel in a couple of more places. The easiest way I found to do this is to drop the engine and trans in as a unit, bolt the engine to the mounts, and slowly jack up the back of the trans until you find the interference points. Then, tape some pieces of plywood or other hard material to the interference points on the trans, and jack the back end of the trans up again. The plywood will dent the tunnel just enough to provide clearance for the trans.
When I swap in the LS1, things shouldn't change as long as I use motor mount adaptors which put the bellhousing mount point in the same location as the older-style small block - I believe that the S&P mount adaptors do exactly that.
When I swap in the LS1, things shouldn't change as long as I use motor mount adaptors which put the bellhousing mount point in the same location as the older-style small block - I believe that the S&P mount adaptors do exactly that.
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: East Quogue, NY
The fit is going to be close, very close.
I ended up hacking the tunnel on my 71 Z28 project to get more clearance. I didn't really care because the project is a 100% nut and bolt frame off anyway, so a bit of extra bodywork on the stripped shell meant nothing to me.
I used the S&P motor mount adapters and this does put the engine "up" a bit which makes clearing the tunnel more difficult. Mind you, we are not talking about much of a difference, but when there is almost no room to begin with then even a few tenths of an inch look like a mile.
If your car is already pretty then I would try to get the tranny as high as possible a give it a shot. The worst thing that can happen is that you will have to hack the tunnel later.
Given the shape of the tranny and the geometry there is no such thing as a small hole (other than the shifter by itself). If you need the space you will be cutting almost up to the firewall.
I ended up hacking the tunnel on my 71 Z28 project to get more clearance. I didn't really care because the project is a 100% nut and bolt frame off anyway, so a bit of extra bodywork on the stripped shell meant nothing to me.
I used the S&P motor mount adapters and this does put the engine "up" a bit which makes clearing the tunnel more difficult. Mind you, we are not talking about much of a difference, but when there is almost no room to begin with then even a few tenths of an inch look like a mile.
If your car is already pretty then I would try to get the tranny as high as possible a give it a shot. The worst thing that can happen is that you will have to hack the tunnel later.
Given the shape of the tranny and the geometry there is no such thing as a small hole (other than the shifter by itself). If you need the space you will be cutting almost up to the firewall.
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LS1/T56 mounts
Originally Posted by Mika
I have LS1 + T56 in my 70 RS. Onlything I cut was the shifter hole. Tight fit though. I made my own engine frame brackets and used 99 LS1 own motor mounts.
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
From: Woodland Hills, Ca
2nd Gen install begins- some questions. I just picked up a '74 Camaro a couple of weeks ago. It's rough ( for $400 I'm not complaining) but I'm going to take my time and do it right - the 1st time...I hope.I'll be putting in an '02 LS6 and backing it with a 4L60E. I have a few questions.
First, motor mounts. S&P says I can reuse my mounts if I use their brackets($89.00) but they said that I may have to modify my oil pan. BRP says buy our install kit and and no oil pan cutting is needed. I'm sure I'll modify my x-member but I don't want to notch the frame or cut the shifter tunnel too much.
Second, wiring . How much of the factory wiring do I need to keep. Since I'm not running A/C I can loose all that wiring but how about starter, oil, water temp ,etc. I want to run my factory cluster for a stock look.
Third, gas tank. I'm thinking of putting in an '00 SS tank.Good idea?The '74 has been sitting for 9 yrs, I don't trust the tank.
Any one with a 2nd Gen want to tackle any of these questions. Thanks in advance.
First, motor mounts. S&P says I can reuse my mounts if I use their brackets($89.00) but they said that I may have to modify my oil pan. BRP says buy our install kit and and no oil pan cutting is needed. I'm sure I'll modify my x-member but I don't want to notch the frame or cut the shifter tunnel too much.
Second, wiring . How much of the factory wiring do I need to keep. Since I'm not running A/C I can loose all that wiring but how about starter, oil, water temp ,etc. I want to run my factory cluster for a stock look.
Third, gas tank. I'm thinking of putting in an '00 SS tank.Good idea?The '74 has been sitting for 9 yrs, I don't trust the tank.
Any one with a 2nd Gen want to tackle any of these questions. Thanks in advance.
