Questions about the LQ4

[69importkilla]

Just picked up a 2004 LQ4 for my 69 Camaro and have a few questions. I want to convert it to carburation first. Will the LS1 versions (Edelbrock) fit on the LQ4? Also my current combination is gen 1 350 with a vper t-56 using the old school bellhousing using the z-bar set-up. What now? I heard there is a .400" spacing difference between crankshaft flanges on the old and new motor. Any recommened motor mounts to keep everything in the same position? And finally is there any brackets to mount the a/c compressor up higher so I dont have to notch my sub-frame? Thanks for the help!

[trapin]

I think if you're running A/C on a stock subframe you have to notch it to make it fit. Unless the ATS conversion plates will help it clear. You would need a plate that places the engine as high and as far back as possible to even have a chance and I don't know of any company that makes them. ATS puts the engine back as far as it can go for improved weight distribution. Do a search on "LQ4 Carberator" for your other question. Old school bellhousing won't work on a gen III.

[WS6]

168 tooth old school bell housings will work on Gen3/4 motors. You can keep your mechanical clutch if you can find a way to mount it since the block has no provisions for the ball stud. I've got a Zbar bracket i designed for swapping LSx engines into Corvettes but it's when using my plates. I'm not sure it would work for you in a camaro. The other issue with the mechanical clutch is the possibility of needing a custom throwout bearing. McLeod and others make them though so it's just a matter of getting the correct size.

Any intake that will fit an LS1 will fit and LQ unless L92 heads have been put on the LQ. You may run into issues with the accessories not clearing the throttle body on some applications. However, since you are talking carb, this is a non issue.

The AC bracket may need to be made. I have a couple sources but none that use a Sanden or the factory compressor. You can not use a Gen3 compressor with an aftermarket AC kit or an old school controller. The Gen3 compressor is different and not compatible without the modern controls that were in the car the engine was originally in. The biggest problem with finding an AC bracket is most companies offer a complete package only that is very expensive($2000+) and changes out all the accessories instead of just mounting a Sanden compressor off to the side. It's so annoying when you only want just a bracket.

Be sure to look at the top of this forum in the sticky about completed swaps what how they were done. Good info in that thread.

[BonzoHansen]

ac relocation bracket: http://www.kwikperf.com/index.html

[69importkilla]

Thanks BonzoHansen for that link. Perfect!

I found Scoggin-Dickey also makes a ball adaptor that fits the bill. They also produce mounts that locate the engine so the z-bar is in the correct position. Two issues down, one to go.

I guess as far as things are concerned, the viper tranny is machined to fit like a Gen 1 manual tranny. So the question could be asked how do I get my old school 4-speed to mount to my Gen III engine? Adding the viper terminology just makes it confusing.

Just also found some information on McLeod. The produce a special flywheel that offsets the distance to the flywheel friction surface rearward (toward the tranny) an additonal .400" to make up for the shorter crank flange position on Gen III/IV engines. They also produce a adaptor pilot bushing to accomodate the same .400".

This is blowing me away. I cant possibly be the first guy to do this? None of the stickeys really match what I am doing. Most guys got the LS1 with the tranny attached already.

[Rhino]

You are correct that it's been done multiple times, although I unfortunately can't remember many specifics.
I've seen a guy using a 4 speed. I don't believe there is anything special about the McLeod flywheel. GM has a production flywheel that is used in conjunction with the LQ4/LQ9 that is the correct thickness. (GM PN 12561680 if I recall correctly)
With this flywheel you'll use a SBC pilot bushing for a standard 4 speed.

For more details you may check out the Conversions/Hybrids section of LS1tech. I believe that's where I originally saw this matchup.

[WS6]

awesome find bonzo! Thanks

[WS6]

no, the normal SBC pilot bushing will not work because it resides in the crank which regardless of flywheel doesn't move. I forgot about the pilot bushing but GM makes a pilot bushing that presses into the outer bore of the crank shaft. If you look at the crank, you'll see the normal bore for a normal pilot bushing. The outer bore is where the input shaft will come to so you need a pilot bushing that sits there. Do search here and I know the number has been posted because I've posted it.

The flywheel and clutch will be Gen3 spec. The clutch disc will need to be 26 spline so that the trans will slip through it. I'd contact McLeod directly about their products but I'm betting the different throwout bearing will be fine

[Patrick]

I have an almost brand new (about 30min run time) S&P A/C bracket, two idler pulleys, and tension rod for sale. All polished and in new condition. This is for the Vette style LS1-- mounts the A/C compressor high on the passenger side.

Selling because it is not compatible with my Kenne Bell Supercharger.

New from S&P $365. I'll sell for $200.00 plus shipping

I'm in Orlando.

Call me with any questions 407-948-2069.












Thanks

Patrick

[86Cutlass383SR]

I guess as far as things are concerned, the viper tranny is machined to fit like a Gen 1 manual tranny. So the question could be asked how do I get my old school 4-speed to mount to my Gen III engine? Adding the viper terminology just makes it confusing.

Lakewood makes a bellhousing that mates an LSx block and the older style (4-speed) transmission. It is designed to use a mechanical linkage or you could go with a hydraulic throwout. Lakewood bellhousing #15005 $389.95 from Summit.

I'm also curious and heard about the LQ4 truck crank situation. I've done a search and can't find out much about it. My nephew has a LQ4 to swap into a 69 Camaro and was wanting to go the above bellhousing route but can't find out anything on which flywheel to use.

Doug

[69importkilla]

So I finally spoke with McLeod last night. Heres the skinny they gave me.

Thier flywheel part #460535 is the correct part, its .400" thicker to make up for the difference in crank flange locations. Also you need to use part #8617 adaptor pilot bushing which GM also makes part #12557583. This flywheel will accept any 10.5" clutch and is the best thing to use to avoid any geometry issues. If you dont use the flywheel and use a longer TO bearing, the disk will run right at the end of the splines, to close for comfort for me. This set-up also requires the use of the GM 11" 621 style bellhousing. So thats one part I'll have to change, any body have one?

[WS6]

Is this for all LSx engines or just the trucks that had the heavy duty Auto behind them? Good info, thanks for sharing.

[69importkilla]

I was told it was for all of the LSx engines by McLeod. I have not heard anything concerning the truck cranks. Why are they supposed to be different?

[Jesse@SDPC]

The only 6.0 engines that had the diff crank setup were setup for the 4l80, it is basically a gen 1 Tranny. Before you do any of this, pick up the October Car Craft, they outline everything you could ever want to know about mating your tranny to a Gen 3/4 engine, including part number for those parts through us. You will have pictures illustrating what is different and why it must be changed as well, it's very informative and a must read. We should have everything you need, even the Mcleod parts. GM does make the pilot bearing you need. Just like most people have said with all of this: S&P has you covered on a bracket setup that uses a sanden compressor high on the passenger side, we have the motor mounts and pivot ball bracket. The only reason the TB wouldn't clear accossories is if you use truck accessories witha car intake, being carbed there won't be issues.

Any questions you have just ask, we'll point you in the right direction. First, pick up the October issue of Car Craft and you'll learn a LOT

[BonzoHansen]

awesome find bonzo! Thanks

LOL, I'm just the messenger, jakeshoe at nastyz28.com clued us in on it.