crazy question
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From: lebanon, mo
crazy question how close is the LS4 block to the LS9 block? would it be feasible to bolt a heavily built 4t-65e tranny to the LS9? is it possible? i dont care if its recommended or not. just trying to cure my curiosity.
You'd need the shorter crankshaft from the LS4, so you'd lose some displacement. Also, accessory drive may be different.
Just not sure why anyone would want a 600+ HP front-driver. The cost alone would make it a non-starter for most people.
Just not sure why anyone would want a 600+ HP front-driver. The cost alone would make it a non-starter for most people.
Too each, their own. Not looking to offend. I once a built a V8 Fiero, so I guess I have nowhere to talk!
Just saying that, once you've bought a crate ($23,495 from GM) or even used ($15,000 on ebay) LS9, and then do all the mods to make it fit and live in this application, you could have bought any number of other things that would still spank it. And even then, it would still be compromised by the fact that it's FWD.
I applaud anyone who wants to be different, but if you think this one through, and look at the cost/effort, it may not seem so cool after all of the checks are written. I know I felt this way after I did my V8 Fiero. Spent nearly $14,000 to do it right. It was fun when it wasn't destroying transmissions, and I wound up selling it for about $6000. If I could do it again, I probably wouldn't...Or maybe I'd just do an LS4 like Fieroguru!
Just saying that, once you've bought a crate ($23,495 from GM) or even used ($15,000 on ebay) LS9, and then do all the mods to make it fit and live in this application, you could have bought any number of other things that would still spank it. And even then, it would still be compromised by the fact that it's FWD.
I applaud anyone who wants to be different, but if you think this one through, and look at the cost/effort, it may not seem so cool after all of the checks are written. I know I felt this way after I did my V8 Fiero. Spent nearly $14,000 to do it right. It was fun when it wasn't destroying transmissions, and I wound up selling it for about $6000. If I could do it again, I probably wouldn't...Or maybe I'd just do an LS4 like Fieroguru!
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Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Farmington Hills, MI
Like stated above, the transmission bellhousing bolt pattern on the LS4 is the FWD style and the other Gen IIIs and Gen IVs use the RWD bolt pattern. The Fiero guys typically make adapters when attempting a similar swap.
The crankshaft is also an issue. You would need to use the stock LS4 crank or have some custom machine work done on the stock LS9 crank. You'd probably want to work with an old-school speed shop for something like that, as the late model guys typically focus off the shelf parts, porting, power adders, tuning, etc.
The final issue is the front accessory drive. We have a complicated single belt system that is not compatable with that blower drive, and there isn't much clearance to work with. Without major modifications to the body structure you cannot fit a two belt accessory system. I see this as the biggest issue, and one that would likely drive you to doing an N/A or turbo'd LS3 build.
Either way, I see this idea as a labor of love in the quest for uniqueness, not a cost effective way to go fast with this platform.
The crankshaft is also an issue. You would need to use the stock LS4 crank or have some custom machine work done on the stock LS9 crank. You'd probably want to work with an old-school speed shop for something like that, as the late model guys typically focus off the shelf parts, porting, power adders, tuning, etc.
The final issue is the front accessory drive. We have a complicated single belt system that is not compatable with that blower drive, and there isn't much clearance to work with. Without major modifications to the body structure you cannot fit a two belt accessory system. I see this as the biggest issue, and one that would likely drive you to doing an N/A or turbo'd LS3 build.
Either way, I see this idea as a labor of love in the quest for uniqueness, not a cost effective way to go fast with this platform.
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Now, turbo/cam/spray does make sense to me, like you said...You don't need to spend thousands of $$ in fabrication to get it to work.
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