this turns out to be a bit difficult to search for. I'm looking for a clear pic, straight across the rear shock towers, and showing an LSx engine in place. Preferably looking down a 'bit' into the engine compartment to show the rear extremity of the engine to some extent.
The reason is I need to plan my new rear suspension and need a good idea of what interference I may run into along the line between the top strut mount points. If the shot is on an angle it might not give the sense of space - or lack thereof...
Any shots or links appreciated! Thanks in advance; GP
thanks for asking; it is an LS4 but the width (due to transverse mounting) becomes the issue, so I don't really care which one is shown.. altho in a perfect world.... it would be an LS4 with an F40 trans from a G6! ;-)
So the pic would be from one side to the other, hopefully showing the line of the strut top mounting points and 'some' engine.
I don't have a pic but I wanted to clarify LS4 or LQ4/9 & LS1/2/3/6//9?
The LS4 has a revised front and a starter up top for a tighter FWD fitment.
The LS4 doesn't really save any space, even with not having to use an adapter plate. The changes the LS4 has to fit better in a FWD car are for the FWD platform, and not the Fiero. The block isn't any smaller than any other LSx engine. The big pattern LSx engines have the starter on the front side as well, so it doesn't affect the strut tower side of the engine.
"...The LS4 doesn't really save any space, even with not having to use an adapter plate. The changes the LS4 has to fit better in a FWD car are for the FWD platform, and not the Fiero. The block isn't any smaller than any other LSx engine. The big pattern LSx engines have the starter on the front side as well, so it doesn't affect the strut tower side of the engine...."
Yes; that part I know. My issue is rebuilding the rear shocks/suspension. The pic is good; wonder what the bit of blue is at the very top of the pic? Thanks; good find. GP
well, it's over 2 3/8" shorter LOA, which minimizes any frame cutting that would have to take place, which to me, is a big deal. IIRC, fieroguru's LS4/F40 seap didn't require a frame notch at all.
well, it's over 2 3/8" shorter LOA, which minimizes any frame cutting that would have to take place, which to me, is a big deal. IIRC, fieroguru's LS4/F40 seap didn't require a frame notch at all.
All current RWD LS(x) engine swaps (Except Don Kraus's) do use a much thicker adapter plate and a balancer that protrudes much further.
However, a RWD LS(x) engine "could" be installed with a 3/16" thick adapter plate to attach the F40 and have the same overall length as my LS4/F40. It would require a 142 tooth flywheel and a transmission mounted starter... but so does the LS4/F40.
All current RWD LS(x) engine swaps (Except Don Kraus's) do use a much thicker adapter plate and a balancer that protrudes much further.
However, a RWD LS(x) engine "could" be installed with a 3/16" thick adapter plate to attach the F40 and have the same overall length as my LS4/F40. It would require a 142 tooth flywheel and a transmission mounted starter... but so does the LS4/F40.
I was under the impression that the LS4 front drive made the engine shorter as well. but I guess that could be swapped to the other LSx engines as well.
Originally posted by 85-308: Yes; that part I know. My issue is rebuilding the rear shocks/suspension. The pic is good; wonder what the bit of blue is at the very top of the pic?
The blue at the top of the pic is just lighting causing a reflection off the other strut tower.
I was under the impression that the LS4 front drive made the engine shorter as well. but I guess that could be swapped to the other LSx engines as well.
The crankshaft is slightly shorter, and puts the belt drive slightly closer to the engine. The casting for the metric bell pattern makes the rear of the block slightly thicker as well.
So you don't need to notch the frame for the accessory drive, but the head on the rear side still will be fairly close to the passenger side strut mount tower, the oil fill neck will still come up next to it, and the straight line interference across the top of the strut towers, is roughly the same.
Originally posted by ericjon262: I was under the impression that the LS4 front drive made the engine shorter as well. but I guess that could be swapped to the other LSx engines as well.
Yes, the LS4 accessory drive is more compact, but its a bolt on swap to the RWD blocks w/o any machining (just needs a large washer for the balancer bolt on the crankshaft). Many of the Porsche LS(x) kits are now using the LS4 balancer on the RWD blocks.
I will make a point of it! what a drawing! Is this from someone's actual measurements? I'll have to read, obviously, but the important issues become what is the trans that is being shown; for the axle attachment points? No answer req'd at least right now; I'll read that thread! Thanks Fieroguru!