View Full Version : Engine Chevrolet engine conversion
leroylem
04-18-2016, 12:37 PM
My v8 engine conversion is finally nearing completion---over the past 9 months I have built and installed a 327 SBC--10.5 /1 pistons, aluminum heads, intake, cam, headers, HEI ignition. balanced assembly, etc. Runs/drives very well---only have about 75 break in miles so far.
If there is anyone interest in more details about the conversion, I can post more info, with pictures later.
Leroy
Timebender
04-18-2016, 01:04 PM
Id like to know more, as mine came with a 350 conversion and it would be nice to see how you did yours- I'm going to guess it was probably a similar process. And are you running a carb or fuel infected throttle body?
Nicholas R
04-18-2016, 03:49 PM
If there is anyone interest in more details about the conversion, I can post more info, with pictures later.
Leroy
I'm interested in literally every aspect! :thumbup: Happy to hear it's gone together so well. Any photos you can post would be awesome! :wrenchin: :burnout:
Moneypenny
04-18-2016, 06:04 PM
I'm interested in literally every aspect! :thumbup: Happy to hear it's gone together so well. Any photos you can post would be awesome! :wrenchin: :burnout:
^^^ This. +1
leroylem
04-18-2016, 10:36 PM
Trying to provide more details----keeps telling me not logged in---log in again, then find lost information that showed auto saved?????Have requested Administrator help???
Leroy
leroylem
04-19-2016, 09:46 AM
Additional info--
1. SBC 327--fully built to approx. 400 HP
2. Aluminum Bellhousing engine to transaxle adapter
3. GM 153 tooth flywheel drilled to accept Delorean clutch assembly
4. original hydraulic clutch master and slave--slave mounting modified to "pull" the clutch fork(original PRV pushes the fork)
5. Fabricated engine mounts to original crossmember---made adapter brackets to move transaxle 2.25 inches forward
6. Custom built exhaust from 2" mandrel J bent and U bent exhaust tubing---14" turbo mufflers
7. 6-7 PSI external fuel pump
8. Electric water pump---more rear clearance
9. no suspension, steering, brake upgrades as of now--no electrical upgrades---I already had upgraded to 130 Amp alternator
A few things yet to do--AC compressor is mounted and wired---have to connect the hoses, and build a bracket in an accessable location to mount the service ports. Also have to interface the original tach with the 8 cylinder HEI ignition
Pictures hopefully next week---also Thanks to Nick R---his LS1 conversion inspired me--he offered invaluable information early on---
Leroy 2126
Timebender
04-19-2016, 11:48 AM
Nice! Can't wait to see pics. Mine has the mounts also welded to the crossmember. I wonder if they shifted the transaxle on it as well..
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Citizen
04-19-2016, 07:03 PM
If there is anyone interest in more details about the conversion, I can post more info, with pictures later.
Do you have a web-site where you document (show-off :) ) your upgrade, that you don't mind publishing? I'm assuming this is VIN 2126 based on later post. Information needed for the record books, of course.
Thomas
...
Trying to provide more details----keeps telling me not logged in---log in again, then find lost information that showed auto saved?????Have requested Administrator help???
LeroyMake sure you click the "Remember Me" check box when you log in. Clearing your browser's cache will require you to do it again.
Ras12
04-19-2016, 11:22 PM
Please share some photos and any info on what the most difficult part of the build was.
pictures would be a wonderful addition to this thread. lol.
leroylem
04-20-2016, 03:26 PM
Just a few--lift is occupied at present by a 50 Ford Woody Wagon
DMC-81
04-20-2016, 08:49 PM
Oh Man, that is sweet!!! I really like the classic look and the silver and black color scheme.
Isn't the 327 known for it's ability to rev .. i.e. "327 stroker"... something like a 350 size piston with a shorter stroke?
:worship::worship::worship:
I was fortunate enough to drive Nicks LS1. There's nothing like hearing a powerful V8 behind you!
Congrats Leroy!!
Chris Burns
04-20-2016, 08:53 PM
I recognize that engine as the same engine block as in my buds 1962 Corvette (except his is a fuelie). Very nice work!!
You have way more guts than I!!
dannyj75
05-09-2016, 05:32 PM
I would love to see more photos of the gearbox mounts, drive shafts and clutch arrangement.
something i would like to consider for my D over the next couple of years.
