ratedrookie

Anyone know if a T-56 tranny will mate to a LT5 and with what changes/modifications? Also, isn't the LT5 a Gen I motor, therefore, it installs in a 3rd gen engine bay rather easily correct? Anyone know or heard of any clearance issues?

TexasLT1

um, I dont think the LT5 is a Gen anything motor, its all off on its own. I know for a fact that the heads are massive and the thing is wider than a normal small block. But from what I've seen it will still fit with custom exhaust. Also, I believe the bolt patter on the bellhousing mount is standard SBC.

Parrydise7

iTrader: (1)

The LT5 came with a massive German ZF trans. If you have a lead on an LT5, I'd try to get the ZF that goes with it (assuming it is used). TexasLT1 is correct. Because that LT5 is a double-overhead cam engine, it is wide. Tim Allen planted an LT5 in a Caprice (which has plenty of room under the hood), but I don't recall seeing any LT5's in a Camaro, and I would imagine it would be a tough fit.

While that LT5 is a jewel of an engine, Chevrolet is now pulling the same amount of horsepower (405 as I recall) out of a pushrod engine (Z06). So, while an LT5 would be as trick as it gets, if you want that power, going with a Z06 would be a lot easier.

BTW, as I recall, the LT5 has the starter in the lifter valley. Guys that liked to keep their LT5 shiny clean and washed it all the time ended up with starter problems. Not only that, dealers couldn't even perform some repairs on that LT5. They would have to ship the vehicle back to Detroit for the repairs. Do you feel like working on an engine like that?

Amrish

here is a pic of a ZR1 motor in a 3rd gen... hope this helps

Parrydise7

iTrader: (1)

Okay, I stand corrected.

Amrish,

That is one clean installation. It looks factory original! What trans? What axle? How difficult?

Corbi_85-IROC

That swap was done by Jon Moss so he basically had the entire GM parts bin to make it look as factory original as possible.

Pretty sure he mated that to the ZF tranny and not sure about the rear but if Jon Moss made it then its quite possible its got the IRS as well, but I'm not sure on the rear.

Thats about all I remember cause the magazine article was a few years back, but none the less a very sweet car.:hail: :hail:

Amrish

I didnt mean to confuse anyone, but thats not my installation neither is it my car, i came across that picture a while back and it was a must keep

Dustin Mustangs

iTrader: (1)

There is one for sale on ebay right now, with tranny and headers. The guy claims the tranny has a special input shaft that is needed to mate with the lt5, so I guess that awnsers your question. It's only 15 grand, you should buy it:
(and then let me drive your car.... )

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33615

PhilM

that motor looks like it belong in there. Moss is my hero.

the LT5 was made in Germany if I recall. i thought McLaren had something to do with it. i also think it was something like a $30K to buy one new when you could...

and I have heard that modified LT5's can spin to over 10,000 rpm. supposedly stock ZR1's could smoke the sneakers at 70 MPH. just stuff i have heard in the past. i do know that John Lingenfelter used to do serious work to these motors, but I don't know if they still do.

would be a very cool set up, if you had the funds.

TonyC

iTrader: (1)

The LT5 is a beautiful engine. It was designed in conjunction with Lotus and was produced by Mercury Marine. I've spoken with one of the engineers who worked closely on the ZR1 project and he says that there are guys making ~700hp out of it!!! It is truly amazing. It the perfect union of big cubes and high tech DOHC technology. I'm just glad that Chevy made it and not Ford hehe

Trans Am#5

I saw a video about the Tim Allen Impala SS with LT5 and if I remember correctly there were some frame mods that had to be done to get it to fit even in that big bay. Actually, it was quite a bit of fabrication work.

zerotosixtyV8

As nice as that ZR1 is, 15000 can get you a whole lot more HP and torque than a DOHC 350 ever could.

1991tealRSt-topGuy

you recalled wrong

the LT5 was a joint design between GM and Lotus (this was before GM owned Lotus)

it was manufactured by Mercury Marine in Stillwater, Oklahoma


the ZF6 tranny.......now that was made in Germany

wm_sorg

The LT5 will not mate up to a T56. There is a slight difference in bolt pattern. Then you will have issues with the input shaft. Even if you get it to fit, it will not take long for the LT5 would shred it.

The ZF transmission has been used in thirgen cars. All manual SLP firehawks had them.

That LT5 camaro is a top notch conversion. Is there a web site where I can get more information?

Trans Am#5

Here's a pic of Tim Allen's Impala SS.

85_ZED28

just thought i'd share my photoshop:

JHens

GM doesn't own lotus.

wm_sorg

I believe they had an ownership stake in Lotus at one time.

JPrevost

General Motors acquired all shares of Group Lotus in 1986, then sold in 1993 to Bugattie Group. GM still owns parts of Lotus though, just not the formula one team....ever. Still, GM supplied Lotus engineers with LOTS of research and LOTS of money. I consider them seperate but equal at the same time. I think they're owned by some other car company right now (the group that is). When I say group that DOES include the engineers that designed passenger cars. Keep in mind though that Lotus has been around for a long time so saying Lotus is part of GM is not correct.

MikeDwhoROCZImports

iTrader: (1)

That sticker is so gay.

EXTREME AIR FLOW

RMK

I'm sure the sticker wasn't put there to try and give the car and extra 10bhp. I don't believe there's a single piece of that Impalla that is, in your words, gay.

MikeDwhoROCZImports

iTrader: (1)

And the purpose of that sticker was what? To "CAUTION" people about the intake so they don't get sucked into the throttle body? Good thing it has that arrow so I know which way the airflow goes....sometimes I get confused and think air get's blow OUT of the intake.

Point is that's a very clean swap with an extremely GAY and pointless sticker.

Dr G

Lotus is now owned by the Proton group I believe - unless they have changed hands again in the last 3 or so years.