LS engine question

[Nev68]

Just thinking about some engine options for our pick up.

I am keen to go down the EFI path but not sure whether to go after market EFI on the gen 1 small block or go for a LS motor.

Has anyone fitted a LS engine to a TF truck using the original mounts or coming off the original mount locations?

[HUSSEY]

I'm not a TF guy but an AD guy. With all the rage of the LS there is a ton of aftermarket parts available along with adapter motor mounts. You may not find one specific for a LS in a TF but with a little research I'm sure you could find something that will work.

As example, I have and AD on S10 with an SBC. They make aftermarket S10 V8 conversion mounts but they move the motor forward a couple inches whereas I needed to go back a couple of inches. Instead, I put the mounts on the adapter plates on the chassis and the mounts on the motor to move it back instead of forward. Not a direct application but it worked out.

[dsraven]

a lot of guys are using the LS engine but mostly fab up some mounts. I used LS Camaro mounts that bolt to the engine and fabbed some frame brackets to accept them and clear the steering etc. also used the LS Camaro exhaust manifolds because they are narrower and fit between the frame rails. probably will need to fab up a trans cross member as well because the fuel rails on the truck engine manifold may interfere with the firewall. I say that because the truck engines are easier and cheaper to find than the car engines it seems.

[Nev68]

Thanks for the response guys.

At this time I think I'll be adding EFI to the Gen 1 small block I have.
Since I already have engine mounts sorted with the Jag IFS I think I'll keep it easy (a relative term)
I like the FAST EZ EFI kits.

LS truck engines are not so common here (in Australia)
We will mostly get transplant LS engines out of cars like Holden Commodores. I think you have seen these in the US badged as Pontiac G8's, GTO's and lately as Chevy SS.

[whitedog76]

I'm not doing an LS install, but a Vortec 4200 in my 54 AD.

I used these brackets on my frame. http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com...h-194-230-250/

I made the motor brackets out of some flat stock.

I'm sure you could probably fab something up real easy.

Of course, the LS will need angled mounts. Like what's in this kit.

http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com...-ford-weld-on/

[Nev68]

Thanks for the links and photo.
That looks "do-able".

So your engine will sit more forward than a gen 1 small block?

[buckkoo]

Whitedog,

Your posts have piqued my interest.

I have a 50 GMC with a 235 that need to be replaced. I had been considering GMC 270 or 302 or possibly a Chevy 261.

Now I'm thinking the 4200 might be a cool compromise.

What kind of challenges have you encountered with the swap?

I'm not worried about wiring as much as fitting the engine and trans in the frame.

Is a manual transmission possible?

[tmoble]

IMO any sort of engine mount that acts as a cantilever is a loser. I used that type to mount a small block in a 57 chevy pickup (my own). A couple years later the frame was cracked badly around the mounts. Use a crossmember instead, like these. there a wide selection out there.

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q...unts+for+chevy

Think about how much a complete engine weighs and mounting it on a couple 8-10" levers twisting the frame every time you go over a bump.

[dsraven]

the original 4.2 mounts went through the truck frame, which is boxed and has a tube through it to prevent collapse. maybe something to think about but that would depend on how much torque you plan on using in the engine. if you don't plan on roasting the tires all the time those mounts look like they would work fine.