Heard something different on TV!!! - Lateral-g Forums

juveteach · #1 08-02-2006, 09:02 AM

Hello All,

I was watching the TV show called Muscle Car on Spike this past weekend. The host is doing a carb'd LS engine swap in a 70-72 nova.. He had some S&P engine plates and was talking about the oil pan clearance issue and what options you had to correct it. He then said something I have never heard before. He said that he was going to raise the engine up about two inches to clear the steering rods, and he wouldn't have to cut the pan and all would fit and work fine....
My question is this possible on a first gen camaro? Has anyone tried it or heard about it? I am doing a swap and would like to keep stock steering if possible, but was looking for a cost/budget way to avoid the oil pan and new pick up route. Thanks for reading, chime in if you like.

Thanks.

rwhite692 · #2 08-02-2006, 10:31 AM

I can't imagine how he could raise the engine 2", without needing to also raise the top of the trans tunnel (sheetmetal work, etc)...then there is the driveshaft angle....raising all that mass 2" in the car is also not a good thing for the center of gravity...Ugh...

Sounds like he is hell bent on ignoring all the good work and experience base which has been well-shared by many of the folks who have done this swap already...

67SSChevelle · #3 08-02-2006, 10:41 AM

I saw that episode and he DID cut the trans tunnel top off and said he would raise it a few inches

juveteach · #4 08-03-2006, 09:18 AM

Anyone have a comment about this? Ya'll think it will work being raised? If the tunnel is cut could it be raised without any oil pan mod's?

Thanks.

Teetoe_Jones · #5 08-03-2006, 09:36 AM

Why in the hell would you create MORE work by raising the engine, cutting the tunnel, and re-fabbing new mounts, when you could just do it correctly in the first place?
An oil pan can be modded for under $300, and a brand new pan that is designed to fit into the chassis can be had for $499. Don't listen to everything you see on TV, they aren't always doing things the best way.

Tyler

juveteach · #6 08-03-2006, 10:44 AM

Yea ya'll are right, why create more work for yourself. He was trying to get that engine to fit which took several test fits. The tunnel work would be a bear. Thanks for all ya'lls input.

PRO TC · #7 08-06-2006, 11:23 PM

trust me he got a cluster f--k going the trans is so high in the car the tunnel will be huge. i heard him say somthing about not needing the back seat.wll see how it plays out
barry

DRJDVM's '69 · #8 08-07-2006, 12:10 AM

On the episode today they showed the trans in the car in the "raised" position....... its WAY high in the car... it looks stupid and the shifter is going to sit as high as the dash pad !!!! The tunnel is going to be ridiculous....I'm also curious if he's going to have the hood clearence since the LS motor is going carbed and not throttle body.

Not to mention the linkage for the clutch etc etc etc. Seems like alot of extra fabrication to do it that way.

awr68 · #9 08-07-2006, 12:29 AM

Fist off, I had to raise my trans tunnel .75" to get the T56 to fit with lower body mounts...not the most fun job to do if you want it done right (butt welded and all new metal).

Second, why would you spend the money and time on a bad ass LSx motor just to f-everything up with a real bad mounting decision! Talk about pissing in the wind!! Why not just get the correct mounts and oil pan?!?

Third, I do TiVo that show and liked it alot, but now that it's just Lou I'm not so sure it's the same without Jared....

Fourth, he even mentioned the floor not to mention the rest of the car was in mint condition with just over 30k on the clock!! What a retard!! Whay in the hell would you take the plasma to that!!

Fifth, Listen to Tyler!! He has the answers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

juveteach · #10 08-07-2006, 07:47 AM

Liked the show this weekend. He seems to have alot of work to do with the tranny. It looked like he had 2 2"square tubes under the trans to hold it up, on the insde on the floor pan. Ya'll were right that thing is way high even for a bench seat car. It woild be like a rat rod shifter in a 1st gen. I will be watching him to see the results.

I will ask this question again. Has anyone ever been down the road Lou is going? I know we want see everything becase its a TV show but its got a good start. My $.02 worth.

Thanks.