1983 944 LT!/LSx? Conversion

[lastson03]

I am looking to buy a RH Kit on Ebay. The kit is for the LT1 engine. Will this kit work with the LSx engines as well? It consists basically of the bellhousing, throwout bearing and crossmember. The only reason I bought the car is because I saw one converted on Youtube and decided this swap was for me. I have done a TPI/700r4 swap on my 1968 C-10. So I hope that is enough experience to get me started. One more question. Has anyone tried s-10 ls1 engine swap headers? They look like a possibilty from the photos I have seen. I know the first rule of the engine swap is: " Come up with a budget, then double it". Thanks in advance for all your help.

[maxwedge528]

i do not beleve that it will work. in my opinion i would go with the lsx conversion so as to get the all aluminum design as well as most recent updates. moderate horsepower lsx engines are readily available in crate form and are reasonable cheap.

[craighardy]

maxwedge528 is correct. This kit will not work with the LSX engines.

[lastson03]

I will have to take your word for it but, It is my understanding that the LSx engines will bolt in any where a sbc once resided. I do understand that someone makes adapters to bolt the LSx engine to the old Muncie 4 spds and th400 and th350s'. So my question is why would using the LT1 mount and bellhousing be any different? Also Edelbrock makes headers that look similar to a photo of RHs that I saw somewhere.part #65673. Could this be a cheaper alternative? AS far as engine choice I am looking at a 5.3, I can pick one up for around 500$ complete. Could sell what I can't use, to fund parts I need.
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/exhaust/popup/65763_side.jpg

[craighardy]

I believe the bolt pattern on the bellhousing is the same but the clutch and throwout bearing are different. The LS engines use a hydraulic throwout bearing. Maybe the old style can be adapted but I'm not sure. Some parts of the kit may fit but If you look at the RH SBC kit verses the LS kit there are very few components that are the same. I'm sure RH could answer this question better than most of us. I've only worked with the LS kit.

[944-LT1]

Craigs right on. The clutch is metric. But even still, yes, it will work. You will need the GM conversion flywheel (or McLeod)which uses a metric flywheel but then allows the use of standard GM clutch components by means of a metric flywheel to crank bolt pattern and then standard GM pressure plate bolt pattern. The throwout bearing, slave and fork will still remain the same and function in the same manner. The clutch disc will also remain the same (10.5" 23-spline by 1" input spline diameter).

Im not definite but the part number for the flywheel is McLeod #460535? Im not sure but Ive found it before.

The mounts are the same anyway you look at it. If you are planning an LS series engine, you will need adapter plates. These are the ones I used~$46... http://carshop.carshopinc.com/product_info.php/products_id/74328/LS1GM

What engine were you looking into using specifically?

I am the previous owner of these parts (got your email). I personally had it bolted to an LS3 engine 3 weeks ago. I sold it due to the flywheel. :rolleyes: I am expecting more than 500 hp with the LS3 and so want a larger clutch. With that BH, I was using a 10.5" clutch (not sure what max diameter clutch I couldve used never measured but want 11"/12" for sure with the LS3).

I really do wish you woulda told me you were looking into an LS during the auction because if you really want an LS, i feel that I coulda steered you in a better direction. See, I steered away 2-3 guys that asked about the LS conversion with these parts telling them that there was an easier way (though a bit more expensive). I explained that although it does and will work with an LS series engine, the flywheel required was roughly 390-450 bucks!

Regardless, it works absolutly flawless with an LTx engine!!!!

Anyway, it should show up on your doorstep today (28th).

Here it all is with my LT engine! http://www.hybrid9s.com/album.php?albumid=9
http://www.hybrid9s.com/picture.php?albumid=9&pictureid=97

Oops. EDIT: Just saw this.

AS far as engine choice I am looking at a 5.3, I can pick one up for around 500$ complete. Could sell what I can't use, to fund parts I need.


OK. So you ARE looking into LS based engines. So you will need the GM swap flywheel. I will research that for you.


Also Edelbrock makes headers that look similar to a photo of RHs that I saw somewhere.part #65673. Could this be a cheaper alternative?


The deal with the headers is quite complex. There is a steering shaft that must either 1.) pass through the center of the drivers side headers or 2.) pass between the header and block. Its tight in there. What has been found (by "johnny johnny") is that the hooker headers PN# 2312 are cheap and easy to use. Please see... http://944hybrids.forumotion.com/lsx-conversions-f3/headers-headers-headers-t31.htm
If you read the thread, it starts off with 2312's drivers side being modified in a moderate fashion. Then at the last page, Johnny finds a new way to mod the same drivers side header in an easier way (waiting for outcome). All very doable for you seeing as youve been in the swap game for awhile. I believe the RH headers are one-offs. Cannot find another set that look like theirs. They are having 3 and 5 primaries on the outside of the collector.

[lastson03]

I appreciate all of the advice, and I am in no hurry so I have plenty of time to locate parts. I still haven't completely made up my mind on the engine yet. I will go go with the truck engine only if I can locate acc. brackets first power steering (for brakes), alt and one day ac for a reasonable price. A friend of mine owns 3 LS powered Camaros (two SS's and a Z28), his wife owns a 40,000 mile LT1 Z28, he is the one really pushing for the LS engine. He said for all the trouble he would not bother with the LT1. I would be satisfied with the LT1 myself. He also owns the LS1 intake I will need. Has anyone seen the KEVKO LS Street Rod Oil Pan?