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Updates for Feb 15, 2007: We've been swamped with orders, which has been kept us going into the wee hours of the morning many nights, but did manage to get some work in on the LS1 project 3 nights in the past week. Latest pics start here.
We have optimized the driveline angles (where the rear diff flange and transmission flanges are equal-but-offsetting angles, for proper U-joint operation) and shifter ergonomics by raising the transmission in the tunnel significantly. This was helped by removing the insulation under the tunnel and trimming the shifter hole "ever so slightly". An adjustable offset/angle shifter (from McLeod) will put everything perfectly within arms reach. After seeing several LS1/T56 swaps in magazines and on some car shows, each of which required major tunnel surgery or complete tunnel removal & replacement, this BMW chassis really does swallow this drivetrain quite well.
After the drivetrain was in the final final location, we finished the LS1 block mounting plates, procured the right bolts (M10x1.5x30mm SHCS), then built the top plates for our Competition Motor Mounts where the lateral supports will land. A few nights ago we made the templates, and tonight we cut the lateral steel pieces and tacked them in place. So one side is fabbed (still needs a gusset) and the other is almost there.
I can say this - we need a plasma cutter. Cutting these curved shapes with a band saw is a whip! The production pieces will be water jet or laser cut (then welded in a jig), of course. Bolt-in motor mounts that exceed factory strength and quality is the goal. Oh yes. if we didn't post it yet, we will have both Nylon and Polyurethane inserts for these motor mounts - so you can dial-back engine vibration if you desire, or go for the instant throttle response of our racing mounts.
Enjoy:
Bolt-in transmission crossmember/mount is next. Once that is finalized, we have the necessary diff-side flange parts that will now allow us to measure for the custom driveshaft and get that on order. Lots of brake fittings and hardline on the way from Goodridge for the ABS relocation. We'll tackle the fuel line & pump upgrade next (stock lines and pump will not support projected 650 hp).
Thanks to McCall for volunteering on more than one occasion in the past week.
We have optimized the driveline angles (where the rear diff flange and transmission flanges are equal-but-offsetting angles, for proper U-joint operation) and shifter ergonomics by raising the transmission in the tunnel significantly. This was helped by removing the insulation under the tunnel and trimming the shifter hole "ever so slightly". An adjustable offset/angle shifter (from McLeod) will put everything perfectly within arms reach. After seeing several LS1/T56 swaps in magazines and on some car shows, each of which required major tunnel surgery or complete tunnel removal & replacement, this BMW chassis really does swallow this drivetrain quite well.
After the drivetrain was in the final final location, we finished the LS1 block mounting plates, procured the right bolts (M10x1.5x30mm SHCS), then built the top plates for our Competition Motor Mounts where the lateral supports will land. A few nights ago we made the templates, and tonight we cut the lateral steel pieces and tacked them in place. So one side is fabbed (still needs a gusset) and the other is almost there.
I can say this - we need a plasma cutter. Cutting these curved shapes with a band saw is a whip! The production pieces will be water jet or laser cut (then welded in a jig), of course. Bolt-in motor mounts that exceed factory strength and quality is the goal. Oh yes. if we didn't post it yet, we will have both Nylon and Polyurethane inserts for these motor mounts - so you can dial-back engine vibration if you desire, or go for the instant throttle response of our racing mounts.
Enjoy:
Bolt-in transmission crossmember/mount is next. Once that is finalized, we have the necessary diff-side flange parts that will now allow us to measure for the custom driveshaft and get that on order. Lots of brake fittings and hardline on the way from Goodridge for the ABS relocation. We'll tackle the fuel line & pump upgrade next (stock lines and pump will not support projected 650 hp).
Thanks to McCall for volunteering on more than one occasion in the past week.
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