Guest Drive-ability Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 I see this subject has been visited often I've done a lot of searching on the site and others, however its still unclear to me just where the engine sits with the LS1. I have learned there are two (or more) engine placement locations and since I really want to use the LS1 and the 4L60E does this package dictate where the engine mounts will sit? IF so where? I also wonder how the transmission tunnel is effected. I could call the kit makers but there in business to sell parts, so I trust experience most of all. I really understand this has been a general subject before and truly will be doing the conversion as soon as I sell my 93 RX7, its a sweet car for sure and lots of guys love them but I am a Datsun/GM guy at heart. Thanks for your time. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwik240z Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 There are several factors that will decide the motor placement. If you go with the JCI (Johns Cars, Inc.) components you will not have a choice on motor location, The mounts provided place the motor in the proper location based on his stuff. Using these components, you will be able to retain the stock location for the alternator. As for the transmission you will need to remove the stock mounting ears from your trans tunnel and you will also need to massage (big Hammer) the tunnel in a few spots to get it to fit. I used this stuff and I have the motor and trans bolted in the car now. I plan to switch to a T56 6 speed so I will be pulling it all out (again) to install the 6 speed. If you decide to make your own mounts then you get to decide where you place it and are limited by firewall, oilpan, steering and header clearances. If you wait until JTR starts selling the mounts that Mike (MAS280) designed then again you won't have a choice in placement. This will place the motor a little farther back towards the firewall but you will need to relocate the alternator as it will not clear in the stock location. I am sure I am forgetting some of the other stuff too. All depends on how handy you are and/or how big your budget is. I went with the JCI stuff as it is alot easier and pretty much a bolt in job. Not to mention the design is 1st rate and the quality of the stuff is 2nd to none. One of the things I really like about the JCI stuff is that it doesn't rely only on the stock motor mount towers alone for strength. It includes reinforcements for the motor mount towers to strengthen this area. Good Luck! I see this subject has been visited often I've done a lot of searching on the site and others, however its still unclear to me just where the engine sits with the LS1. I have learned there are two (or more) engine placement locations and since I really want to use the LS1 and the 4L60E does this package dictate where the engine mounts will sit? IF so where? I also wonder how the transmission tunnel is effected. I could call the kit makers but there in business to sell parts, so I trust experience most of all. I really understand this has been a general subject before and truly will be doing the conversion as soon as I sell my 93 RX7, its a sweet car for sure and lots of guys love them but I am a Datsun/GM guy at heart. Thanks for your time. John [/font'] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Drive-ability Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 Thanks for the help, I guess I can make most mounts but just don't want to drift too far from a proven and simple design. That’s the reason for the LS1 a proven design. Since I did see them often in the dealerships as a drive-ability specialist I can handle the electronics. I don’t mind moving the alternator but I have seen some LT1 conversions on the net and the alt was really mounted strange. Do you know where or how the alternator gets mounted and is it set up in front of the engine facing the rear of the car? Well I will soon find out how things look. Having the biggest difference being weight distribution / space / ease is there a marked difference in handling? One that could be a deal breaker? Thanks John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwik240z Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 Thanks for the help, I guess I can make most mounts but just don't want to drift too far from a proven and simple design. That’s the reason for the LS1 a proven design. Since I did see them often in the dealerships as a drive-ability specialist I can handle the electronics. I don’t mind moving the alternator but I have seen some LT1 conversions on the net and the alt was really mounted strange. Do you know where or how the alternator gets mounted and is it set up in front of the engine facing the rear of the car? Well I will soon find out how things look. Having the biggest difference being weight distribution / space / ease is there a marked difference in handling? One that could be a deal breaker? Thanks John [/size'] Lots of discussion have taken place as to how the setback will affect the handling. The general opinions seems to be that there is little to no difference in handling when you are talking about 1"-2" . Both methods put the motor behind the front of the strut towers. As for the alternator do a search under MAS280. He made his own bracket and mounted the alt. on the passenger side up high with the alt facing forward as it was originally. You can see pics of mine here. Check out both links: http://www.cardomain.com/id/qwik240z http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=3083&ppuser=4628 Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeJTR Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 This is my advice. I don't think JTR is going to make any LS1 Z mounts anytime soon. The market is too small. Get the John's Car mounts. They look like a good design, and people seem to be happy with them. Get the JTR radiator, air cleaner ducting, and 1-3/4" LS1 Z headers. These work well with the John's car kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 Mike, If you build it, they will come....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Drive-ability Posted February 24, 2005 Share Posted February 24, 2005 Thanks for the tips. Now all I have to do is sell off my Rx7. Then find a 240Z without a rusted hull. I think in Ca. I may be able to fine one. Here is a pic of my Rx7 if you guys know anyone who wants one. I like the car but really don't feel right without a G.M. powerplant. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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