Looking to use LS4/Auto in dune bugy project I know nothing about ls4s, help me learn
#1
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm a huge fan of the LS1 engines and was thinking about dropping a 5.3L in my dune buggy which has not even been built yet because i want to decide on an engine and transmission to work around. Well i came across the LS4 and think that in conjunction with an automatic transmission would be perfect for a dune buggy! I would fabricate the frame so it sat on the rear end of course and i would get the spindles/hubs from an impala or monte car that way they would mate to the axles and give me a good start for a braking and suspension system.
The setup i am looking at is from a 2007 Impala SS 5.3L auto.
Anyway heres a few questions i have about the LS4. Does it have a 24x or 58x relector wheel? I'm considering running it carbureted like my LS1 unless there is a larger after market for the LS4.
My next question is i have read they have fuel management of some sort. This is not like the variable valve train setup on some LS3s right?
What sort of camshaft compatability do i have? What parts are interchangeable with an LS1?
I know the crank snout is shorter or something so it couldnt ever be mounted to a rear drive transmission could it?
Are the transmission electronically shifted? If so is there a valve body that will allow for manual shifts?
The heads on this engine are 243s correct? So they use ls1 style rocker arms and lifters then?
The setup i am looking at is from a 2007 Impala SS 5.3L auto.
Anyway heres a few questions i have about the LS4. Does it have a 24x or 58x relector wheel? I'm considering running it carbureted like my LS1 unless there is a larger after market for the LS4.
My next question is i have read they have fuel management of some sort. This is not like the variable valve train setup on some LS3s right?
What sort of camshaft compatability do i have? What parts are interchangeable with an LS1?
I know the crank snout is shorter or something so it couldnt ever be mounted to a rear drive transmission could it?
Are the transmission electronically shifted? If so is there a valve body that will allow for manual shifts?
The heads on this engine are 243s correct? So they use ls1 style rocker arms and lifters then?
#2
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sherwood Park, AB
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm a huge fan of the LS1 engines and was thinking about dropping a 5.3L in my dune buggy which has not even been built yet because i want to decide on an engine and transmission to work around. Well i came across the LS4 and think that in conjunction with an automatic transmission would be perfect for a dune buggy! I would fabricate the frame so it sat on the rear end of course and i would get the spindles/hubs from an impala or monte car that way they would mate to the axles and give me a good start for a braking and suspension system.
The setup i am looking at is from a 2007 Impala SS 5.3L auto.
Anyway heres a few questions i have about the LS4. Does it have a 24x or 58x relector wheel? I'm considering running it carbureted like my LS1 unless there is a larger after market for the LS4.
The setup i am looking at is from a 2007 Impala SS 5.3L auto.
Anyway heres a few questions i have about the LS4. Does it have a 24x or 58x relector wheel? I'm considering running it carbureted like my LS1 unless there is a larger after market for the LS4.
My next question is i have read they have fuel management of some sort. This is not like the variable valve train setup on some LS3s right?
You'd probably want to get rid of the AFM/DOD for you application. Overall not too difficult, a minor tuning change, replace some lifters, and maybe switch out the LS4 valley cover for the LS2 version.
What sort of camshaft compatability do i have? What parts are interchangeable with an LS1?
I know the crank snout is shorter or something so it couldnt ever be mounted to a rear drive transmission could it?
Are the transmission electronically shifted? If so is there a valve body that will allow for manual shifts?
The heads on this engine are 243s correct? So they use ls1 style rocker arms and lifters then?
![Cheers!!](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_cheers.gif)
#3
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Ok im going to buy an MSD 6012 box, install my victor JR carb intake and carb from my LS1 and make it run carbureted. I think it will work! What do you think? The cam sensor should be the same one as an ls2 right? The firing order should be the same right? If i have the same cam sensor and same crank sensor i can get the coils to fire. I have an extra set of ls1 coils if for some reason the ls4 coil packs are different. Dumping fuel in with a carb will give me and easy fuel system, no wiring or computer head aches. I can swap out the lifters and make it non DOD. This to me WILL work right? I'm super excited! Haha I've been non-stop reading since i posted this.
