engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
 

Has anyone that has small blocks thought about swaping in a LS-1/LS-6 style small block? Where I work we make LS-6 6.0L motors that make 600 hp naturally aspirated. And the blower motors make gobs of torque down low.

Re: engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
 

I have given it a lot of thought! I started a thread a while back on this. There was lots of suggestions. I'm still considering it!
Key points- Closed cooling system
Re-program ECU
O2 sensor
exhaust, custom or lots of $$$$$$$$
width of the engine(twin application)
camshaft

that's the BIG stuff I have come up with at this point!
Keep us posted! It would be lots of work but truly unique.
Good luck!

Re: engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
 

Check the bellhousing bolt-pattern. I`ve heard it is different than earlier small blocks.
Also, the motor mount location is different for sure.

Re: engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
 

The regular old chevy bolt pattern will work on the ls1's, It does have an extra hole at top center, and missing one on the pass. side middle. I ran an th400 in my Nova for a while with no problems at all.

Frank

Re: engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
 

I am just waiting to see when they will come out with the new LS7 in a boat. By the way, there are several marine engine manufacturers that are alreadu using the LS based motors, but so far they have all been in tow boats. One of them uses the all aluminum 346 (5.7 litre) and one of the others is using the 6.0 litre cast iron truck block with the LQ9 heads. I would sure like to see someone come out with a process for electroplating, coating, or anodizing the inside of an aluminum head so they could be used in a fresh water cooling system without the worry of corrosion.

Re: engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
 

paceparts.com will let you sign up for a complete LS-7 engine!

Re: engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
 

I was thinking more along the lines of someone like Illmor or one of the other big high perf marine engine builders taking one and setting it up for marine applications (different cam, ECU, exhauset, perhaps even different heads since you would not want to turn a boat motor 7000 rpms), much like Ilmor did with the 625HP Dodge Viper motor. I am thinking a forged piston LS7, with a different cam and perhaps some AFR 225 heads since they would bring the TQ curve up much sooner and most likely make more power under 5500 than the LS7 heads. It would be cool if they could make a durable, 625 HP LS7, that was both lighter than the Viper motor, and easier to package since it would be considerably shorter and most likely narrower as well.

Re: engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
 

Reprograming the factory ecu is easy, I use ls1 edit but Hp tuners is supposed to be easier to work with.
The o2 sensor will be addressed when you do the headers or you can turn them off with the tuning software.
Headers might be easier than you think. The port spacing on an ls1 is the same as a small block ford, You could buy some ford headers and weld (or have one welded) on an ls1 flange (which you can get from Pace for $16) and your done.
I don't think the width is going to be an issue at all. I can measure my spare motor in the garage if you like. they just look wide with all the coils mounted on the valve covers.

If one of you guys want's to try it just gimme a shout, I'll be glad to give you a hand with what I can.

Here's some pix of mine if your interested. Pix of Nova

Frank

Re: engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
 

I agree,

You should keep the rpm's down to about 5200.

The best boat I ever ran was an old twin cockpit
wooden Century that we put an off the shelf
Corvette 340 HP 327 with direct drive. This boat
was heavy heavy. It would run about 60Mph all day
long. We used it for a ski boat. We must have run it
2000 to 2500 hours with out any problems except
for tune ups.

My next boat I would like to stay with small blocks.
I am also considering the Konrad drives. What I want
is something to run not maintain!

Any Suggestions?

Warren

Re: engine swap from SBC to a LS-1 style motor
 

I wonder how difficult it would be to adapt Crusaders "Captain's Choice" 6.0 to a sterndrive application.

Dave