DJ UK
leroylem
05-09-2016, 06:09 PM
I will try to get a few more pictures underneath tomorrow. If you decide to make an engine swap, I might be able to provide some helpful info---
Leroy 2126
dannyj75
05-10-2016, 07:15 AM
Thanks!
When I look at all the engine swap possibilities, the Chevy small block looks the best but everyone who seems to have undertaken it has had to move the gearbox over 2" forward. Is this purely due to the size of the block fouling the rear part of the frame?
I wonder if a different V8 with another transmission is suitable - but then this poses more questions about gear linkage issues.
I am yet to find a V8 conversion that does not require frame or body mods. But the Chevy block looks the least hassle so far.
Although the PRV 2.5 turbo would be about enough power for cruising, I would want a V8 normally aspirated unit for smoothness and reliability. Also, to me a V8 suits the car!
Good job on the mod.
john 05141
05-10-2016, 10:07 AM
I'd like to hear that sound...
I would love such a conversion, unfortunately not allowed on the road that way here in Belgium.
Jan
leroylem
05-10-2016, 11:15 AM
Moving the gearbox/transaxle 2 1/4 inches forward is not a big problem---just had to make brackets to move the mounts on the trans case---frame mounts are original---shift rod had to be shortened the corresponding amount----no mods to the crossmember---new engine mounts come off the rear of the crossmember---I converted the engine to a front sump pan to provide clearance at the crossmember---the exhaust exits from tight tuck headers toward front, around the crossmember, then towards rear to original facia exhaust location---14 inch turbo mufflers. The alternator and AC compressor each mount low---water pump is electric for additional rear panel clearance---still had to cut the rear panel some to clear the water pump---the clutch was a major concern----the original slave cylinder" pushes" the throwout fork---you cant mount the slave in a similar PRV position, so I had to build an assembly that I mounted on top of the transmission which reverses the push slave motion to a pull motion---works fine so far---I did replace the original plastic clutch line with a 3/16 steel line.
Car running very well, but running a little too hot----Still have the original radiator/fans---the engine compartment is retaining a lot of heat--am planning underbody "scoops" into the engine area hopefully to force the air out thru the louvers---if necessary, an engine oil cooler system. New radiator/higher cfm fans maybe later---I hope to remedy the heat problem soon .
Leroy 2126
content22207_2
05-10-2016, 12:10 PM
exhaust exits from tight tuck headers toward front, around the crossmember, then towards rear to original facia exhaust location
41926
(My car, aka "Spec .01")
Never have understood why people want to tuck everything in tightly in the engine compartment when there is probably close to 10 cubic feet of vacant space on the other side of the engine cradle.
Bill Robertson
#5939
Thanks!
When I look at all the engine swap possibilities, the Chevy small block looks the best but everyone who seems to have undertaken it has had to move the gearbox over 2" forward. Is this purely due to the size of the block fouling the rear part of the frame?
I wonder if a different V8 with another transmission is suitable - but then this poses more questions about gear linkage issues.
I am yet to find a V8 conversion that does not require frame or body mods. But the Chevy block looks the least hassle so far.
Although the PRV 2.5 turbo would be about enough power for cruising, I would want a V8 normally aspirated unit for smoothness and reliability. Also, to me a V8 suits the car!
Good job on the mod.
I never cut my frame for my swap... I drilled some 3/8" holes in the rear tow hooks but thats it.
You have to move the transaxle forward as you are making room for 2 more cylinders. a v8 is longer than a v6. I didnt really need to move mine forward as I make my accessory drive VERY compact but I wanted room to access the front of the engine without having to rip apart the back of the car.
leroylem
05-10-2016, 06:14 PM
As Josh mentioned about his engine conversion, I also was concerned about maintenance and future repairs---electric water pump. alternator, and AC compressor can all be removed without removing rear facia/rear panel. Car on the lift makes for easy access. Complete exhaust system can be removed in 30/45 minutes.
More pictures as requested---
Leroy 2126
Nicholas R
05-11-2016, 02:38 PM
I never cut my frame for my swap... I drilled some 3/8" holes in the rear tow hooks but thats it.
Same, I didn't have to cut the frame at all either; just a couple holes. In addition, to my knowledge, neither of the VR6 swaps have required cutting of the frame either (though I think Ed modified the tow hooks). It is definitely possible to avoid cutting the frame during for an engine swap. Just need to be aware of things like the front sump that Leroy used.
