Custom engine mounts
Discussion
I figured a lot of you would have transplanted non standard engines into a variety of cars. At some point I'm hoping to dump an alloy V8 (prob LS1) into my cortina, but I'll need some custom engine mounts making. I guess there must be companies out there capable of making custom mounts, (I don't really want to DIY) but where are they, and how much are mounts likely to cost?
Ta.
Ta.
My tutor at uni put a rover v8 into a cortina.. maybe hed be able to help.
http://users.aber.ac.uk/nns/cortina_page1.html
http://users.aber.ac.uk/nns/cortina_page1.html
Unless you bring the car to them, with gearbox also installed, nobody is going to be able to do it.
An LS1 is an excellent choice, but be warned, they are quite big. Bellhousing and T56 are very big compared to Rover stuff.
Engine is slightly wider. I would think that if you get early 98/99 LS1 ex manifolds, they should fit better.
I have 01 for mine, but the drivers side wont fit. Im getting tubular manifolds to try, but also the 98 cast RHS, as Im pretty sure it will work. I would expect a Granada to have a bit more room than your Cortina.
http://gallery112848.fotopic.net/c332887.html
Im bolting my engine in solid.
An LS1 is an excellent choice, but be warned, they are quite big. Bellhousing and T56 are very big compared to Rover stuff.
Engine is slightly wider. I would think that if you get early 98/99 LS1 ex manifolds, they should fit better.
I have 01 for mine, but the drivers side wont fit. Im getting tubular manifolds to try, but also the 98 cast RHS, as Im pretty sure it will work. I would expect a Granada to have a bit more room than your Cortina.
http://gallery112848.fotopic.net/c332887.html
Im bolting my engine in solid.
I think the engine mounts will be the least of your problems.
I've fitted Essex V6s to Cortinas (mk3& mk4), one a manual, the other an auto.
Even there you're really tight on width.
Of course Rover V8s have been fitted many times, but anything bigger and you'll be needing a spaceframe set-up I'm sure.
The Capri had a much wider bay because of the Mcpherson strut suspension, as opposed to wishbones.
No cutting required for V6, but V8 I'm sure needs some body reshaping.
Engine mounts - just have a look for likely candidates in the scrappers, and then adapt to fit.
I've fitted Essex V6s to Cortinas (mk3& mk4), one a manual, the other an auto.
Even there you're really tight on width.
Of course Rover V8s have been fitted many times, but anything bigger and you'll be needing a spaceframe set-up I'm sure.
The Capri had a much wider bay because of the Mcpherson strut suspension, as opposed to wishbones.
No cutting required for V6, but V8 I'm sure needs some body reshaping.
Engine mounts - just have a look for likely candidates in the scrappers, and then adapt to fit.
Firstly thanks for the advice. Now,I'm quite happy to bow to superior knowledge, (as I've not got experience of fitting a V8), ... but... I've looked on www.chevroletls1.com which gives dimensions for the rover V8 and LS1 engines. Width across the cylinder heads is half an inch more for the LS1. The LS1 is shorter in both length and height if the figures are correct. (I'm not saying that I'm right or that these figures are)
The link below shows a pic of an rover in a Mk3 corty, and although it's tight it doesn't look too bad. I know the guy has used P6 manifolds as they are smaller than SD1 items though. Is it the manifolds that are likely to be the problem?
http://buysellcortina.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=1999&hl=stormy
I realise I may have to remodel the transmission tunnel to fit the gearbox but I think a spaceframe front end may be OTT?
>> Edited by zebra_3 on Tuesday 11th January 13:47
The link below shows a pic of an rover in a Mk3 corty, and although it's tight it doesn't look too bad. I know the guy has used P6 manifolds as they are smaller than SD1 items though. Is it the manifolds that are likely to be the problem?
http://buysellcortina.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=1999&hl=stormy
I realise I may have to remodel the transmission tunnel to fit the gearbox but I think a spaceframe front end may be OTT?
>> Edited by zebra_3 on Tuesday 11th January 13:47
While the dimensions are fairly accurate, the LS1 is bigger. Thats fact.
Accessories, including water pump sit slightly differently, so IMO lengthwise they are pretty much the same.
Width, there isnt much in it.
Height, LS1 is shorter.
LS1 sump is alloy, and huge. I had to cut a lot out of my crossmember to make it fit, as I didnt want to be making the sump smaller.
The shape also doesnt lend itself well to the steering rack location. I had already fitted a smaller Sierra rack to my Granada. I had to lower it a bit more, and cut and weld the LS1 sump for clearance.
The T56 is huge, but having said that, I havent actually had to cut the main tunnel itself. I did remove the old mount, and any steelwork that came with it form within the tunnel when I fitted the Supra box. So there is only the single skin on the trans tunnel remaining, with new welding and mounts created. This only just allowed room for the T56 too..
Camaro LS1 will place the gear stick pretty close to Ford's position.
I would imagine most of my stuff is relevant to the Cortina too, as both Cortina and Granada use similar construction methods.
Accessories, including water pump sit slightly differently, so IMO lengthwise they are pretty much the same.
Width, there isnt much in it.
Height, LS1 is shorter.
LS1 sump is alloy, and huge. I had to cut a lot out of my crossmember to make it fit, as I didnt want to be making the sump smaller.
The shape also doesnt lend itself well to the steering rack location. I had already fitted a smaller Sierra rack to my Granada. I had to lower it a bit more, and cut and weld the LS1 sump for clearance.
The T56 is huge, but having said that, I havent actually had to cut the main tunnel itself. I did remove the old mount, and any steelwork that came with it form within the tunnel when I fitted the Supra box. So there is only the single skin on the trans tunnel remaining, with new welding and mounts created. This only just allowed room for the T56 too..
Camaro LS1 will place the gear stick pretty close to Ford's position.
I would imagine most of my stuff is relevant to the Cortina too, as both Cortina and Granada use similar construction methods.
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