I have also read the transmission bolt pattern may be the same as a 3800 camaro which i could put a t5 behind right? I know there is an issue with getting a starter on the small flywheel. I have an extra LS1 flexplate im gonna see what i can fab up just for future reference should i want to put an LS4 in my friends s10.
I have also read the transmission bolt pattern may be the same as a 3800 camaro which i could put a t5 behind right? I know there is an issue with getting a starter on the small flywheel. I have an extra LS1 flexplate im gonna see what i can fab up just for future reference should i want to put an LS4 in my friends s10.
#4
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
So how can i get the transmission to shift without a pcm? Can i install a manual valve body? Can i creat my own sort of stand alone shifting method for the transmission. I can imagine its too advanced. I know that the 4l60e valve body can be swapped to run manual only. Maybe i can find a way to make the electronic shifting work
#5
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Also does the auto trans have fittings to run a transmission cooler?
Can i run a lower final gear ratio in the transaxle i.e 4.10 instead of 2.93. I want to run big tires like 40" or so and im sure it was only designed to run 26" or so.
How strong are the axles? I'm thinking of lengthening them so i could drop the wheels further and make the chasis wide.
Can i run a lower final gear ratio in the transaxle i.e 4.10 instead of 2.93. I want to run big tires like 40" or so and im sure it was only designed to run 26" or so.
How strong are the axles? I'm thinking of lengthening them so i could drop the wheels further and make the chasis wide.
Last edited by Shawn MacAnanny; 12-12-2008 at 05:29 PM.
#6
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sherwood Park, AB
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Ok im going to buy an MSD 6012 box, install my victor JR carb intake and carb from my LS1 and make it run carbureted. I think it will work! What do you think? The cam sensor should be the same one as an ls2 right? The firing order should be the same right? If i have the same cam sensor and same crank sensor i can get the coils to fire. I have an extra set of ls1 coils if for some reason the ls4 coil packs are different. Dumping fuel in with a carb will give me and easy fuel system, no wiring or computer head aches. I can swap out the lifters and make it non DOD. This to me WILL work right? I'm super excited! Haha I've been non-stop reading since i posted this.
I have also read the transmission bolt pattern may be the same as a 3800 camaro which i could put a t5 behind right? I know there is an issue with getting a starter on the small flywheel. I have an extra LS1 flexplate im gonna see what i can fab up just for future reference should i want to put an LS4 in my friends s10.
I have also read the transmission bolt pattern may be the same as a 3800 camaro which i could put a t5 behind right? I know there is an issue with getting a starter on the small flywheel. I have an extra LS1 flexplate im gonna see what i can fab up just for future reference should i want to put an LS4 in my friends s10.
Yes, same bolt pattern as the 3.8 Buick 90* V6.
The other issue is that the LS4 doesn't have a starter mount cast into the block. The starter mounts on the transmission bellhousing, so you'd have a bit more fabrication to do.
Why not go with the 5.3 iron block from a truck? I know it's 80 or so pounds heavier, but doesn't have the DOD and is already configured for RWD.
![Cheers!!](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_cheers.gif)
#7
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Well i want to run a FWD engine the buggy. I can mount the engine up higher. Make the axels a little longer and mount the spindle down lower and out further to add ground clearence and stability whill keeping the oil pan up higher and having IRS. See with a solid rear, and front engine setup i will have poor clearence due to the rear end pumpkin, the driveshaft, and not to mention even more poor traction. I dont think this buggy will weigh more than 1000-1200lbs.
I was exploring the idea of RWD for a friends S10. I like the idea of the LS4s haveing the 243 heads on them already and being all aluminum. It doesnt affect my swap at all though.
I was exploring the idea of RWD for a friends S10. I like the idea of the LS4s haveing the 243 heads on them already and being all aluminum. It doesnt affect my swap at all though.