LS-1 Block hugger Headers

[Guest Anonymous]

My latest copy of Jegs Catalog listed a pair of block hugger headers for the LS-1, they might be the solution to some of the exhaust clearance problems that folks installing the LS-1 have been discussing.

 

Which is really just a means of bringing up the subject so I can ask some questions of those of you doing this swap. I've read through the recent LS-1 threads and I think I have a handle on the major obstacles, but was wondering if those of you with experience could answer some specific questions for those of us still in the dreaming-about-it stage? The recent post on mounting the motor and various web pages cover that subject very well, but even re-reading the thread I can't quite fill in the holes.

 

For a given installation, where about did you place the motor? (Dist from firewall, offset to side?) What was done for the exaust system? Did you use stock manifolds or find an aftermarket solution? It sounds from the post like a lot of people are doing custom brackets for the accessories, again, was anyone able to keep AC and how did you do it?

 

I also noticed several people discussed interference with the heater lines. Did everyone have this problem? Is it possible to simply shorthen the heater core lines and make the connections inside the pass compartment?

 

Thanks in advance for all your help. I've been reading this forum for a while and I know if anyone can halp me with my questions, you guys can!

Thanks!

Jeff E.

[jeromio]

I have the 280Z HVAC. I cut the nipples off my heater and soldered on some elbows. The 240Z HVAC is not really in the way.

 

I'm using stock 99 FBody manifolds. Modified by cutting off the flanges and welding 2.5 inch tubing on the ends. Passenger side flange (simple aftermarket flange from Autozone) ends up being above the frame rail on the passenger side (end up with only about 3/4 inch of tubing tail there) and much lower down on the drivers side. There's hardly any room on the passenger side for exhaust. The steering shaft is the main obstacle on the driver's side.

 

I'll be welding up the O2 bung on the driver's side manifold and putting in a new one. Same for the passenger side.

 

Actually positioning the motor wasn't really a big deal. I just dropped it in there with the hoist and used a floor jack -lined it all up. Minimized the interference with the various obstacles. Then I mocked in the mounts.

 

What was difficult was lining up the driveline angles. That was the thing I was most worried about and sucked up the most time.

 

For the vertical plane, I used an angle finder I got from HomeDepot. I referenced the pinion flange against the face of the tranny output shaft. For the front to back I tried to line up the "invisible" line created by the crankshaft center bolt and the tranny output with the frame rails.

 

I'm using all stock FBody accessory brackets. I plan on running the A/C. I am milling about 1/2 inch off the compressor bracket to get the compressor to clear the frame rail.

[Guest Anonymous]

Jeromio,

 

Thanks for answering my post. I've checked out your web site, and it looks like you've built an awesome Z. I'll probably be asking more questions as soon as I get some parts together.

 

Jeff E.