LS in an S?
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The Lukas

Original Poster:

2,773 posts

224 months

Monday 23rd February 2009
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Thinking of doing a one off. Would an LS engine fit in an S3??? I thought the general rule was if an RV8 fits, a LS1 will fit!

Thoughts?

Boosted LS1

21,200 posts

290 months

Tuesday 24th February 2009
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I doubt it as you need width at the rear for the bell housing.

clive f

7,259 posts

263 months

Tuesday 24th February 2009
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hehe along with shed loads of other stuff, I doubt if the chassis would take it, defiately not the trailing arms, the list would be endless.

I take it you still havent made up your mind Luke, the v8 getting to you is ithehe

Longers

4,505 posts

258 months

Tuesday 24th February 2009
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The Lukas said:
Thinking of doing a one off. Would an LS engine fit in an S3??? I thought the general rule was if an RV8 fits, a LS1 will fit!

Thoughts?
Not like me to answer a techie question but...... The RV8 isn't a straight fit in the S3, the V8 chassis is different wink

Chris71

21,549 posts

272 months

Tuesday 24th February 2009
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Presume you'd have to start changing differentials and some more chassis bracing wouldn't go a miss. Even the sort of gruff northerners who think handling is for girls stiffened up the S chassis for the V8s.

So, might as well do the stiffening while you're modifying the tubes to accept the larger engine. Definitely think you should do it. Give Derek's Cerbera engined S a run for its money. hehe

The Lukas

Original Poster:

2,773 posts

224 months

Tuesday 24th February 2009
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Mmmm I'd say start off with a well sorted V8S then. I think somebody should do it though, seriously it would be immense!

Boosted LS1

21,200 posts

290 months

Tuesday 24th February 2009
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I mocked up an S some time back and it just didn't look possible. It may also be something to do with the ls exhaust headers fouling the chassis rails at the rear. Also, I have engines here so would have had a good base to take measurements from. I could be wrong though smile

Another car crying out for an Ls is the marcos LM which also looked tricky at the back of the rails. There are smaller bell housings available but they still start at the same width as the engine if you know what I mean.