LS6 2500M Build

[TVRLS6]

I purchased a 1973 2500M a few months back to restore. The motor was not original and needed some top end work. I had a thought of just rebuilding it having been a Triumph guy for many years. I also know what it takes to keep these motors running.

Living in Colorado, and enjoying mountain drives, I figured I could use a few more horses than this 2.5L could put out. So I decided to install an engine I had in my garage from another project: a 2001 Corvette Z06 LS6 mated to a 2002 Camaro T56 6 speed. Spec is 405HP/400 ft lbs of torque. By the way, the picture below is not my garage but where the car was stored before purchase.

This forum has been helpful in seeing one or two others install LS motors in earlier TVRs, but I have only seen a few out there with an LSX in a 2500M.

I will be asking lots of questions. Will be posting pics as I go. So here we go. This is what I bought:

Edited by TVRLS6 on Sunday 14th May 17:21

Edited by TVRLS6 on Monday 15th May 01:43

Edited by TVRLS6 on Monday 15th May 01:44

Edited by TVRLS6 on Monday 15th May 01:45

[TVRLS6]

Body has been removed. Remember to lift up the back of the car first and slide backwards before lifting off. These don't lift straight up as the body surrounds the frame upfront near the engine.

Stripped off most of the silvery green. Debating whether to have it soda blasted or using the DA sander to get down to the clear gelcoat. Lots of crazing from being in the sun so I expect I may need to redo the gelcoat. But this is further down the road.

[TVRLS6]

After removing the body, I set the LS6/T56 in the TVR chassis. I reversed the stock Z06 manifolds for now and the engine is setting on them now. I am waiting on a set of "up and forward" twin turbo headers to arrive to see how they may fit. Twin turbos....likely not needed but they may fit well given the clearance issues between the chassis and any V8.

I had purchased some LSX relocation brackets for a previous C3 Corvette swap and they line the engine mount up to the original factory mount almost exactly. I will be welding in mounts to the front once I get everything set. The T56 tranny mount is very close to the original tranny crossmember location. Sweet! I expect little effort to fab up a mount.

Once I have fabricated the mounts, I am going to need some advice on additional locations for chassis strengthening. I have heard folks say the 2500M chassis is strong enough for most engine swaps. If you have any thoughts on this, let me know please. Otherwise I am pulling the suspension and rear diff, and sending the chassis out for media blasting and powder coating when I am done welding.

Here are some pics.

Edited by TVRLS6 on Monday 15th May 01:49

Edited by TVRLS6 on Monday 15th May 02:11

[DavidY]

You'll get a better response posing in the TVR Classics section

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?f=34...

[GreenV8S]

That's going to be a beast!

[TVRLS6]

I hope so! I have been a vintage racer with a Triumph TR4 for many years. Sold that and I recently acquired a Formula Ford for dirt cheap, but I really want a car that can do both. I am hoping this will fill the void. If so, the ford is history.

[Slow M]

Stainless Steve is part way through an M to LS conversion. Resource sharing does make these projects easier. So does commiserating.

B

[GTRene]

I love those conversions, keep us updated :-)

and yes, if you can, strengthen the chassis were you can, now you have the acces :-)

[BuzzBillsberry]

Any update on this or has been consigned to history and gathering dust....