LS1 Swap

46Tbird · #1 12-30-2009, 08:51 PM

Hey there, new guy here so go easy on me.

Just wondering if anyone has done an LS1 swap into one of these trucks and what kind of issues you ran into outside of normal swap woes. Initial measurements look really good, it seems like it will sit low and tight.

Biggest questions I have are around the clutch hydraulics. I am looking at a '00 F-body LS1/T56 and want to run the clutch slave that it comes with. Does anyone have a spec on the swept volume of the stock Ranger clutch master? I think I can work up a line to join them without too much problem and it would save me quite a bit over an aftermarket master/slave/throwout setup.

This is all just prelimenary at this point, but since it's not a daily driver anymore I kinda want to have fun. It's got 215,000 of the slowest miles in the world on it, it deserves to have a good time.

Sorry for the overprocessed photos. Thanks for any input-
Danny

Gearhead299 · #2 12-30-2009, 08:59 PM

as far as i can remember i haven't heard of an LS1 swapped ranger, i wouldn't be at all surprised if someone has done it, but i would bet that its on an older ranger that doesn't see the street anymore

that being said, i think your truck would be sick with an LS1 in it, especially if you could keep it street legal

blueovelboy · #3 12-30-2009, 09:09 PM

wow sound fun and is that your truck in the pic that will get the new heart?

46Tbird · #4 12-30-2009, 09:23 PM

Yep, that's my Ranger. I bought it with 9.8 miles on the odometer in August 1999. Still have the window sticker folded up inside the owner's manual in the glovebox. Good little truck.

blueovelboy · #5 12-30-2009, 09:55 PM

yup looks nice like the old school rims on there are thay replicas?

STL · #6 12-31-2009, 06:13 AM

I searched google and found this www.ls1tech.com there was one question that came up about 1990 ranger and a LS1

Personally I am against mixing automakers so I wouldn't do it

46Tbird · #7 12-31-2009, 07:19 AM

As if an engine has any idea who made it. Cars are just parts. Besides, my '57 Plymouth wagon has a 289 Ford in it, so I'm already +1 on the Ford side.

Jp7 · #8 12-31-2009, 12:31 PM

I've always thought the LS engines were inefficient fat pigs. Build a rock solid turbo engine from the stock block. 2.3 would be the easiest because inline engines always are.

whippersnapper02 · #9 12-31-2009, 12:39 PM

LS engine are good engines. Just because they use pushrods doesn't mean they are inefficient. Maybe back in the 70s they were but not with today's technology. Besides, there is nothing like the power of a V8. No turbo to wait for and no peaky 2 stroke like powerband to deal with. Just mash the pedal and instant tire shredding torque.

Gearhead299 · #10 12-31-2009, 01:24 PM

the newer LS motors seem to be the best bang for the buck motor made today

46Tbird · #11 12-31-2009, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jp7

I've always thought the LS engines were inefficient fat pigs. Build a rock solid turbo engine from the stock block. 2.3 would be the easiest because inline engines always are.

Already been down that road. It had a T3/T4 hybrid, ported manifold, FMS roller cam, ARP studs on head and mains, and I converted the stock SVO intercooler to liquid-to-air. I figure it had around 275hp and 350tq but it broke everything in the car, twice. Finally dumped it for a hot 306 and never looked back.

Maybe I'm just lazy in my old age, but now I prefer to start a car, put gas in it, and have 400+ reliable horsepower with nothing required but oil changes. I'm not sure why you would call that a fat pig, as I am willing to bet that most 500hp LS1s get better mileage than some high strung big injectored 500hp turbo 4.

So.... isn't this the V8 swap forum?

Yrac · #12 12-31-2009, 04:33 PM

Great point! Check out Rat Ranger's stuff, it seems he has done it most effectively.

Jp7 · #13 12-31-2009, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 46Tbird

Already been down that road. It had a T3/T4 hybrid, ported manifold, FMS roller cam, ARP studs on head and mains, and I converted the stock SVO intercooler to liquid-to-air. I figure it had around 275hp and 350tq but it broke everything in the car, twice. Finally dumped it for a hot 306 and never looked back.

Maybe I'm just lazy in my old age, but now I prefer to start a car, put gas in it, and have 400+ reliable horsepower with nothing required but oil changes. I'm not sure why you would call that a fat pig, as I am willing to bet that most 500hp LS1s get better mileage than some high strung big injectored 500hp turbo 4.

So.... isn't this the V8 swap forum?

I was referring to the newer dohc 2.3

Don't know about vette mileage. I scored 28.9 w/93 going 70mph with 4X1200CC injectors.

46Tbird · #14 12-31-2009, 05:27 PM

I would have thought better than that. My buddy John has gotten 26 with his turbo 5.3L '60 Chevy wagon. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4661361&postcount=1360
Still looking for V8 swap experience. Sorry, but some late model inliner Ford does nothing for me.