Advice on new crossmember

[spectral]

Hey guys,
I'll be doing an LS1 conversion on my 56 in the new year.

I'll be using the universal tube based crossmember that you see around the web (any feedback on this by the way?). Looking at the stock crossmember, its probably going to be right where the crankshaft pulley of the LS1 will be.

I won't be using IFS, I would like to keep suspension as stock as possible.

So assuming it has to be removed, what are everyone's thoughts on a very basic 4"x2" (5/32" wall) box steel crossmember? It would sit around 2" behind the factory bumper. I would add some triangulation plates for rigidity.

Mock-up pic attached

Thanks for your time..

[mr48chev]

What about just notching it if you need to? cut out a section and then trim a slice out of the front and back sides that will lower the section you cut out enough to clear. Then weld it back and do the finish filler pieces and maybe box the bottom side.

[1958Warrior]

I don't think it would provide any support for the front suspension, I would think that you should be able to use a kit such as this one from speedway for the LS and retain your stock cross member.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Univer...its,60386.html
Part # 91018033-LS

Ive seen where people have had problems with the oil pan clearance on LS motors and used a Cadillac oil pan , but read thru some of the build threads with ls motors. Probably do a search "oil pan LS"

[_Ogre]

you won't need to notch or remove the x-member, tf trucks came from the factory with sbc v8 motors
yes the pulley will be close to the x-member but it's designed that way

as for the 'universal tube based crossmember' that requires cut to fit and weld in...
if your going to cut to fit and weld in why bother with a kit when fabricating your own requires the same amount of work
and a whole lot less money $$$$

while these are for a sbc they are simple flat plate cut with a grinder , they weld to the top/bottom flange of the frame
these were cut out of my truk, i welded them in back in the 80s



heres a set fabbed by parkwood, same basic design

[1958Warrior]

Seems like all the clearance issues I saw was the Truck oil pan being to low for ground clearance when guys lower their trucks into the weeds, that's when they use a shallower oil pan ,such as a Cadillac or Camaro. If your keeping the straight axle shouldn't be any problem there.

[spectral]

Thanks all, I'll just play it by ear until I do a mock fitment

I'm using an LS1 out of a Commodore SS (same as your 2006ish Pontiac GTO I believe). It has a shallow sump however it's front sump unfortunately so would prob need to be converted to rear sump because of steering anyway..