Builds 400HP 6.2L LS with 6 Speed auto swap....no lift. Plug 'n play swap kit in development (15 Viewers)

[Arya Ebrahimi]

I want to get the truck running with these. I think they will keep the engine very secure and limit movement which is necessary to avoid contact between the passenger side manifold and the frame. I also am able to craft these to utilize the stock frame mount on the driver's side. I want to do that for 2 reasons. The first is that it's a PITA to cut that mount off with the brakelines in that area. The second is that with 2 fixed points(frame mount in question and tranny mount attached to the adapter), locating the passenger side frame mount should be a bit more straightforward for the end user.

If the vibes are an issue, I will reevaluate at that time. If the bushings do prove to be too stiff and transmit too many vibrations, I will have to do away with the driver's side frame bracket and then there should be plenty of room for the liquid filled style of mounts that kirk used.

 

[jcardona1]

This is gonna be so awesome. First we got a 3 link kit. A doubler is in the works. And now a plug n play engine swap kit.

IS THIS REAL LIFE??

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

This is gonna be so awesome. First we got a 3 link kit. A doubler is in the works. And now a plug n play engine swap kit.

IS THIS REAL LIFE??

LOL This post just made my night!

 

[warezdog]

If that's rough fab then mine must be called crap now, thanks.......

 

[RockJock82]

What would be ideal and make your kit more for the novice DIY'er would be making mounts retaining the stock motor mount towers. Lots of people cannot weld or don't have access to one. Just a thought

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

If that's rough fab then mine must be called crap now, thanks.......

I have higher expectations when the parts are machine made I guess. I also didn't take pictures highlighting the flaws None of the holes are round or the edges square which makes for poor fitup. If I had made that by hand, I would be ecstatic lol.

What would be ideal and make your kit more for the novice DIY'er would be making mounts retaining the stock motor mount towers. Lots of people cannot weld or don't have access to one. Just a thought

I completely agree and sought to do that from the beginning. Unfortunately the AC compressor interferes with the passenger side frame horn by about an inch. I thought about just trimming back the corner of the frame horn for a weld free solution since it is much larger than the driver's side frame horn, but didn't feel comfortable not reinforcing it after trimming it which would require welding and defeat the purpose. I have not ruled out making the new passenger side frame horn bolt-on, but that will be a challenge to say the least.

We're on the same page though, I recognize the fact that most DIY'ers are not equipped for or comfortable welding.

 

[nukegoat]

I have higher expectations when the parts are machine made I guess. I also didn't take pictures highlighting the flaws None of the holes are round or the edges square which makes for poor fitup. If I had made that by hand, I would be ecstatic lol.



I completely agree and sought to do that from the beginning. Unfortunately the AC compressor interferes with the passenger side frame horn by about an inch. I thought about just trimming back the corner of the frame horn for a weld free solution since it is much larger than the driver's side frame horn, but didn't feel comfortable not reinforcing it after trimming it which would require welding and defeat the purpose. I have not ruled out making the new passenger side frame horn bolt-on, but that will be a challenge to say the least.

We're on the same page though, I recognize the fact that most DIY'ers are not equipped for or comfortable welding.

I think most people doing an engine swap for an 80 can weld or find someone who can. I don't see that as a problem. Civic engine swaps, sure. But what you are prescribing is fine

 

[alia176]

Good stuff Arya. What are you using for a camera?

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Ali, I'm just using my phone Samsung Galaxy S4

Not sure if you're asking because they're good pics or because they suck

 

[alia176]

Ali, I'm just using my phone Samsung Galaxy S4

Not sure if you're asking because they're good pics or because they suck

Well......

 

[RockJock82]

I think most people doing an engine swap for an 80 can weld or find someone who can. I don't see that as a problem. Civic engine swaps, sure. But what you are prescribing is fine

Your right most can weld, but not everyone. If your making a kit to sell maybe offer both. That's my input

 

[LINUS]

Being that your AC compressor isn't CArb - compliancy related or a basic issue to getting running how about the option of doing like many builders of showcars & swap to a Japan - marque unit?

You already have the A/C system open so no big to swap on a smaller unit - Honda ones are quite small but live long. At least if the fitment is diameter of the comp housing.

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

The issue with the AC compressor is the length front to back. There is also interference between the CTS-V manifolds and the stock frame mount on the passenger side. I spent some time tonight looking at how it might be possible to salvage the passenger side frame mount, but it's just not possible with these manifolds.

Had to work late tonight at the day job so I only got a little bit of time in tonight. I've got a working prototype for the driver's side motor mount, but I'm struggling to come up with a good plan for the passenger side. Hopefully something will come to me tomorrow.

 

[rockrod]

i don't recall, but i wonder if there are existing holes in the frame rails where it would be possible to fab a bolt in mount for the non-welder equipped folks. Cutting the mounts off is something anyone can handle with a sawzall and a BFH and chisel.

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Unfortunately there is nothing in the immediate vicinity. There is one ~3/8" hole, but it's only one and not threaded or anything. I went round and round in my head about the bolt on idea and I just don't think it's going to work. I am going to try to utilize that 3/8" hole to locate the motor mount so that it's placement is uniform from truck to truck. Of course I need to verify that hole exists on all 80s and is consistently located.

 

[97LandCruser]

Mine is currently stock height but i do not have the front drive shaft on. and i did a temporary fix for the oil pan untill i either lift it or modify the oil pan to clear the tie rod

 

[LINUS]

I get the "why" of the no-weld concept, but in this day with mobile welders, people could just have their mounts mocked in place & have one of those guys come out & burn all items in.
The best way to get a completed swap WILL involve at least a few welds, - and if a guy is following this he either can weld or has the money to pay for the best solution if he can slap plastic for the LS powertrain.

Mobile welders aren't overly expensive & are a no-brainer if you need but can't do it. A neat row of stacked dimes laid down IS money well spent

Maybe see how many people here following NEED a no-weld solution & who would rather pay for it if it comes right down to it from a quality perspective.
---If the kit included a clear "these are your weld items" - then 1 trip charge with one of those guys & done & it opens you up to use the best solutions without a 2nd thought. I get your concept but it seems you are killing yourself over it when a few welds is a excellent thing!!!

 

[newtomelx]

^^^I agree totally, worse case scenario is one hour for a mobile welder and done! If you are spending the coin to do the swap another $150 cannot be a deal breaker, at least that's my opinion!

 

[RS6tofj80]

IMHO a bit of Welding would be fine given the relative ease of getting it done these days.....

love this thread....

 

[Bogart]

weld away!