[Geoff]

I've looked throughout this section and couldn't find an answer.

Can you install an LS engine in a tri-five without making permanent mods
to the car?

Do you have to modify the firewall, or can the LS simply be moved forward without complicating
anything else?

Can you leave the transmission mounts (horns) intact?
I realize you need side engine mounts welded in (those are reversible)

What are any other "snags" to work through?

I like the dependability, efficiency, and power potential of the LS motors.
The only thing is that I never really liked the way they look, but they're kinda
growing on me.


.

 

[chevman57]

Geoff i don`t recall anyone having to modify the firewall to install a LS engine. Jeff didn`t modify his firewall in his 56 did he ?
Terry

 

[Geoff]

Geoff i don`t recall anyone having to modify the firewall to install a LS engine. Jeff didn`t modify his firewall in his 56 did he ?
Terry

Terry,

Jeff (JEMO) put a custom firewall in his car and he said that the LS fits really tight.

 

[Old Buzzard]

FWIW...

My 6.0 in the 55 did not require firewall mods.. Made my own mounts.
Unless you want problems w/ headers/exh hanging down, the trans mounts need to go... LS or SBC...
Maybe, if you waited until the LS "grew on you" enuf, you could forget about going back to the SBC???

 

[NickP]

Hmmmm, looks like a new Avitar!

I've looked throughout this section and couldn't find an answer.

Can you install an LS engine in a tri-five without making permanent mods
to the car?

Do you have to modify the firewall, or can the LS simply be moved forward without complicating
anything else?

Can you leave the transmission mounts (horns) intact?
I realize you need side engine mounts welded in (those are reversible)

What are any other "snags" to work through?

I like the dependability, efficiency, and power potential of the LS motors.
The only thing is that I never really liked the way they look, but they're kinda
growing on me.


.

Judicious planning can overcome any obstacle. When I pull the body off the chassis of the 55 vert, I’ll take a gander at the possible issues. It also depends upon which LS you want. There are differences in each type that present their own specific set of issues.

Consideration may also be given to cutting the horns off and retaining them for replacement later on. If this is done with finesse, they should be able to go back. In fact, you might even make them a bolt in for later use. Then it would only require cutting the side mounts off.

Like I said, judicious planning can accomplish any task!!

BTW, have a grand vacation in the Ozarks! Be Blessed and be safe – ENJOY!

 

[Geoff]

Thanks guys.

As Nick said, I'm considering putting an LS in my '55 convertible but I don't want to cut the frame horns or mess with the firewall.

After working on my highly modified '56 project I've actually been looking forward to a fairly straightforward restoration with the convertible
that just entails cleaning, restoring, replacing parts and painting. (Nick has done a lot of the tough stuff already by replacing the rockers and floor pan)

If the LS is too much trouble or requires the car to be permanently modified I will probably just drop the idea.

Looks like this guy had some of the same concerns and he left the horns in
place. I wouldn't even mind running a factory type exhaust if it would fit because I want this car to be quiet.

http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40971


What LS motor/trans would you suggest for this car?
Keep in mind I want a cruiser first and will be keeping the car very stock looking
but doing safety/performance updates to make it comfortable for
my family.


Geoff

.

 

[Chevynut]

I installed this LS engine forward 2 1/4" and clears the 57 firewall just fine.

Here's the same engine in my Nomad for a trial fitting to get the dimensions:

 

[BO185]

Thanks guys.

As Nick said, I'm considering putting an LS in my '55 convertible but I don't want to cut the frame horns or mess with the firewall.

After working on my highly modified '56 project I've actually been looking forward to a fairly straightforward restoration with the convertible
that just entails cleaning, restoring, replacing parts and painting. (Nick has done a lot of the tough stuff already by replacing the rockers and floor pan)

If the LS is too much trouble or requires the car to be permanently modified I will probably just drop the idea.

Looks like this guy had some of the same concerns and he left the horns in
place. I wouldn't even mind running a factory type exhaust if it would fit because I want this car to be quiet.

http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40971


What LS motor/trans would you suggest for this car?
Keep in mind I want a cruiser first and will be keeping the car very stock looking
but doing safety/performance updates to make it comfortable for
my family.


Geoff

.

Its basically a bolt in swap now. The only thing you will have to do is drill hols in the frame for the motor and transmount.

I would do a 5.3L and 4l60. Would be cheap and reliable. It'll make 300hp stock all day long.

 

[Geoff]

Its basically a bolt in swap now. The only thing you will have to do is drill hols in the frame for the motor and transmount.

I would do a 5.3L and 4l60. Would be cheap and reliable. It'll make 300hp stock all day long.

I'm okay with side motor mounts and building a tranny mount, I just
didn't want to mod the firewall, cut the horns, notch the frame, or anything too permanent.


Was thinking a 5.3 or a 6.0L and 4L60. (I want to keep the column shift automatic)
I'm definitely not opposed to an all aluminum LS motor if the right one comes along and the price is right, but seems like one of the iron blocks would be a good fit for my needs.

