Engine Placement

[BigDan3131]

Hi Rob,

I'm sure you will be reading this. As from my last posting about engine setback and such how does engine height effect handling? I ask because even with a BBC there is still so much room under the hood and you can only buy so tall an intake manifold and air cleaner that it still wont come out above the hood. What I'm getting at is if I put a blown motor in my future truck with the motor sitting higher than the stock location how much will it effect overall handling? I'm leaning towards a 6.0L LS with an 8-71 on it and dual carbs. I would like to be able to just cut open the hood for the blower scoop otherwise I will be reforming the hood lines to allow the scoop to poke through.

1959 GMC Longbed Fleetside

[andrewmp6]

I could be wrong but i don't think anyone makes a old style roots blower intake for the ls family.The only roots style i have seen keep it efi like kenne bell and magnuson sell.

[robnolimit]

This is a hard one to put comparison munbers on. it's hard to say something like " for each 1" you raise the motor, you loose 3mph in a 45 mph corner", but that may be close. I have seen and heard of crazy things like - an engine builder shaving the counterweights down on the crank, and using low-pro hardware on the rods and mains, this would allow a custom shallow oil pan (1/4" to 3/8" less) so the motor could be dropped 1/4". Check in to fabbed intake for the LS with old school blower, and or 2" tall four hole carb spacer.

[BigDan3131]

Actually BDS sells an LS based manifold for around 1500 bucks. As far as a shallow pan goes I would have to use a dry sump setup to get super low.

I talked to the boss today and he's giving me a 64 GMC Longbed for free minus motor.

[mongoose]

well there's to 'types' of handling to look at really when it comes down to it..

the old adage being.. move 10 lbs 10 feet is moving 100 lbs 1 foot..... basically.. moving say your battery to the back will improve your 50/50 just as much as moving the motor back a few inches..

Though on the other hand.. moving the back to the middle then moving the motor back as well.. then that is where MOI, or w/e you technically want to call it... talk will come into play. meaning.. sure your car truck with 'perfect' 50/50 will feel balanced... but the same car.. same weight, same 50/50 but with small moi.. will turn faster and be way quicker.

[robnolimit]

Ok, i'm setting myself up here, but, whats MOI?

[GCncsuHD]

Originally Posted by robnolimit

Ok, i'm setting myself up here, but, whats MOI?

Moment Of Inertia.

[robnolimit]

Oh yes, thanks. Learned a new one, or one i forgot about from physics class