Engine and Transmission Tech

im about to start an ls1 v8 engine swap into a 1967 mgb gt. just looking for some info or tips from some one who has done it before or heard of it being done. i haven't found an example yet. anyone have any suggestions?

The LS1 V8 is significantly more compact than the old, iron LT1 V8. I understand that there are long and short water pumps available (whch may require different front covers), and the lack of a distributor helps to reduce height. It may be about as easy to fit as a 215 V8. To give an idea of how compact it is, Ford 302 heads can be fitted by only ovaling out two bolt holes. The only significant fabrication job would probably be making headers, but this is not as difficult as it may seem. Maybe Ford/MGB headers could be used as a starting point for the modification. My recommendation is to go with a T-5 transmission with G-force internals. this should easly handle the torque, and fits the MGB transmission tunel much easier than the usual 6-speed transmission. (I believe that the 67 MGB tunnel is even smaller than in the 1968-on models.) In fact, you could maybe consider using a ford T-5 crossmember as a starting point (with a Ford T-5 rear case on the transmission). P-AYR sells plastic engine blocks that can be used to make templates for engine mounts, headers, etc. These can be bought used on E-bay (sometimes) and can be sold on E-bay agian when you are finished with it.

Larry,

Good luck with the Ford V8 conversion. Keep us advised on the progress.

This group has some great contributions. I am doing a Rover 3.5 V8 conversion as we speak and this group has been a world of help.

Phillip G

Phil;

I have had my Ford engine installed for many years (and it has been alot of fun). Doing it over would be much easier now because there are kits available and I would not have to fabricate so many parts.

If I do another car, it would probably be with an LS 1. I know it will fit because Chevy iron block conversions have already been done, and the LS1 is definitely smaller. Because the iron block and LS1 engines fit in the same chassis, the information on existing LT1 conversions would be useful in planning the LS1 conversion, especially concerning engine mounts and clearance between the block and steering shaft.

Larry, are you saying that the Ford 302 heads can be used on the LS-1? (What a revoltin' development! ;-)

Jim

"(What a revoltin' development! ;-)"

Larry, I have to agree with Jim. As a looong time Chevy man, that is unthinkable! Besides, for the longest time, Chevy heads have always outflowed Ford heads.

I agree with ya on the LS1. I want one!

But wait! Wouldn't that mean that the LS-1 heads could be used on the 302 Ford?? :-) :-) Hehehehehe.

Not that you'd want to...

Jim

The real value of the Ford heads is to recreate the unappreciated Vega technology. Chevy iron heads will not fit on the LS1 aluminum block, but iron Ford heads will.

Holy Cow!!! Now there's an innovative idea for you!

Jim

Matt,

LS1 in a 67 BGT, sounds familiar, be ready for a bit of head scratching. The engine itself will fit pretty well, exhausts are going to be a challenge. I'm using the 4L60E auto trans, lots of tunnel mods. I've kept the camaro (donor) next to the garage for more than a year picking parts and still find things that are useful, so hang on to your donor as long as possible.
here is a link to my photo album
[picasaweb.google.com]#

best of luck, post pics as you go
JM

A friend is putting this engine in a Toyota LandCruiser ('75) and is wondering what to do about the fuel tank/fuel pump. What works?

(A friend is putting this engine in a Toyota LandCruiser ('75) and is wondering what to do about the fuel tank/fuel pump. What works?)

Chris,

The earlier year LS1's had a fuel feed and a fuel return on the fuel rails(98/99). Later LS1's have a feed line on the fuel rail only(2000/1/and 2. Most of the fuel pumps are in the fuel tank (which will have less noise factor). You can use an inline fuel pump!. But it is best to have a sump in the fuel tank so that the fuel pump won't starve for fuel (when going around a corner the fuel will slosh in the tank so if tank is half full or under could have fuel starvation). A LS1 likes to have I believe 50 to 55psi constant pressure on the fuel injectors (stock anyway). So there needs to be a fuel regulator after the pump. Most people that swap this engine in will install the sump and weld in an 8AN fitting, install fuel line for 8AN fitting to an inline fuel filter, right into an inline fuel pump, then into a Corvette fuel regulator/filter/return all in one, AN 6 all the way up to the fuel rail at engine. The return back to the tank. 1/3 of your fuel goes to the engine fuel rail with constant pressure, 2/3 back to the tank.

I have the 2002 LS1(feed to fuel rail only).This photo shows how I'm setting up my TR6 LS1 conversion. The first photo show's the 8AN fitting on the sump, hose to inline fuel filter to protect the fuel pump, then used an Areomotive inline fuel pump, then into the Corvette regulator. The SS braided line is 5/16 size( on the regulator) and is the return line back to the tank. The regulator is a filter for your engine injectors. Then it's 6 AN fitting all the way up to the fuel rail. The pump should be lower than your sump also.




The 3/8's hard line coming out of the regulator will go to the engine fuel rail.




Fuel rail hook up.


Hope this helps out with your friend.

Calvin



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/15/2009 10:19AM by 74ls1tr6.