Nick found a cool 6.0 and 6L80e trans a while back, but that trans was HUGE and would have required major tunnel mods.


I need to go do my homework about the differences between a
5.3 and 6.0L........




.

 

[Jemo]

Hey Geoff,

Yeah, it will fit with no problem in a stock car. The hardest part about getting it to fit was the headers. Depends on what you have but I had a CPP 500 box and it was real close to the exhaust ports of the engine. I lucked out and bought a set from Sanderson that fit like a glove. I tried the CPP motor mounts but they didn't work as well and ended up getting the S&P mounts which worked really well. The only other fitting problem I've had is with the air filter. Right now it has a elbow on it and it curls back in front of the alternator. Looks kind of import-ish so I'm going to eventually buy a filter set up from S&P. Expensive but it's real short, has the MAF built in, and sticks right out the front of the manifold.

Size-wise, my understanding is that the 4.8, 5.3, 5.7, and 6.0 are all identical in exterior dimensions. The difference is in the front accessories you choose and the intake manifold. I have a 5.3L and 4l60 in my car. It can break the speed limit with no worries.

Jeff

 

[Geoff]

Thanks for the info Jeff.

I'm headed over to Street and Performance today and will talk to them about exhaust, etc. I will be using a CPP 500 box on this car.
The guy I talked to at S&P said they had several tri-fives at the shop to look at.

I'll take some pictures.

 

[NickP]

Thanks for the info Jeff.

I'm headed over to Street and Performance today and will talk to them about exhaust, etc. I will be using a CPP 500 box on this car.
The guy I talked to at S&P said they had several tri-fives at the shop to look at.

I'll take some pictures.

See if they have any free samples of LS-9 engines. :sign0020:

 

[BO185]

Nick found a cool 6.0 and 6L80e trans a while back, but that trans was HUGE and would have required major tunnel mods.


I need to go do my homework about the differences between a
5.3 and 6.0L........




.

A 4l80 should fit with out any trans tunnel mods., its not that much bigger than the 60. With most bolt in front mounts sold that is...


The only difference in the 5.3 and 6.0L is the bore 3.78 vs 4.0''. And the heads flow little better on the 6.0L as well.

 

[joeelutz]

Geoff,

Take a look at this thread where we just installed a LS1 and TKO600 in a customer's 55 with the stock firewall. We just positioned the engine to clear the firewall. Maybe this will give you some ideas.
http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50227
The engine and trans came from S&P. But if you're just building a cruiser, I would probably get a 5.3 or 4.8 truck engine from Scott @ Mid-South Performance and save some $$

Joe

 

[deadcarny]

Resto-mod and lovin it

Geoff -

I had similar feelings about my 57 when considering installing the LS1 powertrain. Was very difficult to finally decide to cut away the stock components that I thought might be valuable to me "if I decide to go back to stock". But, I gotta tell you....after driving mine for 2 years and from coast to coast with overdrive, cruise, 400+hp, etc, etc and still getting 22+ mpg.....there is no way I would ever even think about going back stock.!!

And as far as "hurting the value" goes....I could have already sold mine for more than its probable value as a restored stock vehicle. But honestly, there is no way I'm gonna sell this car anyway.....its way to sweet to just drive and enjoy..!! So I really don't care about the value issue..!!

JMHO from my experience...for whats its worth..!
Good luck with your decision..!!
Dwight K

 

[joeelutz]

Geoff -

I had similar feelings about my 57 when considering installing the LS1 powertrain. Was very difficult to finally decide to cut away the stock components that I thought might be valuable to me "if I decide to go back to stock". But, I gotta tell you....after driving mine for 2 years and from coast to coast with overdrive, cruise, 400+hp, etc, etc and still getting 22+ mpg.....there is no way I would ever even think about going back stock.!!

And as far as "hurting the value" goes....I could have already sold mine for more than its probable value as a restored stock vehicle. But honestly, there is no way I'm gonna sell this car anyway.....its way to sweet to just drive and enjoy..!! So I really don't care about the value issue..!!

JMHO from my experience...for whats its worth..!
Good luck with your decision..!!
Dwight K

I agree completely.

 

[Geoff]

Geoff -

I had similar feelings about my 57 when considering installing the LS1 powertrain. Was very difficult to finally decide to cut away the stock components that I thought might be valuable to me "if I decide to go back to stock". But, I gotta tell you....after driving mine for 2 years and from coast to coast with overdrive, cruise, 400+hp, etc, etc and still getting 22+ mpg.....there is no way I would ever even think about going back stock.!!

And as far as "hurting the value" goes....I could have already sold mine for more than its probable value as a restored stock vehicle. But honestly, there is no way I'm gonna sell this car anyway.....its way to sweet to just drive and enjoy..!! So I really don't care about the value issue..!!

JMHO from my experience...for whats its worth..!
Good luck with your decision..!!
Dwight K

You sure make a good argument for the LS motors...

Thanks