LS1 To TKO500

[68BNUT]

Hey all, I currently have a TKO-500 in my 68 hooked to an old tired 350. Im wanting to do the LS-1 swap anybody run into any problems hooking the tko to the ls1 instead of just using the T-56?

Thanks in advance.

[Damn True]

Well the LS block lacks the facility to install the ball pivot for your clutch linkage. So you will need a hydraulic clutch.

Kinda curious about the details of this m'self. I know that JP has a TKO in II-Much but I have yet to ask him about it.

There ought to be some good info here: https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/se...earchid=475402

[andrewb70]

You need a Lakewood or McLeod bellhousing. You can also use an old OEM big block bellhousing. You will need an extended pilot bearing. Available from McLeod. JP is using a Howe hydraulic throw out bearing. If there are any further questions, please ask.

Andrew

[Mkelcy]

Well the LS block lacks the facility to install the ball pivot for your clutch linkage. So you will need a hydraulic clutch.

True, but many of the aftermarket bellhousings, including the McLeod modular bellhousing, have two drilled and tapped holes over the clutch fork access point that could easily be used for a bracket to hold an inner Z bar mount.

[andrewb70]

True, but many of the aftermarket bellhousings, including the McLeod modular bellhousing, have two drilled and tapped holes over the clutch fork access point that could easily be used for a bracket to hold an inner Z bar mount.

The stock inner z-bar anchors are in the block on old SBCs and BBCs. Having the anchor point above the clutch fork access would never work since the z-bar if forward of the firewall.

In a Camaro the trick setup would be to use a stock F-body MC with a bracket from ATS in combination with a Howe hydraulic throw out bearing.

Andrew

[Hurst - Jeff]

Actually we have an "LS" bellhousing for the LS motor to TKO application. It is very similar to our reproduction GM "621" bellhousing except that it has the correct bell-to-block mounting holes (including the holes for the LS oil pan). As far as pilot bearing we have a special "LS" pilot bearing for this application.
Alternatively, you can use the correct McLeod scattershield if you want/need to but they are much more expensive.
You will need to use a hydraulic system (due to lack of an engine block ball stud theraed hole as mentioned above) or you can fabricate a bracket to re-create a ball stud allowing you to use mechanical linkage.

[andrewb70]

Actually we have an "LS" bellhousing for the LS motor to TKO application. It is very similar to our reproduction GM "621" bellhousing except that it has the correct bell-to-block mounting holes (including the holes for the LS oil pan). As far as pilot bearing we have a special "LS" pilot bearing for this application.
Alternatively, you can use the correct McLeod scattershield if you want/need to but they are much more expensive.
You will need to use a hydraulic system (due to lack of an engine block ball stud theraed hole as mentioned above) or you can fabricate a bracket to re-create a ball stud allowing you to use mechanical linkage.

Jeff,

I would love to see pics of the "LS" bellshousing. Its great to know that there is an aluminum alternative. The scatreshields have their place but they are not needed by most people.

Andrew

[Hurst - Jeff]

I will have to get the picture to you in a few weeks - I will be out of town for a while.
Send me an email to remind me and I will get you a picture.

[Mkelcy]

True, but many of the aftermarket bellhousings, including the McLeod modular bellhousing, have two drilled and tapped holes over the clutch fork access point that could easily be used for a bracket to hold an inner Z bar mount.

The stock inner z-bar anchors are in the block on old SBCs and BBCs. Having the anchor point above the clutch fork access would never work since the z-bar if forward of the firewall.

In a Camaro the trick setup would be to use a stock F-body MC with a bracket from ATS in combination with a Howe hydraulic throw out bearing.

Andrew

That's why I said a bracket to hold an inner Z bar mount. The bracket would stretch forward to locate the inner Z bar mount in the stock small block location to carry a somewhat shortened Z bar. I love the idea of a mechanical clutch linkage with an LSx engine.

[68BNUT]

Dang I knew I would need to switch to a hydraulic throw out, but wasnt thinking that the bell housing would be different. Couldnt I just run the hydraulic cables thru the hole that would be left by the clutch fork being gone?