Also, from my research, finding another transaxle that will fit with a V8 is unlikely. Those Porsche transaxles are nice, but they're bigger than the stock transmission; moving them forward isn't going to go well. I would imagine an engine that is a lot smaller wouldn't need moved forward, but then again, you're using a much smaller engine. Maybe something like a 3.7L Rover V8.
Leroy can you get some better pictures of your clutch slave setup. I am very intriged. But the pictures are a bit fuzzy.
dannyj75
05-12-2016, 07:33 AM
The Rover V8 was something that I have started to contemplate. No one seems to have done a conversion yet, which begs a different question of why.
Also the rover V8 runs well on Carbs, which could mean leaving the stock k-jet system on the car for a possible return to stock PRV.
I can only assume that the power returns of the Chevy is what people are looking for when converting. I think a well rebuilt and bored out Rover V8 could offer the power and sound I want. I really want normally aspirated with 240-300 BHP, any more is too much for the handling. So I will do my research this summer to see what are the main engineering issues are. (again I assume clutch, bell-housing conversion, flywheel and starter-motor.) But mostly it is the size and potential chassis changes.
DJ
Nicholas R
05-12-2016, 10:37 AM
The Rover V8 was something that I have started to contemplate. No one seems to have done a conversion yet, which begs a different question of why.
Also the rover V8 runs well on Carbs, which could mean leaving the stock k-jet system on the car for a possible return to stock PRV.
I can only assume that the power returns of the Chevy is what people are looking for when converting. I think a well rebuilt and bored out Rover V8 could offer the power and sound I want. I really want normally aspirated with 240-300 BHP, any more is too much for the handling. So I will do my research this summer to see what are the main engineering issues are. (again I assume clutch, bell-housing conversion, flywheel and starter-motor.) But mostly it is the size and potential chassis changes.
DJ
The Rover V8 has been done at least once. I know there is an owner in Las Vegas that has a Rover V8 in his self-converted Time machine. This is the car I believe: http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?7224-Bob-Brandy-s-Delorean-spotted-in-Illnois-at-a-cruise-in&highlight=rover
Rich W
05-12-2016, 11:15 AM
The Rover V8 has been done at least once. I know there is an owner in Las Vegas that has a Rover V8 in his self-converted Time machine. This is the car I believe: http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?7224-Bob-Brandy-s-Delorean-spotted-in-Illnois-at-a-cruise-in&highlight=rover
Nicholas is correct.
Bob Brandys did his Rover V8 conversion here in the Chicago area back in the late 1990's (along with a Porsche Tiptronic 4-spd automatic transmission).
Bob has since semi-retired out to Vegas and he currently has this DeLorean Time machine Replica out in Vegas as well.
leroylem
05-13-2016, 06:34 PM
Leroy can you get some better pictures of your clutch slave setup. I am very intriged. But the pictures are a bit fuzzy.
I took the clutch slave pictures without removing the inspection plate I made above the trans---I will remove the plate in the next few days and get some good pictures of the slave/linkage setup.
Leroy 2126
Rodney
06-12-2017, 10:36 AM
I took the clutch slave pictures without removing the inspection plate I made above the trans---I will remove the plate in the next few days and get some good pictures of the slave/linkage setup.
Leroy 2126
Hi Leroy,
Someone gave me your information and said you may still have your old 2.8? If so I may be interested. Thanks, Rod.
BLWNAWY
06-12-2017, 02:03 PM
you cant mount the slave in a similar PRV position, so I had to build an assembly that I mounted on top of the transmission which reverses the push slave motion to a pull motion---works fine so far
Leroy 2126
Actually you can. My stock slave cylinder mounts to the stock trans in the normal position - just had to allow a large hole in the adapter plate to clear it. And by using the Chevy 4.3 V6 I could make everything a bolt-in including the motor mounts - no moving the trans forward or cutting the frame. Looks like you made it work, so good job.
52034
Nicholas R
06-12-2017, 03:40 PM
52035
I did the same, though I still had interference with the engine block. The slave cylinder has a lot of excess material though on the back end of the casting. I took a old one and drill through it to see how much extra there was and found I could remove about .25" without any concern. Between the two, my slave cylinder fits in the stock location.
opethmike
06-12-2017, 03:48 PM
What did you do about the hardline that goes to the slave? I'm starting to think about these things as plans for my swap begin.
I offset the slave 15mm and modified the clutch fork. Ed does this with his VR6 swaps. Worked fine. No modifications to the slave necessary.
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