LS1 engine conversion in a C3

[Scooter]

I am a fair way into a LS1 and 4L60 transmission conversion on my 1980 C3 and I am starting to hit a few snags. Has anyone done this type of conversion before and if so tell me how you worked out the final height of the engine while keeping the sump and transmission pan clearance at a safe height. To make things even more complicated, I am doing a RH drive conversion and want to fit a rack and pinion steer system at the same time so this is also affecting sump clearance. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[bfit]

Oh you are  going down a hard road
All posible Though
I have had an engine in a vehicle and set it all up got to get back to that.
It's all straight forward  make sure you have 10 mm clearance to everything and you will get through the engineering side of it .
I'm not keen on rack n pinion to the standard front suspension
A C4 front suspension is a good coversion
But RHD presents a few problems
Bfit

[72vet]

Hi Scooter, links to Retro Rack in S.A & Flaming river - Rocket Industries are the supplier here in Aus

http://retrorack.net/index.php?route=information/contact

http://www.flamingriver.com/index.php/products/c0007/s0001/FR312PWRHC

[Scooter]

Thanks guys for the comments. The engine height is also affecting the drive shaft angles which has its own limitations.  I am interested in the C4 suspension change. How much variation is there to the C3 and where could I get more tech info on that? The RHD conversion does not look too bad so far as there seems to be enough clearance around the engine.

[bfit]

On the c4 conversion  look up paul newman chassis in the US  you will see hoy it's done.
When you set up the ls1 move it to the left you should be ale to get 30mm more room on the RHS
There was a  Set of RHD dash panels on eBay last week
If you use standard chev mounts and make you adaptor plates out of 10mm plate you will have
1.5 degs angle on the engine trans which will suit the car .

What oil pan  do you intend on using
Exhaust manifolds of a L98 will fit the engine bay  perfectly 

Pm me your email addy I will send you photos on my I stall that I have been doing
this will give you some ideas.
http://nswcorvettes.com.au/forum/index.php/topic,8633.msg1045941484.html#msg1045941484
The thread looks to be in reverse order
Bfit

[Scooter]

Bfit, I have sent you my email details. Let me know if you don't get it because I had a few problems sending it.

I have a holley rear sump pan but have realised it is still to deep in the front area to clear the steering gear. I am thinking that the F body pan used on the camaros will be the best option as it is very shallow in the front. There are a few other configurations some of which may also suit.

For manifolds, I have seen some hooker cast iron headers with the outlet flange close to the rear of the engine. They are around $450 landed in australia and provide a lot more room down both sides of the engine. I will look at the L98 ones though.

I'll also check C4 option to see if it is within my budget limits.

[Scooter]

Just reviewed some of the links to other conversions and am now more comfortable that it can be done. For the dash conversion I am looking to go full electronic. I have a 2005 statesman which I am pinching most of the running gear out of and want to utilise as much of the electronics as I can. As you would expect, if I ever get it finished, it will be quite different. I'll keep plodding away and keep an eye on the thread for any ideas and throw in some photos as i get things worked out. Thanks guys

[bfit]

Hi scooter
How the conversion going
Bfit

[Scooter]

Hi Bfit,
The LS1 conversion is going slow as I only get the weekends to work on it and that is only when the wife has not made other plans.
I have been focused on the rack and pinion steering mods before I can get into the actual engine install although I have done a dummy fit and everything should fit in place albeit the engine will sit about 50mm higher to clear the sump. I have had to remove the factory engine chassis mounts to allow the steering shaft to have clearance. The Statesman (VZ) rack has the correct travel but is about 90mm too long. The plan is to machine down the tie rods and cut new threads and reuse the VZ tie rod ends. The tapered bores of the C3 connecting arms are much smaller than the VZ but there is plenty of meat there so I intend reaming these to the right taper. I will post some photos of the steer set up without the engine in place to show how it all goes together. Thanks for the interest. Scooter