LS Powerplants

[Bukin 67]

I know its like blasphemy on a Ford site, but anyone ever change over for whatever reason, hp torque, parts cost and availability in foreign countries, etc?

 

[Yeller]

I know of 2 conversions. They both did it over cost and a availability. They wanted new vehicle reliability with ease of diagnosis and components designed to work together. The only real trouble they had was exhaust manifolds fitting, one modified manifolds and got it to work the other build a custom set of headers. They both used 4L60 trans and 231C tcases from an S10. Mine is not a good example with the frame built around everything

 

[pcf_mark]

LS powerplants are bullet proof and cheap. You can get a truck version put the LS6 heads, cam intake and make 405HP. The stand alone wiring is also reasonably priced.

 

[Buldozer]

Renders the truck worthless to a large segment of the population but some do it.... mainly hot rod shops that know nothing but chebby stuff

 

[Bukin 67]

I've been preached by the racers to go LS3. I want to go with a 351 stroker., but the ease of the plug n play LS does have it's merits it seems. I just need to find a local shop to do the 351 conversion for me or I'll never even make next year's NORRA %)

 

[blazinchuck]

I have a 5.7 ls1 it's going in my lowered bronco soon

 

[SSDDBRONCO]

My friend keeps convincing me to swap over to an ls1 but i just cant seem to get over the fact that a chevy engine doesnt belong in a ford and vice versa. ?:?

 

[RJGarza]

LSX motors are power plants!

 

[Yeller]

LS powerplants are bullet proof and cheap. You can get a truck version put the LS6 heads, cam intake and make 405HP. The stand alone wiring is also reasonably priced.

This is what I have done, except I started with an L33, which is a 5.3 all alluminum engine out of a truck, that has the good heads and hotter cam, then put an LS6 corvette intake on it and had it tuned. It put 220 to the ground, the tuner estimated 400 at the crank. big tires suck up power.

 

[broncoandy]

There is a time and place for everything but a Bronco is no place for an LS!

 

[El_Ducko]

I have wanted to do this conversion for several years. I just can't seem to find many pictures or write-ups about the fitment issues. When I do find someone online that has done it with stock manifolds, they don't seem to remember which one they used. Very frustrating.
As for the brand mixing, I hope this thread doesn't turn into a debate. This thread should focus on how to fit a LS motor/tranny/case between frame rails 24" apart with a live drivers drop front axle.

 

[Yeller]

Did some measuring last night on one of the buggies I built, Sanderson tight tuck headers will fit in the frame with ease, and a cross over pipe between the cross member and pan sump, and it should all fit. probably have to modify the crossmember to make room for the cross over pipe.

 

[lonesouth]

slap some turbos on that 5.3

 

[El_Ducko]

What about steering clearances? Are you running full hydro with no steering column shaft?

 

[Yeller]

Steering fits no issue

 

[Ss69]

Hmmm didn't think about the 231 transfer case. I was planning on using the 241 out of a fullsize with indepentent front. My focus of research was how to set up the fuel system and the VSS setup.

 

[WheelHorse]

Do up a complete build thread if you do go through with it.

Just watch out for the piston slappers and the oil burners. You'll have to research which years are affected.

 

[Yeller]

Hmmm didn't think about the 231 transfer case. I was planning on using the 241 out of a fullsize with indepentent front. My focus of research was how to set up the fuel system and the VSS setup.

Fuel is easy all you need is this kit
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/LS1-Complete-Fuel-Delivery-Kit,41792.html
Pick up is not near as big of a deal as its made out to be, I keep mine 3/8 full or better and have yet to have it suck air.

The VSS is no problem if your using a factory case, it has it. It does need the 4x4 switch wired up so it will shift correctly in low range.

 

[Ss69]

Fuel is easy all you need is this kit
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/LS1-Complete-Fuel-Delivery-Kit,41792.html
Pick up is not near as big of a deal as its made out to be, I keep mine 3/8 full or better and have yet to have it suck air.

The VSS is no problem if your using a factory case, it has it. It does need the 4x4 switch wired up so it will shift correctly in low range.

I was planning on using the hard plastic lines like factory uses and use the dorman kits for connectors just for cost reasons. Haven't seen that kit yet. I'll def keep that in mind when the time comes!

As far as the VSS goes, the t-case would be an older model so I guess it would just be a matter of pulling schematics and making sure it's wired correctly.

Which tank are you using? Or are using a cell? I was wanting to do an in-tank pump setup because I've had a couple friends burn up external pumps but I think they just didn't have them set up right. I see a bunch of people on here using them with success with their Ford motors.

 

[Yeller]

You only need a VSS if your using an electronic shift trans, other wise it can be deleted.

I'm using a CJ (yes a Heep) poly fuel tank. pros and cons to both. external pump has to be set up to push fuel, they don't suck very well, mine is about in the middle of the tank and haven't had any issues in a couple of years but its noisey, to the point of anoying. I preffer intank, but external is so easy and inexpensive. I just use normal hydraulic return line, its fairly cheap and is living, I have some on another rig that is over 10 years old. I do carry a spare pump and filter/regulator, not had issues with this set up but have with others, takes about 10 minutes to change

However i have been contimplating an intank set up, just haven't comitted to building a tank.