Swapping an LT1 into a 240SX

[StorminMatt]

I finally got my mount kit yesterday. And although I am still waiting on the oilpan (which will probably take a few more weeks, since it has to be custom made), I figured this might be a good time to start a build thread. Keep in mind that this is an ongoing thread. And I will add pics as I get new stuff and actually get under way with the swap.

http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/46012/2607170740084183502S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2607170740084183502LZGhIS)
^^ A picture of the 240SX. It is a 1992 240SX that was given to me by my brother after the transmission blew. He ended up getting tired with the car, and decided to dump it in favor of a newer (2007) Honda Civic.

http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/46469/2123184690084183502S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2123184690084183502OEHMIg)
^^ Even though I have not yet even pulled the original motor from the car, I guess you could say that my 240SX already has an LT1. Basically, I didn't have a truck to haul the motor. I don't want to rent a cherry picker just to put the motor somewhere else. And the transmission is pretty much blown anyway. So it's not like the car is really anything better than storage for the motor at this time.

http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/15900/2168204370084183502S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2168204370084183502PHYllx)

http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/19103/2187650230084183502S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2187650230084183502LYOZxb)
^^ A couple of pictures of the LT1 engine mounts. These mounts are made by McKinney Motorsports, and make the swapping of an LTx or a classic SBC a bolt-in affair. Of course, some clearancing of the transmission tunnel will probably be required. Also, there are supposedly some brackets on the T56 transmission which are used in the manufacture which will need to be cut off for clearance purposes.

http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/46809/2189965780084183502S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2189965780084183502pdGJEn)

http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/28819/2043188730084183502S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2043188730084183502GbLSfl)
^^ The transmission crossmember for the T56 transmission. If you are interested in this swap, McKinney Motorsports also makes crossmembers for other transmissions, such as the T5, Muncie 4-speed, 4L60E, Turbo 350, and more.

Keep in mind that I have no stake in McKinney Motorsports. And I am not trying to sell anything here. I am merely showing what is available and what I have purchased to do this swap.

Anyway, I've got the mount kit. Now I just have to wait for the oilpan and get a clutch. Then, I will be able to actually drop in the LT1. In any case, it will be interesting to see how this budget swap will work out in the end.

[gregrob]

Sick project man! What are the power plans for the engine?

[StorminMatt]

Sick project man! What are the power plans for the engine?

At this moment, my plans are to just get the motor into the car. FAR too many people shoot for the sky and end up losing interest in projects, only to sell them incomplete because they get tired of dumping money into a car that doesn't even run. So at this point, I just want to have a drivable car (and having about twice the HP and torque of the stock KA24DE from a bone-stock LT1 is certainly not too shabby). Once I get the car running, I will decide where to take it. However, regardless of what I do, I would like to keep the car a daily driver.

Regardless, one of the GREAT things about the LT1 is that they are pretty dirt-cheap. So I can EASILY buy another motor to build.

[gregrob]

I agree. Even a stock engine that little thing will be retarded. Throw a 100 shot on it and damn.

Keep us updated

[bleakdragonmage]

Yep. Get it in and then worry about power. Besides, depending on how you set it up, you should be able to pull it in a couple hours.

[Fixxer99TA]

Lookin good!

Definitely keep us posted with the progress, and pics are important :D

[StorminMatt]

My oilpan finally came in. Here is a picture of the oilpan, as well as the front sump strainer:

http://inlinethumb39.webshots.com/44966/2838185460084183502S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2838185460084183502sKEuKF)

Overall, the workmanship on the pan looks pretty good. But I was admittedly disappointed to see that it is not either painted or powdercoated. This means an additional expense, and additional delays. But I guess these sorts of things pop up with ANY project.

[lt1240sx]

im doing the same thing

[SexyTransAm]

lol love the motor riding shotgun!