LS-1/T-56 Update #5

[Phantom]

Well - there's an engine & tranny in the hole. Have an LS-1/4L60E that was in a car fire (it is really painful to look at a melted down aluminum engine) that is being used to determine fit and then the real McCoy goes in. As of Thursday night it was sitting 6" in front of the firewall. Looking at the AC compressor, alternator, steering gear, heater connections and AC connections at the firewall it looks like the engine will slide back about another 3.5". That will put the shifter close to center in the original tunnel hole but will still probably build an offset into the shifter to move it back some - I have short arms for my height.

The AC compressor at that point will impact the passenger side original Datsun mount so it has to go. Will build in an offset unit that attaches to cross-member where the old Datsun mount is and also to the frame rail.

Stock exhaust header is still on the passenger side. It will clear everything there - no problem.

AC and heater connections will be tight but can be left in original locations and run OK.

At this point it appears that the steering arm and alternator will be OK. Will have to re-evaluate when the engine is moved in closer. Don't have the exhaust header on the drivers side but, even though it looks close, it has a good chance of clearing.

A bit concerned about the brake lines and fuel lines at this point. Looks like they may have to get relocated a bit. Not positive but possibility exists.

Not going to install an oil cooler at this point. That can wait for another day.

Gauges - going to stay stock. Buy the unit that will take the electronic output from the T-56 and drive the mechanical speedometer. That takes care of speedo and odo. Tach is a straight forward modification of the signal to read 8 cylinder vs. 6. Will mount Datsun senders on the LS-1 to pick up water temperature and oil pressure for the car gauges and let the Chevy ones just provide info to the ECM which will be on pasenger side floor.

Radiator - going to a 4-row version of the stock radiator - probably with pusher and puller fans and keep the original Datsun condenser for now. Also going to use R-12 vs R134a - has larger molecules, lower pressure, and same oil so less likely to leak away in the older part of the system. Also eliminates concerns about getting all the old oil out.

Still haven't decided on the exhaust if it'll stay split until after the tranny or route across under the engine. Depends on how tight things are and best overall for long term maintenance.

Hope to have a clearer picture in about two weeks.

Going to be in Vegas a couple days next week.